Please register for this recorded ATA Law Review webinar.
Webinar Description:
Over the past several years the trucking industry has seen our system of justice abused with truck accident litigation being turned into a profit-making business rather than a fair system for holding responsible parties accountable. If your company has been in a lawsuit, you are well aware that the rules of law in some states are stacked against defendants. Isn’t there something that can be done to at least make the courtroom a level playing field?
This webinar will explain what we can do about the rise of nuclear verdicts, strategies in handling driver handbooks, CDL manuals and Driver Training Resources at deposition and at trial, whether CDL manuals operate as the law, and how to defeat the reptile.
Key Takeaways will include:
- What is the elevated standard of care and why is it important; and
- Do’s and Don’ts of Driver Handbooks
About the Presenters:
Matthew Hefflefinger, Shareholder, Heyl, Royster, Voelker & Allen, P.C.
Matthew Hefflefinger is an aggressive advocate who has tried many cases to verdict and enjoys the challenge of complex litigation. He handles the defense of personal injury cases primarily focusing upon the trucking and construction industries. Matt is chair of the firm’s Trucking/Motor Carrier Litigation Practice Group. He is frequently contacted immediately after a catastrophic loss to visit an accident scene and help develop the facts and case strategy with an eye toward a successful result once litigation is filed. Beyond his experience in trucking and construction matters, he also handles cases touching upon a wide variety of areas in commercial litigation.
In 2000, Matt was recognized as one of the “40 Leaders Under 40” by InterBusiness Issues, a leading
publication in central Illinois. Matthew received his J.D. from Southern Illinois University School of Law, MBA from Southern Illinois University, and his B.S. from Bradley University.
Garner Berry, Partner, Heyl, Royster, Voelker & Allen, P.C.
Garner Berry practices throughout the state of Mississippi, as well as the southeastern region, with an emphasis on transportation/trucking defense. He has devoted himself to the industry and expanded his representation to include matters involving broker liability, cargo claims, corporate structuring, insurance coverage issues, contract review/formation, employment matters and worker’s compensation, all within the transportation industry. Garner also has extensive experience in general litigation, medical malpractice, premises liability, products liability, appellate procedure, corporate transactions, and e-discovery. Garner has developed an extensive civil litigation practice primarily focused in transportation and trucking defense, but also involving many other areas of the law. He has tried many cases to verdict and is a highly respected trucking lawyer in the State of Mississippi.
Garner is AV rated by Martindale Hubbell; a Mid-South Super Lawyers, Rising Star (2009-2018); a Best Lawyer; and in 2013 was a top rated lawyer in Transportation according to American Lawyer. He is a repeat writer and presenter for the Defense Research Institute (DRI). In addition, he is intimately involved with the Mississippi Trucking Association, including its Maintenance and Safety Council, and is active within the DRI Trucking Committee where he holds leadership positions. Garner graduated, <i>cum laude</i>, from the University of Mississippi with a B.A. in Political Science and Psychology and also earned Juris Doctorate from the University of Mississippi School of Law.
Nathan Henderson, Partner, Heyl, Royster, Voelker & Allen, P.C.
Nathan concentrates his practice in the defense of complex transportation claims and toxic tort litigation. Nathan’s primary responsibility is the defense of significant cases arising from accidents involving the firm’s motor carrier clients. He is involved with the development of the entire case from assessment of liability to the development of a defense strategy, motion practice, and through resolution. Understanding that the best way to defend a trucking case is to get involved at the earliest possible moment, Nathan makes himself available to clients at any time of day or night to respond to a truck accident and conduct an on-site investigation is often crucial to producing a successful outcome. These investigations not only provide valuable information, but also provide comfort to the involved drivers, who are most often alone and without the support system necessary to handle the mental and emotional stresses of having been in an accident.
Named to the Illinois Super Lawyers Rising Stars list (2012-2017). Nathan received his J.D. from Southern Illinois University School of Law and his B.A. from Southern Illinois University- Edwardsville.
Note: A recording will be provided to all approved registrants post webinar even if you are not able to attend.
**NOTICE: ATA webinars are strictly educational for our members, and are not press events. The information contained in this webinar is not intended for, nor should it be used in, the production, editing or creation of news or analysis pieces. Participants are also forbidden from using them as background for published materials, white papers or other communications. Therefore, the contents of this webinar are strictly embargoed and off the record.