Any collision involving a commercial vehicle has an added layer of complexity and takes on an amplified importance because of the size of the vehicles and the extensive regulations that apply to them, which makes commercial trucking and transportation companies targets for the plaintiff’s bar.
Jon Schneider, Chuck Onofry and Tim O’Connor offer extensive experience in representing major transportation companies and trying complex cases. In recent years, they have obtained a half-dozen defense verdicts on substantial cases.
Spoliation of evidence is front and center in trucking cases. The plaintiff’s bar knows how to use the failure to preserve evidence as a weapon in pursuing their legal claims. Thus, there is a premium on immediately responding to the accident scene and preserving both the roadway evidence and the evidence contained within the vehicle itself. This includes electronic logs, dash cam videos, sensors which help detect whether the drivers may be falling asleep, and of course the data contained within any electronic control module or black box. Our attorneys know the value of responding immediately to the accident scene and having access to the necessary professionals to preserve this evidence.
Liability experts employed in trucking cases are dangerous because they frequently parrot the law and engage in frequent speculation about how noncompliance with certain regulations caused this particular collision.
Punitive damages are almost always an issue in these cases. Arizona is somewhat unique in imposing vicarious liability for punitive damages. Punitive damages are a particular concern where the claim involves allegations the driver was fatigued and went beyond hours of service or that the company was negligent in hiring, training, and supervision. This is especially true where the driver has some negative history.
Finally, motion practice is critically important because some evidence is simply too prejudicial and needs to be excluded prior to trial. This includes motions designed to limit expert witnesses from offering speculative opinions, introduction of other bad acts, and exposure to punitive damages.
Schneider & Onofry has the collective experience of over 300 jury trials, 500 arbitrations, and literally thousands of general liability cases. Individual honors for Jon Schneider, Chuck Onofry and their senior colleagues include:
Schneider & Onofry attorneys are committed to efficiently evaluate and litigate cases. This is the result of handling literally thousands of general liability cases and understanding the importance of a cost/benefit approach to discovery.
The Importance of Early Evaluations and Setting Reserves. We know the importance of evaluations and the reserve process and believe that, in the majority of cases where there has been a preliminary investigation, we can provide an accurate evaluation that will hold up through the life of the case within 90-120 days of answering the complaint.
Billing/Budgets. We are accustomed to and understand the importance of timely reporting, working within budgets, and adhering to billing guidelines. We have adopted to those insurers which have replaced traditional paper invoicing with a paperless system such as is used with Legal Exchange, Counselink, Legal Solutions, Extranet, Allegient, and many others.
Technology. We use the latest technology in the office and courtroom, which has dramatically enhanced the exchange of information and reduced the cost of litigation to our clients.
Schneider & Onofry is committed to serving carriers with claims in Yuma County. Since 2009, we have been the only insurance defense firm with an established office and active day-to-day practice in Yuma. We welcome the opportunity to meet and discuss how we might help you succeed in Yuma County’s unique legal, business and cultural environment.
Yuma is a border town with unique characteristics. It has very much a small-town feel, although the county has doubled in size within the last 20 years and now has an effective population of over 200,000. The community’s economy is anchored by highly sophisticated agricultural and distribution industries and the presence of a U.S. Marine Corps air station. The area’s economic sectors and ethnic and socioeconomic diversity are reflected in each jury panel assembled in superior court.
Most defense firms leverage their work by having associates handle the day-to-day activities, with the partner mostly supervising. That is not the case with Schneider & Onofry. In Yuma, your claim will be handled directly by either Jon Schneider or Chuck Onofry, both of whom have substantial experience. They continue to handle claims from start to finish, meaning they are steeped in all aspects of investigation, discovery, motion practice, trials, post-trial motions, and any appeal.
Other unique benefits of using Schneider & Onofry in Yuma include:
Schneider & Onofry meets the legal needs of companies and individuals throughout Arizona from offices in Phoenix and Yuma.
Schneider & Onofry is structured to meet the anticipated needs of specific groups of clients, ranging from individuals and families to major corporations.
