The American Transportation Research Institute (ATRI) has released a new study that breaks down how lawsuits involving trucking companies have grown in scale, cost, and complexity. The research reviewed six years’ worth of truck tort cases to understand how often these lawsuits occur, what causes them, and why some verdicts are skyrocketing.
Lawsuits Are Increasing—and Getting More Expensive
In 2022 alone, ATRI estimates there were 12,817 trucking-related tort cases filed at the state level. The study also found that up to 147 cases were improperly blocked from entering federal court, where outcomes can differ significantly.
One of the biggest concerns for fleet operators is that lawsuit awards continue to rise. In large cases, verdict amounts increased an average of 5.7% per year, adding major financial strain to motor carriers and insurers already dealing with rising costs.
What Factors Lead to Higher Awards?
ATRI’s analysis identified several issues that tend to drive up the size of jury verdicts or settlements:
- Negligent hiring or onboarding
- Moderate to severe traumatic brain injuries
- Other injury types associated with long-term care or disability
The research also found clear differences between verdicts and settlements:
- Cases over $5 million often settle for less than verdict amounts.
- Cases under $1 million often settle for more than verdict amounts.
Meanwhile, carriers were more likely to win cases involving allegations such as:
- Improper turns
- Improper merges
- Failure to yield
These types of claims tended to be more defensible in court.
Trial Trends and Legal Tactics
ATRI also examined courtroom strategies and litigation patterns:
- Counterclaims blaming the plaintiff for the crash did not significantly reduce award amounts.
- In nearly 18% of cases, nonmedical damages (like pain and suffering) were 10 times higher than medical costs—suggesting inflated emotional claims.
- The study included updates on third-party litigation financing, where outside investors fund lawsuits. This practice can escalate the size and duration of legal battles.
Industry Leaders Sound the Alarm
Nathan Meisgeier, president and chief legal officer at Werner Enterprises, called the findings a wake-up call:
“Frivolous and excessive litigation drains significant time and resources that could otherwise be spent on safety and operations. ATRI’s insights help the industry understand what we’re up against.”
The study reinforces growing concerns among carriers, insurers, and policymakers about the rise in nuclear verdicts and the growing role of litigation funding.
ATRI’s research makes one thing clear: trucking litigation is becoming more frequent, more costly, and more influenced by factors beyond the crash itself. Carriers now face increasing pressure to strengthen safety practices, hiring standards, and courtroom strategies to reduce risk.
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