In the latest episode of The Attorney Post, Brad Pistotnik, a renowned accident attorney, shares his extensive experience in personal injury law, particularly focusing on commercial motor vehicle accidents. Brad provides a comprehensive look into his legal journey, the impact of the pandemic, and his dedication to achieving justice for his clients.
Brad Pistotnik and Bull Attorneys
Brad Pistotnik, known as the "Bull," has been a licensed accident attorney in Kansas since 1981. Over his career, he has secured significant settlements for personal injury victims, authored numerous books, and appeared as a speaker for the Kansas Bar Association and on the Geraldo show. His expertise is particularly evident in complex cases involving commercial motor vehicles, such as trucks, semi-trucks, and oil tanker trucks. Brad’s work often involves filing detailed petitions in federal court and managing cases with broker liability and catastrophic accidents.
Legal Career Journey
Brad’s legal career began in 1983 when he started his practice, which has since expanded to multiple states. He leads a team of dedicated lawyers and paralegals, showcasing his growth from a solo practitioner to a prominent figure in personal injury law. Initially drawn to corporate law, Brad transitioned to personal injury law due to a career assessment. He also shared his preference for Kansas State University over KU, adding a personal touch to his professional journey.
Impact of COVID-19 on Legal Business
The pandemic significantly impacted the legal industry, especially in Kansas. Brad noted a decrease in vehicular accidents due to reduced travel and socialization. Despite these challenges, his firm experienced growth during the pandemic. The health of legal assistants was a concern, prompting the firm to implement necessary measures to address the situation.
Personal Experience and Learning from Setbacks
Brad shared a personal setback due to a divorce, highlighting his resilience and subsequent growth. He emphasized the importance of hard work and dedication in overcoming personal and professional challenges.
Legal Case Preparation and Strategy
Brad believes in outworking the opposition to succeed in trials. He recounted a significant case involving a major nursing chain where his team worked tirelessly for years. This dedication underscores the importance of thorough preparation and understanding complex regulations in truck accident cases.
Challenges Faced Due to Lack of Hard Work
Brad discussed the challenges he faced when relying solely on intelligence without putting in the necessary hard work. This approach led to academic struggles, emphasizing that diligence and effort are crucial for success.
Importance of Hard Work and Diligence
Both Brad and Justin shared personal anecdotes about how hard work and diligence trump raw intelligence. Their experiences in high school and law school illustrate that consistent effort and dedication are key to achieving success in the legal field.
Impactful Legal Cases
Brad recounted specific legal cases involving severe injuries and the pursuit of justice. These cases highlight the emotional challenges and sense of fulfillment derived from advocating for victims. The emotional toll of handling such cases is significant, but the dedication to supporting clients and maintaining empathy is crucial.
Challenges in the Legal System
The legal system is fraught with absurdities and unfairness, including high legal fees and the influence of old boy networks on outcomes. Brad expressed concerns about the disparities in legal representation and the need for more equitable justice.
Trucking Safety and Regulations
Brad discussed the safety risks associated with trucking accidents, particularly due to truck drivers skirting laws to meet tight schedules. These practices often lead to fatal accidents, underscoring the need for strict safety protocols and enforcement.
Discussion on Trucking Industry Safety and Autonomous Vehicles
Brad highlighted concerns about trucking companies not following safety protocols and the potential complications of autonomous vehicles. Product liability claims in accidents involving autonomous vehicles present unique challenges that need to be addressed.
Impact of Technology on the Legal Field
Technology has significantly impacted the legal field, particularly in obtaining surveillance videos and conducting immediate investigations. Brad emphasized the importance of timely discovery in trucking industry litigation to preserve crucial evidence.
Technology in the Trucking Industry
The use of cameras inside trucks to monitor driver behavior and road conditions is a growing trend. However, many companies, especially medium-sized ones, are reluctant to adopt this technology due to compliance concerns with FMCSR regulations.
Ride-Sharing Companies and Safety Training
Brad expressed concerns about the lack of safety training for Uber and Lyft drivers. He highlighted the potential risks associated with inexperienced drivers and shared personal experiences of unsafe driving incidents.
Discussion on Unsafe Driving Practices
Unsafe driving practices in ride-sharing services are a significant concern, with Brad estimating that around 75% of drivers are dangerous. This issue is exacerbated in regions with chaotic traffic and poor adherence to road regulations.
Legal System and Perception of Lawyers
The legal profession faces challenges in public perception, particularly regarding negligent hiring, training, and supervision in cases involving business vehicles. Brad emphasized the importance of having an advocate and the need to differentiate dedicated lawyers from those who do not genuinely care about their work.
Legal Profession Advice and Law Changes
Brad advised young professionals to read medical textbooks and peer-reviewed articles to better understand medical cases. He also expressed a desire to strike the collateral source doctrine from legal cases to ensure transparency regarding defendant’s insurance coverage.
Conclusion
Brad Pistotnik’s appearance on The Attorney Post provides a comprehensive look into the complexities of personal injury law, particularly in commercial motor vehicle accidents. His dedication to hard work, understanding complex regulations, and advocating for victims highlights his commitment to justice and excellence in the legal profession.
The Bull Attorneys
East Wichita Officee
10111 East 21st St
Wichita, KS 67206
316-684-4400
Truck Accident Lawyers Group
South Wichita Office
2570 South Broadway St
#100B, Wichita, KS 67216
316-330-9200
Online at: The Bull Attorneys & Truck Accident Lawyers Group
