Statistics tell us that thousands of people are killed each year in heavy truck crashes, and hundreds of thousands more are injured. But people aren't statistics. When truck accidents occur they're devastating for everyone involved. Although no one can erase the hardships caused by these events, your involvement is meant to help restore some sense of normalcy. In order to best help your client – whichever side you represent – you need comprehensive strategies to reach the best possible outcome in these unfortunate situations. Order today to equip yourself with the skills you need to handle every step of the litigation process!

1. The Trucking Industry and the Law
2. Initial Considerations for the Plaintiff
3. Defense Planning for the Wrongful Death Case
4. Settlement Negotiations
5. Ethical Considerations
6. Trial of a Truck Accident Case

1. THE TRUCKING INDUSTRY AND THE LAW
   9:00 - 10:00, David Bernstein
   1. Federal Highway Administration Regulations
   2. Recent Statutory Trends and Developments
   3. Overview of Tractor-Trailer Companies
      1. Licensing of Drivers
      2. Employment of Drivers
      3. Statutes Applicable to Owners and Drivers
2. INITIAL CONSIDERATIONS FOR THE PLAINTIFF
   10:15 - 11:15, Joe S. Carson
   1. Conducting a Thorough Initial Interview
   2. What to Look for when Assessing/Taking a Case
   3. Truck Accident Case Investigation
   4. Expert Witnesses in Truck Accident Litigation
   5. Causes of Action
      1. Product Liability
      2. Underride Hazard
      3. Wrongful Death
      4. Trucker Fatigue
   6. Damages
   7. Filing Suit
   8. Discovery
3. DEFENSE PLANNING FOR THE WRONGFUL DEATH CASE
   11:15 - 12:15, Margaret K. Myers
   1. Where to Start in Trucking Case Defense
   2. What to Include in the Case Investigation
   3. The Initial Client Contact
   4. Drafting Initial Pleadings
   5. Discovery Techniques in Tractor-Trailer Collisions
   6. Pretrial Motions
   7. Use of Expert Witnesses
4. SETTLEMENT NEGOTIATIONS
   1:15 - 2:15, David Bernstein
   1. ADR/Mediation
   2. Types of Settlements
   3. Effective Ways to Negotiate with Opposing Counsel During Settlement Proceedings
5. ETHICAL CONSIDERATIONS
   2:30 - 3:30, Margaret K. Myers
   1. Attorneys' Fees
   2. Avoiding Conflicts of Interest
   3. Confidentiality - What Should or Should Not Be Disclosed
6. TRIAL OF A TRUCK ACCIDENT CASE
   3:30 - 4:30, Joe S. Carson
   1. Opening Statements
   2. Presenting the Case
   3. Presenting Evidence
   4. Closing Arguments
   5. Appeals

JOSEPH T. ACQUAVIVA JR. is a member of the law firm of Wilson, Cain & Acquaviva, where for the past 20 years he has primarily practiced in the areas of insurance defense, insurance coverage, products liability, fire and casualty, and insurance bad faith. He frequently speaks to professional organizations on topics related to his practice areas. Mr. Acquaviva is a member of the Oklahoma County, the Oklahoma State and the American bar associations, the Oklahoma Association of Defense Counsel, the National Institute of Trial Advocacy and the Defense Research Institute. He earned his B.A. degree from Long Island University and his J.D. degree from Oklahoma City University.

DAVID BERNSTEIN is a sole practitioner in Norman, Oklahoma, where for more than 26 years he has practiced in the areas of complex personal injury, products liability, and bad faith litigation. He is a frequent speaker on topics including personal injury, evidence, and insurance related issues. Groups that he has spoken for in the past include the Oklahoma Bar Association, the Oklahoma Association for Justice, the Oklahoma University College of Law, National Business Institute and the Cleveland County Bar Association. Mr. Bernstein earned his B.A. degree from Kansas University and his J.D. degree from the University of Oklahoma. He is a member of the Oklahoma Bar Association, the Oklahoma Association for Justice, the American Association for Justice, the Million Dollar Advocates Forum and the Litigation Council of America. Mr. Bernstein has been recognized as an Oklahoma "Super Lawyer" every year since 2006.

JOE S. CARSON works at the Homsey Law Center in Oklahoma City. He focuses his practice on personal injury, products liability, automobile collisions, insurance disputes, and consumer protection. Mr. Carson is a member of the Canadian County Bar Association, Oklahoma County bar associations, Oklahoma Bar Association, Oklahoma Association for Justice, American Association for Justice and the Oklahoma Bar Foundation. He is a past director of the Young Lawyers Division of the Oklahoma Bar Association and the OBA Lawyer Referral Committee. Mr. Carson is a current member of the Oklahoma Bar Association's Oklahoma High School Mock Trial Committee. He is a Barrister in the William S. Holloway, Jr., American Inn of Court. Mr. Carson earned his B.S. degree from Oklahoma State University and his J.D. from Oklahoma City University School of Law. He is a proud member of the NRA and Safari Club International.

Please refer to Continuing Education Credit FAQ for general information about seeking credit for your participation in one of our continuing education programs.

Additionally, our team of credit specialists are here to answer your specific credit-related questions weekdays 7am - 5pm Central:

Phone: 866-240-1890

Email: credit@nbi-sems.com