Latest news with #WitheriteLawGroup
Business Wire
04-08-2025
- Business
- Business Wire
Attorney Amy Witherite Calls for Urgent Postal Service Reform After Deadly Kaufman County Crash
DALLAS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Following a deadly crash in Kaufman County involving a U.S. Postal Service (USPS) contract truck that killed five people — including four members of one Texas family — Dallas attorney and nationally recognized traffic safety advocate Amy Witherite is demanding immediate federal reforms. 'Enough is enough. The Postal Service's pattern of negligence is costing lives,' said Amy Witherite, founding attorney of Witherite Law Group. 'We now know that from 2018 to 2022, 89 people died in 373 crashes involving USPS contractors. Not once did the Postal Service cancel a contract over those fatalities. That's unconscionable.' The Kaufman County crash, which occurred when a mail-hauling truck veered into oncoming traffic, has drawn national attention. The driver — who later admitted he had fallen asleep at the wheel — was alone on a long-haul route that, according to USPS policy, should have had two drivers. USPS has since claimed it is not responsible for verifying whether its safety protocols were followed. 'That response defies common sense and public trust,' said Witherite. 'When federal contractors ignore rules designed to protect lives, and no one is held accountable, families suffer. This wasn't a fluke. This was the predictable result of a broken system.' A February 2024 audit by the USPS Office of Inspector General found that the Postal Service does not track fatalities involving its contractors, lacks a centralized database of crash records, and has no system in place to ensure that required safety protocols are followed. 'USPS often doesn't even know who is driving its mail,' Witherite added. 'They're spending $5.2 billion on 4,600 trucking contracts — and yet they can't tell you if the people operating those trucks are following the law. It's not just bad oversight. It's deadly.' Witherite is urging Congress to act by passing the Mail Traffic Deaths Reporting Act, which has already passed the House with bipartisan support but is stalled in the Senate. She is also calling for: Mandatory third-party verification of safety practices on contract routes A public database of contractor crash histories and safety violations Permanent disqualification of repeat offenders, such as Hope Trans Accountability for brokers who profit from unsafe practices 'USPS trucks travel through our communities, past our schools, and alongside our families,' said Witherite. 'Texans shouldn't have to wait for another tragedy to demand action. The Kaufman County crash was a failure of federal responsibility — and unless we act now, it won't be the last.' Amy Witherite is the founding attorney of Witherite Law Group and a nationally recognized traffic safety advocate. She has represented hundreds of families affected by trucking collisions. Call 1 800 Truck Wreck or visit to learn more.
Business Wire
22-07-2025
- Business
- Business Wire
Attorney and Safety Advocate Amy Witherite Calls for Urgent Reform After Fatal Kaufman County Truck Crash
DALLAS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Following a devastating truck crash in Kaufman County that claimed the lives of six people, nationally recognized trial attorney and trucking safety advocate Amy Witherite is calling for sweeping reforms in trucking regulation and enforcement. Witherite, founder of the Witherite Law Group, says the tragedy highlights dangerous gaps in the federal oversight of the trucking industry. 'This accident is not an isolated event—it's a glaring example of how weak and inconsistently enforced trucking regulations are failing to prevent needless deaths on our highways,' said Witherite, who has spent over two decades representing victims of catastrophic truck crashes. 'We can—and must—fix this broken system.' According to law enforcement, the truck driver involved in the Kaufman County crash admitted to falling asleep behind the wheel before slamming into stopped traffic. Witherite says that while the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) imposes hours-of-service rules, these regulations are often violated—and enforcement is sporadic at best. 'Truckers are supposed to rest after 11 hours of driving, but too many are pushed beyond those limits due to unrealistic delivery schedules and pay structures that reward driving more miles,' Witherite noted. 'Fatigue-detection systems exist but aren't required. Rest areas are insufficient. Enforcement is too limited to catch bad actors before lives are lost.' Witherite also pointed to the widespread problem of "chameleon carriers"— trucking companies that shut down to escape violations and reopen under new names—along with penalties that are too low to deter unsafe operations. Meanwhile, brokers and shippers often prioritize speed and price over safety, continuing to hire risky carriers despite documented violations. 'The families shattered in Kaufman County deserve more than sympathy. They deserve change,' Witherite emphasized. 'We need mandatory fatigue-monitoring technology, stronger enforcement, better infrastructure for driver rest, and an overhaul of how we compensate drivers to promote safety—not speed.' Witherite is urging policymakers and regulators to take immediate steps to close dangerous loopholes in oversight and bring the trucking industry's safety standards in line with the critical role it plays in the nation's economy. 'If trucking regulations were truly effective, tragedies like this wouldn't keep happening. We need a national commitment to protecting the motoring public,' she said. Amy Witherite is a trial attorney, safety advocate, and founder of the Witherite Law Group, a firm nationally known for its work on trucking litigation. She is a leading voice for reform and a frequent commentator on issues related to transportation safety. Call 1 800 Truck Wreck or visit to learn more.
