On May 14, 2026, the United States Supreme Court delivered an important win for truck crash victims and highway safety. In Montgomery v. Caribe Transport II, LLC, the Court unanimously held that federal law does not shield freight brokers from state-law claims when they negligently hire unsafe motor carriers. The ruling reverses the Seventh Circuit and confirms that negligent-hiring claims against brokers fall within the safety exception of the Federal Aviation Administration Authorization Act.
Freight brokers play a central role in the modern trucking industry. They decide which motor carriers get loads and often have access to federal safety data before making that decision. When a broker chooses an unsafe carrier, the public pays the price. For years, trucking brokers argued that federal law gave them immunity from negligent-hiring claims. This allowed brokers to profit from dangerous decision-making while avoiding responsibility for the harm caused.
Today, the Supreme Court rejected that position, confirming that negligent-hiring claims against freight brokers are safety claims. They concern the trucks placed on public highways and the companies selected to operate them.
Trucking accidents often cause damages far beyond the motor carrier’s insurance limits as federal minimum insurance requirements remain inadequate for victims severely injured or killed in truck accident cases. When a broker has the information and ability to prevent harm, the law must allow victims to pursue accountability.
The decision also restores clarity in California. Broker defendants had recently relied on decisions narrowing the ability of victims to bring negligent-selection claims. Montgomery confirms that those claims are not barred by federal law. This is a major win for public safety. Brokers that ignore safety data, overlook warning signs, or select carriers based only on price can now be held to account when their decisions cause harm.
At Walkup, Melodia, Kelly & Schoenberger, our truck accident lawyers represent victims and families in catastrophic trucking cases throughout California. We investigate every responsible party in the transportation chain, including drivers, motor carriers, brokers, shippers, and companies whose decisions place unsafe trucks on the road.
If you or a loved one has been seriously injured in a crash involving a commercial truck, motor carrier, or freight broker, contact Walkup, Melodia, Kelly & Schoenberger for a free consultation.
