Under The Hood: Truck Law

What happens when a young driver speeds through a parking lot, makes a dangerous maneuver, and crashes into a pregnant couple? What really happens during jury selection? And what can attorneys learn when a seemingly straightforward car accident case turns into a two-week trial?

In Episode 8 of Under the Hood, Ed Ciarimboli, partner at Fellerman & Ciarimboli Law Firm, and Trial Attorney Corey Suda go behind the scenes of a unique personal injury trial in Glendale, California. Working alongside California attorney David Coppelman, they take viewers through the case from the initial facts and discovery through jury selection, courtroom strategy, witnesses, insurance issues, and trial.

The case involved a young driver who had only recently received his license and was driving a modified BMW. After pulling out of a parking lot and attempting a U-turn, he collided with Dylan and Amanda, who were traveling in their vehicle. Amanda was six months pregnant at the time of the crash, and Dylan suffered significant injuries, including serious back injuries.

In this episode, you'll learn about:

• How a California car accident lawsuit can develop into a lengthy jury trial
• The importance of jury selection in a personal injury case
• How attorneys evaluate potential jurors and identify bias
• What happens when jurors disclose strong personal prejudices
• How speeding and distracted driving can become central issues at trial
• The significance of cell phone use and other evidence involving a driver's conduct
• How attorneys prepare for a trial in an unfamiliar state
• The challenges of trying a case involving a young and inexperienced driver
• How insurance coverage can affect the strategy of a personal injury case
• What happens when the available insurance coverage may be insufficient for serious injuries
• How attorneys present evidence and tell a client's story to a jury
• The importance of maintaining professionalism and credibility throughout a trial
• Some of the unexpected and unusual moments that can happen inside a courtroom

The episode also provides a candid look at the human side of trial work—including the pressure of representing seriously injured clients, the unpredictability of jury selection, and the challenges that can arise when a case takes an unexpected turn.

Whether you're interested in personal injury law, car accident lawsuits, jury trials, trial strategy, distracted driving, or what really happens inside a courtroom, Episode 8 of Under the Hood offers an unusually candid look at the litigation process from the attorneys who experienced it firsthand.

Have a question about a personal injury case or trial for a future episode? Leave it in the comments below and it may be featured in an upcoming episode of Under the Hood.

What really happens inside a high-stakes truck accident trial? How do attorneys prove a trucking company failed to properly train its drivers? Can a truck driver still be held liable if another vehicle lost control first? And how do jury selection, expert witnesses, and federal trucking regulations influence the outcome of a catastrophic crash case?

In Episode 7 of Under the Hood, Ed Ciarimboli, partner at Fellerman & Ciarimboli Law Firm, and Trial Attorney Corey Suda take listeners behind the scenes of one of their most memorable commercial trucking trials. They walk through every stage of the case—from the initial investigation and discovery process to jury selection, cross-examination, expert testimony, and the final verdict—sharing the strategies, challenges, and lessons learned along the way.

In this episode, you'll learn about:

How a catastrophic snow and ice truck accident became a multi-million-dollar verdict
Why preserving ECM (black box) and vehicle data is critical after a truck crash
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSRs) and hazardous weather driving requirements
CDL training standards and why trucking companies must properly train drivers
How poor safety training can lead to catastrophic commercial vehicle crashes
The importance of accident reconstruction experts and demonstrative evidence at trial
Jury selection strategies and how one juror nearly changed the outcome
Cross-examination techniques that exposed weaknesses in the trucking company's defense
How expert witnesses help explain trucking safety regulations to a jury
Comparative negligence and why state law can dramatically affect truck accident cases
The role of corporate depositions in proving trucking company negligence
Lessons truck drivers, trucking companies, and accident victims can learn from real litigation

Whether you're a CDL driver, owner-operator, trucking company owner, attorney, law student, or someone involved in a commercial truck accident, this episode offers a rare inside look at how complex trucking cases are investigated, litigated, and ultimately decided in court.