Yahoo
02-07-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
1-800-TRUCKWRECK HAS AWARDED OVER $2.94 MILLION TO STUDENTS AND JOB SEEKERS THROUGH EDUCATIONAL SCHOLARSHIPS
A record-breaking donation from a privately held company aims to offset the cost of higher education for students, under- and unemployed persons in three of the largest metropolitan areas in the U.S. 1-800-TruckWreck 2025 Making a Difference Scholarships - Dunbar High School 1-800-TruckWreck 2025 Making a Difference Scholarships - South Atlanta High School Dallas, TX, July 02, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- 1-800-TruckWreck, powered by Witherite Law Group, announced that for the third consecutive year it has made a record-breaking donation from a privately held company to fund educational scholarships through its 'Making a Difference' Scholarship and job-readiness programs. Since inception, 619 students have received the scholarship, and 577 scholarships have been renewed, making the financial contribution over $2.94 million to individuals interested in pursuing higher education in the Atlanta, Chicago and Dallas-Fort Worth 1-800-TruckWreck office locations. Post-secondary education is critical for career success, as it offers the potential for improved job prospects, career advancement opportunities, greater job security and higher earning potential, as well as opportunities for personal growth. Though, the rising cost of attending college, university, vocational and technical training schools makes attending unattainable for the majority. 1-800-TruckWreck and its partners, Fort Worth ISD, Atlanta Public Schools, Crete-Monee School District and the Dunbar Vocational Career Academy, are working together to assist students who want to further their education. 'For those who can't afford college outright, accruing overwhelming student loan debt is a valid concern. Financial assistance can be a lifeline to help students further their education, enhance their skills and better position themselves for jobs of the future,' said Amy Witherite, owner of Witherite Law Group and 1-800-TruckWreck. 'We're proud to say that for 11 years our scholarship has helped make college a reality for thousands of individuals, and we have no doubt that their societal contributions will not only change the trajectory of their lives, but also their families and communities.' This year, 173 graduating seniors were awarded $432,500 in scholarships; 5 students chosen by special selection received $12,500 in scholarships; and $447,500 in scholarships will be renewed for an estimated 179 previous recipients who maintained a 2.5 GPA and took at least 12 credit hours, for a total of $892,500 in scholarship funds awarded by 1-800-TruckWreck. Additionally, 23 students at the Dunbar Vocational Career Academy received a total of $57,500 in funds awarded by 1-800-TruckWreck. The grand total of educational funding provided by 1-800-TruckWreck this year is $950,000. 'Thanks to the financial relief this scholarship has provided, I haven't had to work as many hours just to stay afloat. That freedom has allowed me to truly engage in my Georgia Tech experience and pursue leadership and involvement opportunities I'm passionate about,' said GeNaya Hough, student at Georgia Tech. 'The 'Making a Difference' Scholarship has truly lived up to its name in my life. It has helped me move through obstacles with confidence and focus on becoming the best version of myself, not just for my own future, but so I can continue giving back and supporting others, just like this scholarship has supported me.' Amy Witherite is committed to being an integral part of the communities she serves via 1-800-TruckWreck. As the daughter of a teacher, she understands and has a heart for those who need extra assistance – especially youth – and has used her success to fill the gaps for those in need. She has partnered with several businesses and organizations to enrich the lives of children and families. 'Coming from a community with limited resources for guidance and mentorship, the support I've received from Ms. Witherite and her team has been transformative. Their belief in me has not only opened doors but has also instilled in me a greater sense of confidence and determination as I pursue my ambitions in law,' said Deona Davis, student at the University of Georgia. Created in 2014, the 'Making a Difference' Scholarship provides financial assistance to students who have demonstrated leadership in their schools and communities. ### ABOUT 1-800-TRUCKWRECK/WITHERITE LAW GROUP1-800-TruckWreck/Witherite Law Group is a personal injury law firm founded in 2001 with offices in Atlanta, Birmingham, Chicago, Dallas and Fort Worth. The firm's attorneys specialize in helping those injured in a car or truck accident and can be reached by calling 1-800-TruckWreck or 1-800-CarWreck, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. SOCIAL MEDIA LINKSWitherite Law Group Social Media Links:Facebook: 1-800-TruckWreck Media Links:Facebook: Attachments 1-800-TruckWreck 2025 Making a Difference Scholarships - Dunbar High School 1-800-TruckWreck 2025 Making a Difference Scholarships - South Atlanta High School CONTACT: Kayla Tucker Adams KTA Media Group 2144039852 info@
Business Wire
11-06-2025
- Automotive
- Business Wire
Attorney Amy Witherite: Red Flags Emerge Just as Elon Musk Plans to Put Robotaxis on Austin Streets
