On the Pulse…Profile of the Trucking & Transportation Liability Practice Group

By Timothy J. McMahon, Esq.*

The Trucking & Transportation Liability Practice Group is composed of attorneys concentrating in the representation of clients and their insurers in complex tort and coverage litigation involving all types of common and private carriers. The members of this group include shareholders and associates who have handled cases for large common carrier transportation fleets engaged in interstate trucking, railroads, waste hauling, taxicab, shuttle and bus operators, rental vehicle fleets and ambulance services. Members of the group have represented both insurers and self-insurers in personal injury, cargo, environmental, hazardous materials, indemnification and insurance coverage matters within this area of practice. These attorneys understand the complex and changing regulatory structure governing the operation of the transportation industry and are responsive to the challenges that the industry faces. We are particularly sensitive to the impact that evolving transportation technologies, including onboard electronic devices, can have in litigation. The group is well situated to handle a broad range of matters, including catastrophic transportation claims, from the time an accident is reported through trial. Our members are actively involved in transportation-related organizations, including the Trucking Industry Defense Association (TIDA), the Trucking Law Committee of the Defense Research Institute (DRI), RIMS and the Claims Litigation Management Alliance (CLM), as well as regional motor truck associations.

EMERGENCY RESPONSE – 24/7: 24-Hour Hotline: 1-800-958-2447

This practice group has a 24-hour emergency response hotline for the convenience of its clients. A call to the hotline will result in a timely response tailored to the specific needs and range of circumstances of the client. Our Emergency Response Team is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to respond to any transportation emergency, with services that include interviewing the commercial driver, securing the scene, gathering crucial evidence and, if necessary, dealing with the media. The hotline puts one in direct contact with experienced legal counsel who will provide immediate advice and, based upon the particular needs, will assign, coordinate and direct the efforts of:

• Expert accident reconstruction consultants;
• Field adjusters and investigators; and
• Criminal attorneys

The 24-hour emergency response hotline is a convenient, single source of contact that allows immediate access to a network of resources at the ready for response to trucking and transportation accidents. This immediate response is capable of mitigating the consequences of catastrophic events.

The attorneys in this practice group have also been cross-trained in environmental and toxic tort matters. They have the full support of the firm’s appellate and toxic tort environmental sections to draw upon when needed in handling transportation claims. In conjunction with the firm’s Insurance Coverage and Bad Faith Litigation and Appellate Advocacy Practice Groups, we also represent insurance carriers in coverage matters arising from transportation cases.

*Tim, a shareholder in our Harrisburg, Pennsylvania office, is chair of our Trucking & Transportation Liability Practice Group. He can be reached at 717.651.3505 or tjmcmahon@mdwcg.com.

Defense Digest, Vol. 20, No. 4, December 2014

Defense Digest is prepared by Marshall Dennehey Warner Coleman & Goggin to provide information on recent legal developments of interest to our readers. This publication is not intended to provide legal advice for a specific situation or to create an attorney-client relationship. Copyright © 2014 Marshall Dennehey Warner Coleman & Goggin, all rights reserved. This article may not be reprinted without the express written permission of our firm.