Brian Del Gatto (Partner-Phoenix) and Arman Nafisi (Partner-Phoenix) prevailed on a motion for summary judgment in the Iowa District Court, Polk County, on behalf of an international semi-truck equipment dealer. In this clear-fault case, plaintiff was rear-ended by a semi-truck tractor and filed a lawsuit alleging negligence on the part of the driver. The plaintiff brought vicarious liability claims alleging high six-figure damages against our client, the lessor of the semi-truck, as well as the driver’s employer, who leased the truck from our client. Brian and Arman took over defense of the litigation in the middle of discovery, from prior defense counsel. At the conclusion of discovery, Brian and Arman filed a motion for summary judgment arguing that the plaintiff's claim against the client is precluded by the Graves Amendment, a federal tort reform statute limiting the liability of vehicle rental and leasing companies and barring vicarious liability claims in motor vehicle accidents. Following briefing and oral argument, the Court granted summary judgment and dismissed the case with prejudice against our client. The case was set to go to trial later this year and saved the client significant legal cost and risk exposure.