Defending Trucking Cases: Preventing Misuse and Mischaracterization of the CDL Manual
A live 90-minute CLE video webinar with interactive Q&A
This CLE course will discuss how defense counsel can prevent the plaintiff from using the Commercial Drivers' License (CDL) manual to turn an accident into a case of "professional driver" malpractice with inflated damages. The program will discuss how to recognize the potential pitfalls surrounding the CDL manual and minimize--if not eliminate--the plaintiff's attempts to overemphasize its importance through the use of strategic decisions from the onset of the case.
Outline
- Background of the CDL manual
- Legal status of the CDL vs. regulations and statutes
- Challenging improper use of CDL manual
- Going on the offensive
Benefits
The panel will review these and other pivotal issues:
- Does the CDL constitute a national minimum standard for driver qualifications? Does the CDL create a heightened standard of care?
- What potential problems are created by the CDL manual?
- What should you look for in retaining a defense expert on the CDL manual?
- What questions should you ask a plaintiff's expert to set up a potential Daubert-type motion?
- What policies should motor carriers consider instituting in light of the CDL manual's language?
Faculty
Jon Bond
Attorney
The Law Firm for Truck Safety
Mr. Bond is a Personal Injury attorney at The Law Firm for Truck Safety. He has held significant roles at several... | Read More
Mr. Bond is a Personal Injury attorney at The Law Firm for Truck Safety. He has held significant roles at several prominent Ohio law firms where he honed his skills in personal injury litigation. Mr. Bond's dedication has led to substantial settlements, securing millions of dollars in compensation for his clients. Originally from Buffalo, New York, he has made Columbus, Ohio his home, becoming a prominent figure in the local legal community. Mr. Bond's legal journey began at The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law, where he built a solid foundation for his successful career.
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Kevin P. Foley
Co-chair, Trucking and Commercial Transportation
Reminger
Mr. Foley practices in Reminger Co. LPA's Columbus Office and serves as co-chair of the firm's Trucking and... | Read More
Mr. Foley practices in Reminger Co. LPA's Columbus Office and serves as co-chair of the firm's Trucking and Commercial Transportation practice group. He joined Reminger after serving as a staff attorney to Ohio Supreme Court Justice Herbert Brown. Mr. Foley's practice focuses on trucking liability, premises liability, real estate, construction and general insurance. He frequently lectures to insurance carriers and companies regarding litigation, trial preparation and the management of catastrophic losses. Mr. Foley is on Reminger's catastrophic response team which provides immediate response to clients in the transportation and manufacturing industry.
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Lawrence S. Hall
Partner
Chartwell Law Offices
Mr. Hall is a partner in Chartwell Law’s St. Louis office. He began his career in the trucking industry as a high... | Read More
Mr. Hall is a partner in Chartwell Law’s St. Louis office. He began his career in the trucking industry as a high school student delivering linens in large commercial trucks. Mr. Hall guides his clients through all stages of litigation, often ending with settlements where appropriate or with successful jury verdicts. He advises local, regional, and national carriers on immediate response investigations, safety policies/training, regulatory compliance, and general risk management. Beyond the transportation industry, Mr. Hall has defended clients in high exposure and catastrophic products liability cases as well as fire science and premises liability matters. He is an active member of legal and trucking organizations and frequent speaker at transportation industry events.
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Jeffrey J. Jurca
Attorney
Jurca & Lashuk
Mr. Jurca is a partner in the firm of Jurca & Lashuk, LLC in Columbus. His practice is focused primarily... | Read More
Mr. Jurca is a partner in the firm of Jurca & Lashuk, LLC in Columbus. His practice is focused primarily on trucking and transportation, including the investigation, mediation and litigation of catastrophic loss claims. For over 30 years, Mr. Jurca has successfully tried cases to verdict in Federal and State courts throughout Ohio. He received his undergraduate degree from Kenyon College and attended law school at The Ohio State University. Mr. Jurca is admitted to all State and Federal Courts in Ohio, and is a member of the Columbus Bar Association, Ohio State Bar Association, Defense Research Institute, Ohio Association of Civil Trial Attorneys, the Trucking Industry Defense Association, the International Association of Defense Counsel, the Federation of Defense and Corporate Counsel, the Professional Liability Defense Association, the National Retail and Restaurant Defense Association, the American Board of Trial Advocates, and the Transportation Lawyers Association.
CloseEarly Discount (through 04/25/25)