Trucking and Commercial Vehicle

In short, we know the commercial vehicle and trucking business. We recognize the integral role commercial trucking plays in the economy and can help clients navigate the myriad of federal and state laws that may apply.

Our attorneys' experience in handling commercial trucking claims and litigation is valued by numerous clients across the country. The firm’s clients include trucking companies, bus lines, distributors, and insurance brokers that serve the transportation industry. We have handled an array of commercial trucking claims, including loading and discharge, class action litigation defense, roll-overs, catastrophic loss accidents, contract driver disputes and breach of contract issues.

Whether the matter involves liability or a question of coverage, we explore the potential jury pool, research the venue, and are fully prepared to litigate any case. Our handling of claims involves litigation and arbitration at all levels of state and federal courts across the country, and the firm’s attorneys are also skilled in settlement and mediation negotiations.

Each case that we handle receives its own individualized evaluation and strategy, depending on its own unique set of facts and circumstances. Our extensive experience enables us to identify and recommend the best and most practical approach to achieve the desired result. In some cases, pursuing reasonable settlement early may be the most prudent course of action in order to minimize unwarranted litigation costs. Other times, a thorough defense must be developed through discovery to substantially reduce the value of the plaintiff's claim before a reasonable compromise can be reached without the need for an expensive trial. However, in those situations where a case must proceed to trial, rest assured that our experienced and capable litigators will be well prepared to present a compelling and persuasive case to a judge or jury.

Properly handling commercial trucking issues also requires a firm like Degan, Blanchard & Nash with solid experience in defending against bad faith claims. Helping insurers identify, prevent, and defend against bad faith claims is a fundamental aspect of our practice, and our attorneys have years of experience dealing with these areas. We have defended insurers in states where bad faith law is statutory (such as in Louisiana) and in states where common law bad faith theories apply (such as in Texas and California). As a result of this broad-based expertise, our work has resulted in published appellate court opinions favorable to insurers on novel coverage and bad faith issues.

Because trucking businesses frequently cross state boundaries, it is important to have a law firm on your side that can do the same. Our attorneys are admitted to practice in multiple states and have been admitted as pro hac vice counsel in a variety of jurisdictions. Our attorneys have litigated matters in Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Maryland, Mississippi, Montana, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, South Carolina, Texas, Virginia, and West Virginia.

When the law is relegated to a single state, however, we still possess the ability to provide detailed recommendations tailored to each individual claim. The point is that, regardless of the jurisdiction, Degan, Blanchard & Nash focuses on succinct evaluation of the facts and law and has the experience necessary to bring your claim to a timely and economically-feasible resolution.

We recognize and appreciate that timely and consistent collaborative planning and communication between the attorney and the client is essential to achieving a desired result in civil litigation. We are also cognizant of the importance of proactive reporting so that our clients remain closely apprised of how each case is progressing.

As a whole, the firm is aware of litigation’s financial realities and strives for the most economically beneficial resolution of claims. We take pride in our work and our clients’ satisfaction with it. If you are looking to partner with an experienced law firm that has the skills needed to meet your commercial trucking needs, we look forward to hearing from you.