Photo of Derek S. Whitefield

Derek S. Whitefield

Subscribe to Derek S. Whitefield's Posts

Derek S. Whitefield's national trial practice is focused on the defense of product manufacturers, business entities, and insurers. Mr. Whitefield is the former Leader of the Firm's Product Liability Practice Group, and an elected member of the Firm's Executive Board. According to Chambers USA 2020, clients describe Mr. Whitefield as “a wonderful trial lawyer and a very effective communicator with juries - he is really good at personal connections.”

Contact:Read more about Derek S. Whitefield

It’s been several months since we surveyed top automotive executives and insiders on the major legal issues facing the industry for our 2023 Automotive Trends Report.

As the automotive world continues to evolve and navigate a shifting legal landscape, we look at some of the major themes driving it forward… and the ones that might be in the rearview mirror.

Today, Derek Whitefield and Tamara Bush dive into the major Risk and Litigation issues impacting the automotive industry.Continue Reading 2023 Automotive Trends Check-In: Trending Up or Trending Down? Spotlight: Risk and Litigation

shutterstock_635240822

On November 19, 2020, NHTSA issued an Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (“ANPRM”) asking interested parties and the public to provide the agency with information intended to help NHTSA devise a “Framework for Automated Driving Safety” that will allow the agency to implement safety standards for the operation and performance of automated driving systems. Comments are due 60 days after the ANPRM is published in the Federal Register. NHTSA last addressed AV in March, when it issued a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking addressing occupant safety and crashworthiness for AVs that do not have typical seating configurations. This notice addresses operation of the automated systems in SAE Level 4 and 5 vehicles. 
Continue Reading NHTSA Releases Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking For Automated Driving System Safety