A freight broker was sued for negligently selecting an unsafe motor carrier that caused a serious accident. The lower court dismissed the case, saying federal law preempted it. The appeals court reversed, ruling that states can still sue brokers for negligence under safety laws, even though federal law generally limits state regulation of brokers. This matters because it means you can hold brokers and contractors accountable for unsafe hiring decisions.
You can sue a broker or contractor for negligently selecting an unsafe carrier or subcontractor—federal law doesn't block safety-based negligence claims.