The American Transportation Research Institute (ATRI) has published new findings that shed light on the increasing scale of tort litigation affecting the trucking industry. Released on December 3, 2025, this comprehensive report examines the factors influencing legal outcomes in trucking-related cases and addresses the role of third-party litigation financing.
The research draws upon a variety of federal and industry litigation data sources, analyzing six years of tort cases involving trucks. According to the report, there were an estimated 12,817 state truck-tractor tort cases in 2022 alone. Alarmingly, up to 147 cases that could have been adjudicated in federal court were improperly kept in state courts, limiting protections against potential biases.
Key Findings on Awards and Negligence
The report highlights that the most substantial half of awards, which are particularly detrimental to the trucking industry, increased at an average rate of 5.7 percent per year. Various factors were identified that statistically correlate with higher awards, including specific types of negligence—such as improper hiring and onboarding practices—and the severity of injuries, notably moderate to severe traumatic brain injuries.
The analysis reveals a striking pattern regarding settlements and verdicts. In cases where awards exceeded $5 million, settlements were generally lower than jury verdicts. Conversely, settlements in cases with awards below $1 million tended to be higher than verdicts. The report also indicates that three types of alleged negligence—improper turns, improper merges, and failures to yield—were linked with a higher likelihood of defense victories.
Implications for the Trucking Industry
The findings have significant implications for the trucking sector. Nathan J. Meisgeier, President and Chief Legal Officer of Werner Enterprises, stated, “Both frivolous and excess litigation pose grave challenges to the trucking industry today. They drain significant time and resources that could otherwise be spent on improving industry operations and safety.” This perspective underscores the urgent need for reforms within the legal landscape.
Renee Amar, Executive Director of the Louisiana Motor Transport Association, echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the necessity for balanced legal reforms. “ATRI’s report underscores the need for fair and balanced reforms to the legal system and the importance of remaining vigilant in this challenging legal environment,” she remarked.
The report also points out that nonmedical awards can be more than ten times higher than medical awards in approximately 17.8 percent of cases, suggesting the potential for exaggerated claims. Additionally, the study found that counterclaims presented during trials, which aimed to highlight plaintiff negligence, did not result in statistically lower awards, indicating a possible bias against motor carriers.
ATRI’s research serves as a critical resource for decision-makers in the trucking industry, providing a data-driven overview of the current litigation environment. The full report is accessible on ATRI’s website, offering in-depth insights for stakeholders seeking to navigate these complex legal challenges. As the trucking industry continues to face increasing litigation pressures, understanding these trends will be essential for fostering a safer and more efficient transportation system.
