Insurance & Liability · Driver Training VideoPlaintiff Tactics & Reptile Theory

Here's how it works

A plaintiff's attorney doesn't need to prove you broke a specific rule. They want you, in a deposition or on the stand, to agree to a broad, sweeping "safety rule" — something like "a driver should never do anything that could put the public at risk." Sounds reasonable.

They'll ask friendly-sounding questions that stack on each other. "Would you agree safety comes first?" "Would you agree a driver should always be in full control of the vehicle?" Each yes sounds harmless alone. Together, they build a trap.

Attorneys will also pull your file — logs, inspection reports, training records, prior discipline — looking for any inconsistency. That's why every log entry, every pre-trip, every certification needs to be accurate and complete, every single day.

Your company standard: answer questions directly and honestly, stick to the facts of what you did and were trained to do, and never agree to a broad "always" or "never" rule you can't actually promise to keep.

This isn't about hiding anything — it's about telling the truth accurately, without letting someone talk you into an unfair rule. A well-trained, well-documented driver is the hardest target this tactic can find.