Think twice before you do a post-accident D & A test that is not required by the DOT.

Slogans are not a substitute for safety.  Platitudes are not protection in Court.  Listen to the discussion of how slogans, without a program and culture, don't cut it.  And what you need to do to protect your company.

Lombardi time--being early is the key to effective trucking defense.

Towing companies are vital to trucking.  They invest in equipment, come out at all hours and in all weather, and keep us rolling.  They are entitled to be fairly compensated.However, there are times when trucking companies are hit with excessive bills?  What can you do?Like most other things in trucking--prepare now, act immediately.  Listen to what you need to do.

An independent witness can be key evidence in any accident case.   Think about it--jurors hear conflicting versions from people they don't know.  Someone who doesn't "have a dog in this fight" can tip the balance.  Your driver needs to identify them and get their info immediately after the accident.

Your driver needs to limit what they say after an accident to a bare minimum.  Rarely will they talk themselves out of trouble.  Frequently, they will talk themselves into it.  "Be Quiet!"  The best advice you can give when they call.

The terrible reality is that slavery is alive today.  Souls awash in a sea of servitude.  Trucking is uniquely positioned to do something.  Truckers Against Trafficking is leading the fight.  Kylla Lanier, Deputy Director, shares what is the extent of the crisis and what companies and drivers can do to save even one soul.

Emergency declaration--they are all too common, from COVID to weather.  Tom Bray shares insight as to how to approach them for the benefit and protection of your company.

Lytx does data.  Learn from it.  Lytx 2020 "State of the Data" shares what the data demonstrates as to the "where", "when", and "what" of trucking risks.  Del Lisk, Lytx VP of Safety Services provides insight from the data as to how you can reduce your risk.  And Del provides some bonus thoughts as to how you and your company can best handle the flow of data.

Where DON'T you want to be sued.  "Judicial Hellholes" are the places the American Tort Reform Assn. says are the worst places to have to defend suits.  ATRA's Lauren Sheets Jarrell reveals the recently released list and the "why" of these jurisdictions, as well as those on the watchlists and those who are "dishonorable mentions".

Trucking's most important issues?  ATRI's Top Trucking Issue Survey for 2020, including breakout of motor carrier and driver Top 10 with the insight of ATRI Pres. & COO Rebecca Brewster.

This video is about Magna-Juror Post-Pandenic-What will we face in the Courtroom in the post-pandemic world?  How has this impacted jurors perspectives?  Dr. Rachel Colangelo, Magna Legal Services' National Managing Director of Jury Consulting shares what their research has found.#truckingdefense  #truckingsafety  #truckinginsurance  #truckinglitigation

For trucking, the adverse driving condition exception to driving time is your 4th string quarterback.  It's there if you absolutely need it.  It can get you where you to an end point.  But you don't want to play it often and make sure you document why you do.  Your 4th String QB.

"Judicial Hellholes" are where you DON'T want to be sued.  But how do these courts get this designation and by whom?  Atty. Lauren Sheets Jarrell of the organization that makes the list, ATRA, tells us what they look for, how they do it, and....what for it...the top 10 for 2019-20.  She also talks about ATRA's efforts to eliminate the "seat belt gag rule" that prohibits defendants from telling the jury that the person suing failed to where their seatbelt despite state laws that make wearing them mandatory.  Yes, there is such a thing.

Dan Horvath, ATA VP of Safety Policy updates the FMCSA regulations as of 10/12/20.  Dan discusses the new hours-of-service changes, the crash preventability program, hair sample drug testing, and the under 21 driver program.

Nuclear Verdicts have been the top topic in trucking.  I am joined by Rebeca Brewster, President and COO of ATRI, Dr. Bill Kanasky of Courtroom Sciences, Inc., Atty. Robert Tyson of Tyson & Mendes, and Atty. Lauren Sheets Jerrell of ATRA at to their recent research and writings on the topic.

Medical issues have always been important in the trucking industry, from DOT physicals to driver disqualifications.  Occupational physician Dr. Natalie Hartenbaum, author The DOT Physical, provides the latest as to DOT medical issues, from the current status to what is being considered in the future.  NOTE--this was recorded on September 22.  Check for updated dates and deadlines.

Kelly Anderson, recruiting and retention expert, shares his insights and advise for this challenging time.  Recruiting and retention of truck drivers is always challenging.  Kelly gives you the information you need to meet the challenge

Trucking safety, trucking defense, trucking risk...these are the topics we will be covering in upcoming podcasts.  Interviews with industry experts sharing expertise in their fields as well as my podcasts on protecting your company in litigations.  Join me, Doug Marcello, a trucking defense attorney in future podcasts.