2:30 - 6:00 p.m.

AI and its Impact on Truck Driver Depositions
Lars Daniel, Rimkus and Shane O'Dell, Naman Howell
Plaintiff attorneys are rapidly deploying AI technologies to gain a strategic edge in all aspects of litigation, and truck driver depositions are no exception. Defense counsel face an evolving landscape where traditional preparation may no longer be sufficient. This program provides guidance on navigating the changes and challenges when facing plaintiffs armed with AI-powered data mining, adaptive questioning, and real-time video analysis capable of flagging behavioral signals or perceived truthfulness.

Attendees will learn how plaintiffs leverage AI to instantly process prior testimony, surfacing contradictions and tailoring lines of questioning to exploit even minor vulnerabilities. The class will address the rise of video and audio-based AI analytics, including tools that purport to detect deception, discomfort, or distraction as drivers testify. Forward-looking scenarios will prepare attendees for the future of driver depositions in litigation as AI capabilities continue their relentless march.

7:30 - 8:30 a.m.

Breakfast

Welcome and Opening Remarks

This panel will address why driver depos matter, what to do if you have a bad driver, how to rehabilitate the driver on the front end of the case, FMCSR regs, etc.

Cindy Andrews, Firehorse Trial Consulting, LLC; Jeff Stupp, Taylor Nelson Slattery Bernard PL; Kyle Weaver, Transportation Resource Management
This panel will address how to train drivers for a deposition, deposition prep, and more.

Networking Break

Utilizing Driver Deposition from a Position of Strength
This panel will address strategic testimony for potential dispositive motion, motion in limine, etc. Attendee will also learn how to evaluate a case based on driver testimony.

Lunch

Interview of Actual Truck Driver
Angie Leathers, Averitt Express

Mock Truck Driver Deposition
Larry Hall, Chartwell Law; Ryan Heller, Callahan & Fusco; Chris Pape, Groendyke Transport
During this session, we will explore the complex dance that is producing your driver for deposition testimony. While going through a mock deposition, we will identify the attorney’s responsibilities to the client, and how to maximize chances for your defenses to come out intact. The goal is not to win, the goal is to survive! During this session, we will arm you with strategies as to how the producing attorney can assist and empower the driver to help them succeed.

The mock deposition is intended to be conducted from two perspectives – the first to illustrate how things can go wrong, and the second to highlight what favorable testimony will look like.

Closing Remarks