Commercial Transportation
Contact:
- Joseph G. Skryd
- 630.384.3115
MRV’s transportation practice is comprised of attorneys with more than 30 years of experience in handling a variety of transportation-related investigations, arbitrations and litigation. Our experience includes defense of trucking, railroad, intermodal and other transportation-related claims, disputes and investigations.
MRV attorneys are involved as initial responders for several trucking and transportation companies and are often dispatched to accident scenes to supervise, coordinate, retain experts, and otherwise assist in such investigations. We are involved with the preservation of relevant evidence, the assessment of the accident scene and vehicles involved, and in counseling clients regarding legal issues. We also represent drivers on traffic citations issued in relation to accidents. Our attorneys are well versed in the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Act, Carmack Amendment issues, and all other applicable aspects of state and federal law related to transportation.
We have represented clients before numerous state and federal courts, as well as before arbitration panels and administrative agencies. Our clients range from small to national trucking companies, railway and related carriers, and bus companies. We have served as national coordinating counsel for trucking and logistics companies and constantly assist our clients in developing accident investigation protocols, safety manuals, safety training, and Department of Transportation recordkeeping.
Representative Cases
Obtained a defense verdict for a trucking company that had transported sewer and water pipe to a construction project, at which time during the unloading process the pipes were caused to spill into the roadway. MRV obtained a directed verdict on behalf of the trucking company after the plaintiff failed to prove that the trucking defendant was negligent in its policies, procedures or supervision during the unloading process.
Represented one of the nation’s largest busing contractors at the trial of a case involving the deaths of two individuals whose estates claimed that the carrier failed to take appropriate measures in the transportation, supervision and related activities for the event involved in the incident. Despite multi-million-dollar demands throughout the litigation on behalf of the decedents, each decedent’s case was settled for $7,500 as a result of an aggressive defense, motions in limine that substantially limited the plaintiffs’ claims, and other strategic tactics used during trial.
Represented one of the nation’s largest trucking carriers concerning an accident that occurred when a semi-trailer traversing a railroad crossing was struck by a train. More than 30 claims arose out of the accident. After a relentless defense, all 30 claims were settled for a fraction of the overall claimed value due to limiting dispositive motions, aggressive use of mediation, and forensic investigation of the accident involved.
Defended a railway carrier involved in an accident during the course of rail yard reconstruction, wherein a worker was injured while crossing the tracks to come on to the railroad’s property during construction. Ultimately, after an aggressive defense, retention of experts, and other strategic maneuvers by MRV, the court granted summary judgment in favor of the client and dismissed the case, which was affirmed on appeal in federal court.
Successfully defended an intermodal stacking company involved in a rail yard accident that resulted in the catastrophic amputation of several portions of a worker’s limbs. MRV obtained a defense verdict in favor of the intermodal carrier at trial.
Obtained summary judgment on behalf of a local Illinois trucking company that was alleged to have caused a rear-end accident. With the use of the driver’s logs, driver’s qualification file, and incorporation of the federal regulations, the court granted summary judgment on numerous issues of liability prior to trial, with a defense verdict being rendered on the remaining issues that proceeded through trial.
Obtained defense verdict on behalf of national rail carrier over disputed contract issues, claims that load was damaged by defendant, and violations of federal regulations that were alleged to have led to damages in excess of $1 million.
Represented trucking company whose driver was involved in a catastrophic motor vehicle accident resulting in the death of several individuals. Through the use of transportation experts’ aggressive file review and video accident reconstruction, obtained a defense costs type resolution at mediation.