Transportation

Leatherwood represents both large and small trucking companies as insureds on behalf of most national insurance companies and trucking companies who are self-insured. In addition, the firm has served for many years as outside General Counsel for one of the largest national commercial motor vehicle insurers and is experienced in all aspects of transportation law including issues involving federal and state statutes and regulations promulgated by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, the Department of Transportation, the SC State Transport Police and the SC Public Service Commission.

Leatherwood has represented clients in many truck accident litigation scenarios, including trailer underrides, multiple tractor accidents, environmental spills and saddlebag fuel tank explosions. Our attorneys are skilled in handling commercial subrogation matters and assisting insurance clients in recovering first party claims expenditures. Leatherwood has a strong tradition of expertise in the field of complex insurance coverage disputes. In the area of cargo claims, we have defended and prosecuted claims regarding issues under the Carmack Amendment, the Carriage of Goods by Seas Act, and state statutes.

As part of the array of transportation services provided to firm clients, an after-hours emergency response team is standing by to service clients with urgent needs following a catastrophic accident.  The team has handled numerous night time and weekend emergencies for our clients.  Members of the emergency response team take responsibility for preserving physical and electronic evidence, taking driver and witness statements, making arrangements for cargo salvage, and managing relations with law enforcement.

The firm also provides risk management and drafting advice to hundreds of trucking companies, including issues involving owner-operator lease agreements, motor carrier – shipper agreements, motor carrier – broker agreements, equipment leases and other more specialized documents.

Members of the firm are involved with the following organizations:

  • South Carolina Trucking Association
  • American Bar Association Commercial Transportation Litigation Committee
  • Defense Research Institute Trucking Law Committee
  • National Heavy Truck and Heavy Equipment Claims Council
  • Trucking Industry Defense Association
  • Loss Prevention Conference
  • Federation of Defense and Corporate Counsel, Transportation Committee
  • American Trucking Association
  • American Trucking Association, Safety and Loss Prevention Management Council
  • Transportation Lawyers Association
  • Association for Transportation Law, Logistics Policy
  • Conference of Freight Counsel
  • North American Transportation Employee Relations Association

To learn more about Leatherwood's Transportation Practice, please contact Rob Moseley, or Kurt Rozelsky.



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