Defense Practice Series - Trucking & Transportation

8/12/2026

Event Details

Schedule 1:45 p.m. Registration 2:00 - 3:30 p.m . Aftermath and Responses of the SCOTUS decision in Montgomery v. Caribe Transport II, LLC, et al . The U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in Montgomery v. Caribe Transport II, LLC, et al. has sent significant ripples throughout the transportation, logistics, and insurance industries. This session will examine the immediate and evolving impact of the decision, including how brokers, shippers, carriers, insurers, and the plaintiffs’ bar are responding to a changing legal landscape. Panelists will discuss shifts in broker activity following the decision, including increased carrier scrutiny, removal of carriers from networks based on safety considerations, tightening capacity, and the resulting impact on freight rates. The presentation will also explore emerging litigation trends as plaintiffs’ attorneys pursue new theories of liability, causing shippers to reassess risk exposure and reconsider how they engage with third-party logistics providers. Finally, the session will address insurance market implications, including potential coverage disputes involving policies issued before Montgomery and how insurers may adapt their underwriting and claims strategies moving forward. CDL and Compliance – New Dangers and New Defenses to Them Presented by: Tim Smith, Pitt Ohio , and Maxwell Brusky, Transdev Compliance issues involving commercial drivers and motor carriers can dramatically impact the evaluation, defense, and resolution strategy of transportation claims. This session will examine emerging risks surrounding CDL requirements, driver qualification, and regulatory compliance, with a focus on identifying potential issues early and developing effective defense strategies. Panelists will discuss the top compliance failures attorneys and claims professionals should evaluate immediately following an accident, particularly during the rapid response phase when evidence preservation, claim assessment, and defense positioning are critical. The presentation will provide practical guidance on recognizing vulnerabilities, addressing plaintiff strategies, and using early compliance analysis to make informed decisions regarding litigation strategy, risk assessment, and opportunities for early resolution. What to do in Illinois after McQueen v. Green (2022) Presented by: Brian Hunt, Hunt Law Group, LLC The Illinois Supreme Court’s decision in McQueen v. Green has changed the landscape for defending claims involving negligent hiring, supervision, entrustment, and related theories of liability. This session will examine the practical impact of the decision and how defense strategies must evolve in response to expanded opportunities for plaintiffs to pursue these claims. Panelists will discuss effective approaches to early motion practice, including challenges at the pleading stage and strategies for narrowing the scope of disputed issues through targeted discovery. The presentation will also examine lessons learned from jurisdictions such as Minnesota, Alabama, and other states that have addressed similar legal frameworks, highlighting practical defense models and strategies that can be applied in Illinois litigation. Attendees will leave with guidance for developing a proactive case strategy focused on early evaluation, issue refinement, and effective resolution planning. 3:30 - 4:30 p.m. Beyond the Crash Scene: Using Accident Reconstruction and Investigation Tools to Build a Stronger Transportation Defense Presented by: Steve DiNolfo, Ottosen DiNolfo Hasenbalg & Castaldo, Ltd. , and Chuck Fox, Ph.D., ESi Accident reconstruction can play a critical role in evaluating liability, developing defense strategies, and achieving successful outcomes in trucking and transportation cases. This session will explore the many ways reconstruction evidence can be used beyond determining how an accident occurred, including identifying key facts, evaluating claims, supporting expert analysis, and shaping litigation strategy. Panelists will discuss the tools and technology used in modern accident investigations, including surveillance footage, vehicle data, physical evidence, scene analysis, and other sources of information that help create a complete picture of an incident. The presentation will provide practical guidance on when and how to effectively use accident reconstruction resources, particularly during the early stages of a claim when rapid investigation and evidence preservation can significantly impact the defense. 4:30 - 5:30 p.m. Happy Hour   Event Location & Registration This hybrid seminar will be presented in person in Chicago and live via Zoom. Registration for this event is as follows:   In-Person Attendance Remote Attendance Claims Professionals & Corporate or Association Counsel Complimentary Complimentary Private Practice Attorneys, Public Sector Attorneys, Educators, and Students Complimentary (Non-Members $50)  $50 (Non-Members $75) While many IDC events are open to the public, we reserve the right to restrict event registration to members, individuals eligible for membership , and invited guests. The Trucking & Transportation Law Seminar is restricted to members, individuals eligible for membership and invited guests. Sponsors Our sincere thanks to the following event sponsors: