Deposing Truck Drivers and Trucking Company Representatives in Injury Cases

Description

For personal injury attorneys representing victims in trucking accident cases, the depositions of the truck driver and trucking company representatives are among the most significant events in the case. Effective questioning of truck drivers can reveal a driver's medical state, whether they were fatigued, and whether the driver was familiar with and complied with federal safety standards and trucking company policies and procedures on safety.

Depositions of trucking company representatives allow personal injury attorneys an opportunity to scrutinize the trucking company's policies and practices to determine if safety is a real priority. Testimony obtained from the trucking company representative during the deposition binds the trucking company.

Personal injury counsel have several strategic decisions regarding deposing truck drivers and trucking company representatives, including videotaping the depositions and using demonstrative exhibits such as the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations and driver logs. When preparing to depose trucking company representatives, personal injury attorneys must correctly define the deposition notice's scope under Rule 30(b)(6) of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure.

Listen as our expert panel explains legal and practical considerations for personal injury attorneys when preparing for and conducting depositions of truck drivers and trucking company representatives in trucking injury cases. The panelists will share valuable insights on these depositions' strategic and practical use.