The surge of nuclear verdicts – post-crash jury awards exceeding over $10 million – against trucking companies have sent shockwaves through the industry.
Despite a decrease in fatal crashes, verdicts are increasing, according to a 2023 study by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Institute for Legal Reform. Looking at 154 trucking litigation verdicts and settlements from June 2020 to April 2023, the statistical mean plaintiffs’ award was $27.5 million and a statistical mean award of $759,875 for settlements.
Addressing lawsuit abuse is a “top tier issue” for the American Trucking Association, said David Bauer, vice president of state and tax policy. This involves ATA and its Federation partners at the state level pressing for reforms at the state level.
Besides trying to rein in huge lawsuits and nuclear verdicts, Bauer noted that the goal of tort reform is to restore balance and fairness to the judicial process for the trucking industry, pointing out how the judicial environment has become “unbelievably skewed” against the industry.
Roadcheck is coming. Be prepared.
Get YOUR Roadcheck inspection questions answered in this Q&A session — sponsored by Bestpass — with CVSA Roadside Inspection Specialist Jeremy Disbrow on May 1, 2024, at 2 p.m. Eastern.
