Lara Lickhalter has more than a decade of experience litigating catastrophic trucking and transportation claims involving motor carriers, freight brokers, bus lines and contract carriers in the areas of bodily injury, property damage, Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations and DOT compliance. Lara has a clear understanding of the unique issues facing commercial carriers including theories of negligent selection, hours of service and load securement. 

A member of the firm’s nationwide 24/7 response program that helps ensure team members are engaged during the first critical hours following an accident, Lara has significant experience in rapid response, preparing on-site defense strategy, coordinating efforts to secure evidence and experts, and responding to catastrophic losses throughout Illinois. 

Lara also has considerable experience representing retail establishments, night clubs and other premises owners in litigation surrounding premises liability. She has tried personal injury and professional liability cases to verdict in numerous Illinois venues. 

Lara is an active member of the Trucking Industry Defense Association (TIDA), a leading industry organization devoted to sharing knowledge and resources for defense of the trucking industry. Lara currently serves as chair of the TIDA Interactive Education Committee and is a member of the TIDA Annual Committee. She routinely presents continuing education programs for claims professionals on a range of industry-specific topics. 

Lara joined Wilson Elser from a litigation law firm headquartered in Chicago, with a presence throughout the Midwest.