Farmer, Cline & Campbell Personal Injury Lawyers | May 31, 2026 | Truck Accidents
The U.S. Supreme Court recently issued an important decision for trucking accident victims in Montgomery v. Caribe Transport II, LLC. The Court ruled that the Federal Aviation Administration Authorization Act (FAAAA) does not preempt state-law negligent-hiring claims against freight brokers.
The decision could have a major impact on personal injury lawsuits involving commercial trucking crashes across the country. The ruling means injured victims may continue pursuing claims against freight brokers that fail to use reasonable care when selecting unsafe motor carriers.
For accident victims and their families, the decision preserves another potential avenue for recovering compensation after serious truck accidents.
What Is a Freight Broker?
A freight broker is a company that connects shippers with motor carriers that transport goods. Brokers generally do not own the trucks or employ the drivers. Instead, they coordinate logistics and arrange transportation between businesses and trucking companies.
Because brokers help select the trucking companies used to move freight, plaintiffs in trucking accident cases sometimes argue that a broker acted negligently by hiring or retaining an unsafe carrier. These claims often arise when a carrier has a poor safety history, inadequate insurance, or repeated regulatory violations.
What Is the FAAAA?
The Federal Aviation Administration Authorization Act of 1994 includes a provision that preempts states from enforcing laws “related to a price, route, or service of any motor carrier…broker, or freight forwarder.” Congress enacted the law to promote deregulation and prevent states from interfering with the trucking industry through inconsistent regulations.
Over the years, freight brokers have argued that negligent-hiring lawsuits are preempted because those claims relate to broker services. Courts across the country reached different conclusions on the issue, creating a split among federal appellate courts.
What Happened in Montgomery v. Caribe Transport II, LLC?
The case arose from a trucking accident involving a motor carrier allegedly selected by a freight broker. The plaintiffs claimed the broker negligently hired an unsafe carrier that later caused a serious crash.
The broker argued that the FAAAA barred the negligent-hiring claim because the lawsuit related to broker services. According to the broker, allowing states to impose negligence standards would interfere with Congress’s deregulatory goals.
The Supreme Court disagreed.
The Court held that generally applicable state tort laws involving negligence do not sufficiently relate to broker prices, routes, or services to trigger FAAAA preemption. The justices explained that state personal injury laws have historically operated alongside federal transportation laws and are part of the states’ traditional authority to protect public safety.
As a result, negligent-hiring claims against freight brokers may proceed under state law.
Why the Decision Matters for Truck Accident Victims
The Supreme Court’s ruling is significant because it preserves potential liability for freight brokers in appropriate cases. In some trucking accidents, the motor carrier may have limited insurance coverage or insufficient assets to fully compensate injured victims. Allowing claims against brokers may expand the pool of potentially responsible parties.
The decision may also encourage brokers to more carefully evaluate carriers’ safety records before hiring them. Brokers often have access to federal safety data, inspection histories, and prior violations through FMCSA and other databases.
Examples of evidence that may support a negligent-hiring claim include:
- Hiring carriers with repeated safety violations
- Using trucking companies with poor FMCSA safety ratings
- Ignoring prior crash histories
- Failing to verify insurance or licensing requirements
- Retaining carriers with histories of driver fatigue violations
- Selecting carriers with a history of using unsafe equipment, often including defective brakes and severely worn tires
At the same time, the ruling does not automatically make brokers liable after every trucking accident. Plaintiffs must still prove the elements of negligence under applicable state law.
The Broader Impact on the Trucking Industry
The decision may increase litigation exposure for freight brokers nationwide. Some industry groups argued that allowing negligent-hiring lawsuits could increase costs and create inconsistent state-law standards.
Consumer safety advocates, however, contend that the ruling promotes accountability and encourages safer hiring practices within the trucking industry.
The case may also influence how brokers document their carrier-selection procedures going forward. Many brokers may now place greater emphasis on reviewing safety scores, inspection records, and compliance histories before assigning loads.
Contact Our Charleston Personal Injury Lawyers at Farmer, Cline & Campbell Personal Injury Lawyers for a Free Consultation
The Supreme Court’s decision in Montgomery v. Caribe Transport II, LLC may have important implications for victims injured in commercial trucking accidents. If you or a loved one was hurt in a crash involving a semi-truck or freight carrier, you may have legal options available under state law.
Personal Injury Lawyers help injury victims pursue compensation after serious accidents involving negligent drivers, trucking companies, and other potentially liable parties.
For more information, please contact an experienced personal injury lawyer at Farmer, Cline & Campbell Personal Injury Lawyers, to schedule a free initial consultation today. We have convenient locations in Charleston, Beckley, Morgantown, WV.
Farmer, Cline & Campbell Personal Injury Lawyers – Charleston
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Charleston, WV 25314
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Farmer, Cline & Campbell Personal Injury Lawyers – Beckley
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