Have a trucking law question or a case you'd like us to discuss in a future episode? Leave it in the comments below—it may be featured in an upcoming episode of Under the Hood.

Illegal Double Brokering Exposed | Why Shippers and Brokers Are Liable When Loads Get Flipped | Under the Hood

Illegal double brokering has quietly become one of the most dangerous — and most common — practices in the freight industry. What happens when the carrier that shows up to haul your load isn't the carrier you actually hired? Who's responsible when that unvetted carrier causes a catastrophic crash? And why does an industry built on 30-second verification checks keep looking the other way?

In Episode 6 of Under the Hood, Ed Ciarimboli, partner at Fellerman & Ciarimboli Law Firm, and Trial Attorney Corey Suda dig into illegal double brokering — building directly on last episode's breakdown of the Supreme Court's Montgomery v. C.H. Robinson decision. They explain exactly how double brokering happens, why it's against federal law, and how a simple bill of lading check could prevent stolen freight, unqualified drivers, and deadly crashes on our highways.

In this episode, you'll learn about:

What illegal double brokering is and how it happens in the freight industry
Why double brokering is prohibited under federal motor carrier law
How the Montgomery v. C.H. Robinson decision has intensified scrutiny of double-brokered loads
Real deposition testimony revealing how often carriers are never actually verified
Why the bill of lading and the name on the side of the truck must match
How double brokering shows up in Amazon freight network cases
The link between double brokering and cargo theft
Why unverified carrier swaps put unqualified, uninsured, or unsafe drivers behind the wheel
How shippers and brokers can protect themselves with a simple verification policy
The role of carrier vetting services like Carrier411 and Truckstop in preventing unsafe hires
Why the freight brokering industry is lobbying for double-brokering liability immunity — and why that's the wrong solution
How public opinion and focus group data reveal what jurors really think about "that's just how the industry works" excuses
Why uniform federal safety rules exist to protect the public, regardless of a carrier's size
What shippers, brokers, and trucking companies should do right now to avoid liability after a crash

Whether you're a shipper, freight broker, fleet owner, safety director, trucking company executive, CDL driver, or someone involved in a commercial truck accident, this episode breaks down a practice happening in freight lanes across the country every single day — and what it takes to stop it before someone gets hurt.

Have a trucking law question for a future episode? Leave it in the comments below and it may be featured in an upcoming episode of Under the Hood.

Visit us online: https://www.fellermanlaw.com/

Landmark Supreme Court Decision Changes Freight Broker Liability | What Every Trucking Company Needs to Know | Under the Hood

A unanimous U.S. Supreme Court decision could permanently change how freight brokers, trucking companies, and crash victims approach commercial trucking litigation. What does the Montgomery decision mean? Can freight brokers now be held responsible for hiring unsafe motor carriers? And how could this reshape trucking safety across the country?

In Episode 5 of Under the Hood, Ed Ciarimboli, partner at Fellerman & Ciarimboli Law Firm, and Trial Attorney Corey Suda break down the Supreme Court's landmark ruling involving broker liability and negligent carrier selection. They explain why this decision is one of the most significant trucking law developments in years and how it could improve highway safety by requiring brokers to properly vet the carriers they hire.

In this episode, you'll learn about:

The U.S. Supreme Court's Montgomery decision and why it matters
Freight broker liability for negligent carrier selection
FAAAA preemption and the federal safety exception explained
How brokers should evaluate trucking companies before assigning freight
FMCSA safety ratings and why they don't tell the whole story
How violation histories can identify unsafe motor carriers
The connection between freight brokers and chameleon carriers
Why proper carrier vetting can prevent catastrophic truck accidents
How technology, AI, and safety databases help brokers assess carrier risk
The importance of English proficiency and CDL compliance for commercial drivers
Why responsible trucking companies benefit from stronger safety standards
How this decision could improve accountability throughout the trucking industry
What truck accident victims and trucking companies should know moving forward

Whether you're a CDL driver, owner-operator, freight broker, fleet owner, safety director, trucking company executive, or someone involved in a commercial truck accident, this episode explains one of the most important legal decisions affecting the trucking industry today—and what it means for the future of trucking safety.