DALLAS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--A dispute between Tesla (TSLA.O) and the Reuters news organization is raising red flags just as Tesla plans to roll out Model Y robotaxis in Austin, Texas, warns attorney and safety expert Amy Witherite, founder of the Witherite Law Group. Tesla's challenging a Texas Public Records Act request by Reuters for its communications with Austin city officials. In justifying the request an attorney for Reuters wrote that Tesla's intent to deploy the unproven technology on Texas roadways makes its plans 'an issue of enormous importance to Texas and the public at large' and underscored the public's right to know. 'If there was ever a need for complete transparency it is in the largely unregulated business of autonomous cars and trucks,' said Witherite, whose law firm represents the victims of auto and truck accidents. According to the American Automobile Association's (AAA) latest survey on autonomous vehicles, only 13% of U.S. drivers would trust riding in self-driving vehicles – an increase from last year, when this number was 9%. Despite this slight increase, 6 in 10 U.S. drivers still report being afraid to ride in a self-driving vehicle. 'Currently there is no national safety performance standard for driverless vehicles,' notes Witherite. 'Regulators have generally given free rein to companies allowing them to test their technology in cities such as Austin at the expense of the public's safety. Federal regulators are also asking Tesla tough questions. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recently sent Tesla a letter demanding additional information "to assess the ability of Tesla's system to react appropriately to reduced roadway visibility conditions." The agency opened an investigation in October into 2.4 million Tesla vehicles equipped with full self-driving (FSD) technology following four reported collisions, including a fatal one in 2023. 'If Tesla, or any other company, wants to put driverless vehicles on Austin streets they have an obligation to allow the public to be fully informed, especially since there are so many unanswered questions concerning the safety of these vehicles,' said Witherite. The Texas Attorney General's office is reviewing Tesla's confidentiality claims and will determine what if any information can be released. The Witherite Law Group specializes in vehicle accident cases and offers crucial support for individuals involved in accidents with driverless vehicles. For more information visit their website:
Yahoo
11-06-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Attorney Amy Witherite: Red Flags Emerge Just as Elon Musk Plans to Put Robotaxis on Austin Streets
DALLAS, June 11, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--A dispute between Tesla (TSLA.O) and the Reuters news organization is raising red flags just as Tesla plans to roll out Model Y robotaxis in Austin, Texas, warns attorney and safety expert Amy Witherite, founder of the Witherite Law Group. Tesla's challenging a Texas Public Records Act request by Reuters for its communications with Austin city officials. In justifying the request an attorney for Reuters wrote that Tesla's intent to deploy the unproven technology on Texas roadways makes its plans "an issue of enormous importance to Texas and the public at large" and underscored the public's right to know. "If there was ever a need for complete transparency it is in the largely unregulated business of autonomous cars and trucks," said Witherite, whose law firm represents the victims of auto and truck accidents. According to the American Automobile Association's (AAA) latest survey on autonomous vehicles, only 13% of U.S. drivers would trust riding in self-driving vehicles – an increase from last year, when this number was 9%. Despite this slight increase, 6 in 10 U.S. drivers still report being afraid to ride in a self-driving vehicle. "Currently there is no national safety performance standard for driverless vehicles," notes Witherite. "Regulators have generally given free rein to companies allowing them to test their technology in cities such as Austin at the expense of the public's safety. Federal regulators are also asking Tesla tough questions. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recently sent Tesla a letter demanding additional information "to assess the ability of Tesla's system to react appropriately to reduced roadway visibility conditions." The agency opened an investigation in October into 2.4 million Tesla vehicles equipped with full self-driving (FSD) technology following four reported collisions, including a fatal one in 2023. "If Tesla, or any other company, wants to put driverless vehicles on Austin streets they have an obligation to allow the public to be fully informed, especially since there are so many unanswered questions concerning the safety of these vehicles," said Witherite. The Texas Attorney General's office is reviewing Tesla's confidentiality claims and will determine what if any information can be released. The Witherite Law Group specializes in vehicle accident cases and offers crucial support for individuals involved in accidents with driverless vehicles. For more information visit their website: View source version on Contacts The Margulies Communications Groupmediainquiries@ 214-368-0909 Sign in to access your portfolio
