CLE ACCREDITATION
USLAW NETWORK will be offering national CLE credit for attorneys and CE credit for insurance adjustors for Florida and Texas (reciprocal with other states). All states are currently pending. We have partnered with CEU Institute as our CLE/CE provider to manage all credits: www.ceuinstitute.net. Should you have questions, please contact accreditation@ceuinstitute.net.
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2026
Bridging Gaps in Claim Management and Legal Teams
This session examines how trucking organizations and law firms are navigating generational differences to drive better outcomes in claims handling, litigation strategy, and team performance. We will explore practical approaches to bridging gaps in technology adoption, communication styles, work environment expectations, and cultural norms. Panelists will share how these dynamics influence case valuation, jury trends and verdicts, client expectations, and the efficiency of day-to-day claims operations.
Facilitators:
- Peter T. DeMasters, Flaherty Sensabaugh Bonasso PLLC (Charleston, WV)
- Richard C. Moreno, Murchison & Cumming, LLP (Los Angeles, CA)
- Jake G. Pipinich, Pierce, Couch, Hendrickson, Baysinger & Green, L.L.P. (Oklahoma City, OK)
Fast and Furious: Five Plus Five
This fast-moving session delivers a concise, multi-jurisdictional survey of the most compelling issues impacting the trucking industry. In a series of crisp five-minute lightning talks, followed by short Q&A sessions, attendees will leave with a variety of new topics and strategies to consider.
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2026
Transportation Claims Beyond 18-Wheels
This session equips defense practitioners and carriers with practical strategies to navigate incidents involving riders with special needs, package carriers, utility workers, buses, and all other unique commercial auto claims. The program emphasizes respectful advocacy that meets juror expectations of protecting passengers in passenger carrier claims.
Facilitators:
- James K. Hetzel, Franklin & Prokopik, P.C. (Baltimore, MD)
- Kurt M. Spengler, Wicker Smith (Central Florida)
- R. Eric Toney, Copeland, Cook, Tayor & Bush, P.A. (Ridgeland, MS)
- Kyle Weaver, Transportation Resource Management
Reserve Management and the Effect on Claims Handling
This executive briefing distills high-level strategies for in-house claims leaders and outside defense counsel on strategic reserve management and settlement authority in complex, multi-plaintiff, and multi-venue trucking cases. We focus on how to align reserves and authority with evolving exposure and coordinate internal approvals with external negotiation dynamics.
Facilitators:
- Jack J. Laffey, Laffey, Leitner & Goode LLC (Milwaukee, WI)
- Nicholas A. Rauch, Larson King, LLP (St. Paul, MN)
- Josephine Birdwell, Koch Companies
Charting a Course Through Coverage: Insurance Coverage Challenges for Trucking Litigation
Conventional wisdom says more insurance equals better protection. In trucking, the reality can be messier. High-limit towers, layered programs, and abundant additional insured coverage can distort incentives, complicate defense strategy, and increase settlement targets—sometimes turning routine losses into protracted, high-stakes disputes. This session explores how excess capacity can inadvertently fuel nuclear verdict dynamics, embolden time-limited demands, and invite venue shopping and litigation funding attention.
Facilitators:
- Tyler M. Jolley, Roetzel & Andress (Cleveland, OH)
- Timothy R. Smith, Pion, Nerone, Girman & Smith, P.C. (Pittsburgh, PA)
- Cristi Bullard, Western Flyer Express