Have a trucking law question for a future episode? Leave it in the comments below and it may be featured in an upcoming episode of Under the Hood.

Visit us online: https://www.fellermanlaw.com/

Chameleon Carriers Explained | The Hidden Threat to Trucking Safety | Under the Hood

What are chameleon carriers, and why are they becoming one of the biggest safety concerns in the trucking industry? How can unsafe trucking companies shut down after repeated violations only to reopen under a new name? And what responsibility do freight brokers have when they hire these carriers?

In Episode 4 of Under the Hood, Ed Ciarimboli, partner at Fellerman & Ciarimboli Law Firm, and Trial Attorney Corey Suda break down one of the trucking industry's fastest-growing problems. They discuss recent national investigations, the role of FMCSA oversight, broker liability, fraudulent CDL schools, and how these unsafe carriers put both professional truck drivers and the motoring public at risk.

In this episode, you'll learn about:

What "chameleon carriers" are and how they operate
How trucking companies reopen under new DOT numbers after safety violations
FMCSA regulations and why enforcement has become increasingly difficult
Why some trucking companies repeatedly evade safety oversight
The dangers of inadequate driver training and fraudulent CDL programs
English proficiency requirements for commercial truck drivers
Hours of Service violations and driver fatigue
Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs) and telematics compliance
Freight broker liability and the importance of carrier vetting
Why minimum insurance coverage may not protect crash victims
How poor truck maintenance contributes to catastrophic accidents
The impact unsafe carriers have on responsible trucking companies and professional drivers
Current legal issues surrounding broker immunity and trucking litigation

Whether you're a CDL driver, owner-operator, fleet manager, freight broker, trucking company owner, or someone affected by a commercial truck accident, this episode provides insight into one of the most important safety issues facing the trucking industry today—and why accountability matters.

Have a trucking law question for a future episode? Leave it in the comments below and it may be featured in an upcoming episode of Under the Hood.

Visit us online: https://www.fellermanlaw.com/

The First 24 Hours After a Truck Accident | Critical Evidence That Can Make or Break Your Case | Under the Hood

What should you do immediately after a tractor-trailer accident? Why are the first 24 to 48 hours so critical? Can dash camera footage be lost forever? And how do trucking companies investigate crashes before victims even leave the hospital?

In Episode 3 of Under the Hood, Ed Ciarimboli, partner of Fellerman & Ciarimboli Law Firm, and Trial Attorney Corey Suda take a deep dive into what happens behind the scenes immediately following a commercial truck accident. They explain why preserving evidence is essential, how trucking companies deploy rapid response teams, and what victims and truck drivers can do to protect their rights before critical evidence disappears.

In this episode, you'll learn about:

Why the first 24–48 hours after a truck accident are crucial
How trucking company rapid response teams investigate crashes
The importance of preserving dash camera and driver-facing camera footage
Electronic logging devices (ELDs), telematics, and truck data downloads
Preservation letters and why they can save critical evidence
Cell phone forensics, distracted driving, and digital evidence
How crash reconstruction experts determine fault
The role of scene inspections, skid marks, roadway defects, and vehicle inspections
Truck maintenance records, brake failures, and product liability claims
Driver fatigue, Hours of Service violations, and sleeper berth investigations
Human factors experts and accident reconstruction in trucking litigation
Why truck drivers should prioritize medical treatment before delivering a load
Common mistakes that can permanently damage a truck accident case

Whether you're a CDL driver, owner-operator, trucking company owner, or someone injured in a commercial truck accident, this episode explains how experienced trucking attorneys investigate serious crashes, preserve evidence, and uncover the facts that insurance companies often overlook.

