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Litigating Broker Liability for Trucking Accident Injury Claims: Theories of Liability, Defenses, Preemption

A live 90-minute CLE video webinar with interactive Q&A

This program is included with the Strafford CLE Pass. Click for more information.
This program is included with the Strafford All-Access Pass. Click for more information.

Wednesday, November 13, 2024

1:00pm-2:30pm EST, 10:00am-11:30am PST

or call 1-800-926-7926

This CLE course will examine the liability of freight brokers and shippers for injuries sustained in trucking accidents. The panel will discuss the prevailing theories of liability, including negligent hiring, selection, vicarious liability, and the statutory employment doctrine. They will also examine how brokers and shippers can mitigate risk and the various defenses to liability.

Description

Negligent selection happens when a freight broker selects a carrier not competent to perform the work. A broker also can be held vicariously liable if it retains the right to control the motor carrier.

Some brokers argue that checking that a motor carrier has operating authority with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) is sufficient. Other brokers and courts, however, acknowledge the duty to exercise reasonable care, which could include checking safety data, crash history, and other indicators of a carrier's fitness and safety.

In addition, some brokers argue that the Federal Aviation Administration Authorization Act (FAAAA) preempts these types of claims. Counsel have to understand the rules in each jurisdiction.

Listen as this experienced panel guides counsel through making the case against brokers and shippers.

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Outline

  1. Overview of property (cargo) brokering
  2. Property (cargo) broker liability theories
  3. Key discovery/docs in broker cases
  4. How transportation indemnity agreements impact trucking cases
  5. Preemption issues

Benefits

The panel will review these and other key issues:

  • What is a freight broker?
  • What regulations apply to freight brokers?
  • What theories of liability are available against brokers?
  • Is the liability risk increased or decreased when a broker uses third-party software to monitor safety?
  • What is the status of the FAAAA preemption defense?
  • How do you prove your case?
  • What practical strategies are available?
  • How do you try a broker liability case?
  • When is a broker actually a motor carrier?

Faculty

Bertkau, Bradley
Bradley A. Bertkau

Partner
Canty Novy Bertkau Gordon

Mr. Bertkau provides litigation defense for large and small corporations and individuals, including cases where his...  |  Read More

Kestner, Peter
Peter J. Kestner

Attorney
Penn Kestner & McEwen

Mr. Kestner has extensive experience with truck accident cases, both as a private attorney and representative for...  |  Read More

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You may pre-order a recording to listen at your convenience. Recordings are available 48 hours after the webinar. Strafford will process CLE credit for one person on each recording. All formats include course handouts.

To find out which recorded format will provide the best CLE option, select your state:

CLE On-Demand Video

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