Program Details
2026-03-13 13:00:00
Over 1,000+ webinars
Course Overview
2026-03-13 13:00:00
2h CLE Credits
Intermediate
2
1:00 pm - 1:30 pm ESTEvaluating a crashworthiness case requires integrating accident reconstruction, vehicle dynamics, biomechanical analysis, and medical causation evidence. Attorneys assess whether injuries stem from the collision or safety system failures by analyzing intrusion, restraints, airbags, and alignment between physical evidence and medical findings.
Todd Tracy 1:30 pm - 2:00 pm ESTProving a crashworthiness claim requires showing a safer alternative design was technologically feasible, economically practical, and would not impair vehicle utility. Attorneys must present industry standards, testing data, and demonstrate the design would have prevented or reduced injuries to overcome manufacturer defenses.
Todd Tracy 2:10 pm - 2:30 pm ESTNot every crash supports a viable crashworthiness claim, making early case screening essential. Attorneys must evaluate crash severity, intrusion, occupant movement, and injury consistency with defects. Identifying weak cases early avoids costly expert investments and strengthens long-term litigation success.
Todd Tracy 2:30 pm - 2:50 pm ESTCrashworthiness cases rely heavily on expert testimony across technical fields. Attorneys must retain reconstructionists, biomechanical engineers, design experts, and medical professionals who can link defects to injuries. Coordinated, credible expert analysis is essential to withstand challenges and succeed at summary judgment and trial.
Todd Tracy 2:50 pm - 3:10 pm ESTCommon crashworthiness cases include roof crush, seatback failures, defective restraints, airbag malfunctions, ejections, and post-collision fires. Recognizing these patterns helps attorneys identify product liability issues within negligence cases, guiding investigation strategies, expert selection, and uncovering additional avenues for recovery.
Todd TracyE. Todd Tracy is a Board-Certified Texas attorney who has spent more than 38 years litigating vehicle crashworthiness cases and holding the automotive industry accountable for safety failures. Throughout his career, he has tried 179 crashworthiness cases against major domestic and international manufacturers and suppliers, including GM, Ford, Chrysler, Toyota, Nissan, Honda, Hyundai, Ferrari, Mercedes-Benz, Paccar, Kenworth, TRW, Key Safety, Takata, Tokai Rika, Dorel Juvenile Group, and Graco. With a degree in applied physics, Mr. Tracy combines technical knowledge with courtroom experience, handling cases in 42 states against every major vehicle manufacturer except Volvo. Over the past two decades, his firm has conducted 650 crash and sled tests to prove defect and safer alternative design—often performing testing when NHTSA and manufacturers did not—and he makes those tests publicly available to lawyers, regulators, and the industry. He has testified before House and Senate Committees on vehicle safety improvements and has remained active in the Texas Trial Lawyers Association for more than 30 years, teaching, writing, and speaking nationwide on product liability and vehicle safety issues.
E. Todd Tracy is a Board-Certified Texas attorney who has spent more than 38 years litigating vehicle crashworthiness cases and holding the automotive industry accountable for safety failures. Throughout his career, he has tried 179 crashworthiness cases against major domestic and international manufacturers and suppliers, including GM, Ford, Chrysler, Toyota, Nissan, Honda, Hyundai, Ferrari, Mercedes-Benz, Paccar, Kenworth, TRW, Key Safety, Takata, Tokai Rika, Dorel Juvenile Group, and Graco. With a degree in applied physics, Mr. Tracy combines technical knowledge with courtroom experience, handling cases in 42 states against every major vehicle manufacturer except Volvo. Over the past two decades, his firm has conducted 650 crash and sled tests to prove defect and safer alternative design—often performing testing when NHTSA and manufacturers did not—and he makes those tests publicly available to lawyers, regulators, and the industry. He has testified before House and Senate Committees on vehicle safety improvements and has remained active in the Texas Trial Lawyers Association for more than 30 years, teaching, writing, and speaking nationwide on product liability and vehicle safety issues.
Requirements
The Alabama State Bar MCLE Commission requires attorneys to complete 12 credits, including 1 ethics, by December 31 of each year. All credits must be reported by February 15 of the following year. A maximum of 12 credits, including 1 ethics credit, may be carried over for 1 year only.
Formats