Have a trucking law question for a future episode? Leave it in the comments below and it may be featured in an upcoming episode of Under the Hood.

Visit us online: https://www.fellermanlaw.com/

Truck Driver Safety, Drug Testing, ELD Rules & Cargo Loading | Under the Hood

Can a trucking company force you to drive in dangerous weather? What happens if you fail a DOT drug test? Who is responsible when an improperly loaded trailer causes a serious crash? And what should truck drivers do if their electronic logging device (ELD) stops working?

In Episode 2 of Under the Hood, Ed Ciarimboli, partner of Fellerman & Ciarimboli Law Firm, and Trial Attorney Corey Suda answer real questions from truck drivers, owner-operators, and motor carriers while discussing some of the most common—and costly—mistakes in the trucking industry. From driver hiring practices and DOT compliance to cargo securement and pre-trip inspections, they explain how these issues impact both safety and liability after a commercial truck accident.

In this episode, you'll learn about:

DOT drug and alcohol testing requirements for commercial drivers
What happens after a failed or refused DOT drug test
Truck driver hiring, background checks, and negligent hiring claims
Owner-operator insurance requirements and liability after a crash
Independent contractor vs. employee status under FMCSA regulations
Driving in dangerous weather and refusing unsafe loads
Snow squalls, multi-vehicle pileups, and emergency safety tips
Electronic Logging Device (ELD) malfunctions and paper log requirements
Cargo securement, sealed loads, and who is liable for improperly loaded freight
Dash cameras, AI safety technology, and distracted driving prevention
Co-driver responsibilities and reporting unsafe driving behavior
Driver Vehicle Inspection Reports (DVIRs), pre-trip inspections, and out-of-service violations

Whether you're a CDL driver, owner-operator, fleet manager, dispatcher, safety director, or trucking company owner, this episode offers practical legal guidance on staying compliant with FMCSA regulations, preventing catastrophic accidents, and protecting your business and your livelihood.

Have a trucking law question for a future episode? Leave it in the comments below and it may be be featured in an upcoming episode of Under the Hood.

Visit us online: https://www.fellermanlaw.com/

Workers' Compensation, Independent Contractors & Truck Accident Claims | Under the Hood

What happens if you're injured or killed in a tractor-trailer crash and your company says you're an independent contractor? Are you still entitled to workers' compensation? What if your truck overturns because of a shifted load? Should truck drivers report speeding tickets received in their personal vehicles? And what can trucking companies do when insurance carriers refuse to settle serious accident claims?

In the first episode of Under the Hood, Ed Ciarimboli, partner of Fellerman & Ciarimboli Law Firm, and Trial Attorney Corey Suda answer real questions submitted by truck drivers, owner-operators, and trucking company owners from across the country. Drawing on years of experience handling complex commercial trucking litigation, they break down the legal issues that affect drivers every day.

In this episode, you'll learn about:

Workers' compensation rights for truck drivers and owner-operators
Independent contractor vs. employee status in the trucking industry
Occupational accident insurance policies and survivor benefits
Multi-state trucking accidents and jurisdiction challenges
Sealed load accidents and cargo shift liability
Third-party claims against shippers and loading companies
What to do if your trucking company doesn't carry workers' compensation insurance
Why truck drivers should preserve employment and shipping documents
Reporting traffic violations and protecting your CDL
The importance of dash cameras and driver-facing cameras
Insurance coverage, punitive damages, and protecting trucking companies from catastrophic claims
Common mistakes that can jeopardize trucking accident cases

Whether you're a CDL driver, owner-operator, fleet owner, safety manager, or someone involved in a commercial truck accident, this series provides practical legal insight into the regulations, insurance issues, and litigation strategies that shape today's trucking industry.

Have a question for a future episode? Leave it in the comments below and it may be featured in an upcoming episode of Under the Hood.

Visit us online: https://www.fellermanlaw.com/