The Bassett Firm
Toll Free : (800)310-9769
Main Phone Number : (214)219-9900
Fax Number : (214)219-9456

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Texas Civil Trial Blog

Cross-Examination of the Plaintiff's Trucking Safety Expert: Eight Steps to Neutralize One of Your Biggest Threats

By Mike H. Bassett of The Bassett Firm on Tuesday, March 31, 2020.

Part 7 - Structuring Your Outline for the Cross-Examination

In this 8-part blog series, we will explore tips for preparing an effective cross-examination of trucking safety experts.

Last week, we discussed the importance of meeting with your own safety expert to assist you in building your cross-examination. This week we discuss the importance of structuring your cross-examination.

There are as many ways to structure a cross-examination as there are lawyers; however, here is one way that we have found effective.

COVID-19 Relief Goods Drivers Now Temporarily Exempt from Hours of Service Regulations

By Georgette Oden of The Bassett Firm on Thursday, March 19, 2020.

Truck drivers who are hauling goods to provide relief for the pandemic COVID-19 are now relieved from compliance with the hours of service regulations. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), a division of the U.S. Department of Transportation, has announced it will not require commercial vehicle drivers to abide by the hours of service regulation if they are transporting freight considered "critical goods" during the outbreak.

Cross-Examination of the Plaintiff's Trucking Safety Expert: Eight Steps to Neutralize One of Your Biggest Threats

By Mike H. Bassett of The Bassett Firm on Tuesday, March 17, 2020.

Part 6 - Meet With Your Safety Expert to Help You Prepare to Cross-Examine the Plaintiff's Safety Expert

In this 8-part blog series, we will explore tips for preparing an effective cross-examination of trucking safety experts.

Last week, we discussed the importance of reading and dissecting the Plaintiff's Safety Expert's opinions. This week we discuss the importance of calling in your safety expert to assist in your preparations.

Cross-Examination of the Plaintiff's Trucking Safety Expert: Eight Steps to Neutralize One of Your Biggest Threats

By Mike H. Bassett of The Bassett Firm on Wednesday, March 4, 2020.

Part 5 - Read and Dissect the Plaintiff's Safety Expert's Report

In this 8-part blog series, we will explore tips for preparing an effective cross-examination of trucking safety experts.

Last week, we discussed the importance of having a plan and knowing what you are looking for. This week we discuss the importance of familiarizing yourself with the report or other sources of the expert's opinions in your case.

When you finally sit down with the Plaintiff's expert's report, you need to read it and dissect it. Read it numerous times. Every time you do so, you will pick up a new nuance.

Cross-Examination of the Plaintiff's Trucking Safety Expert: Eight Steps to Neutralize One of Your Biggest Threats

By Mike H. Bassett of The Bassett Firm on Tuesday, February 18, 2020.

Part 4 - Know What You Are Looking For

In this 8-part blog series, we will explore tips for preparing an effective cross-examination of trucking safety experts.

Last week, we discussed the importance of preparing by learning all you can about the witness in advance. This week we discuss the importance of having a plan.

So now you have a banker's box full of documents and pleadings and depositions on the Plaintiff's safety expert. What are you looking for?

First, look and see if the expert's opinions have ever been limited or stricken. If the Plaintiff's expert does any work in federal court, chances are that their opinions have been challenged. If you find where their opinions have been stricken or limited, get copies of the Orders doing so.

Cross-Examination of the Plaintiff's Trucking Safety Expert: Eight Steps to Neutralize One of Your Biggest Threats

By Mike H. Bassett of The Bassett Firm on Tuesday, February 4, 2020.

Part 3 - Learn All You Can About the Plaintiff's Safety Expert

In this 8-part blog series, we will explore tips for preparing an effective cross-examination of trucking safety experts.

Last week, we discussed the importance of knowing your case. This week we discuss the importance of preparation and researching the witness.

Successfully cross-examining the Plaintiff's safety expert means knowing everything about that expert that you can get your hands on. We suggest starting with your DRI Trucking Community. Chances are, if the Plaintiff's safety expert has been doing it very long, you will find other DRI members who "have the book" on that expert. Use these resources! Reach out to your fellow DRI members who will me more than happy to share with you their experiences (and battle scars) from tangling with certain Plaintiff's safety experts.

The Bassett Firm

3838 Oak Lawn Avenue
Suite 1300
Dallas, TX 75219
Toll Free: 800-310-9769
Phone: 214-219-9900
Fax: 214-219-9456
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