ATRI Report Highlights Rising Trucking Litigation: What It Means for the Industry

The American Transportation Research Institute (ATRI) has released new findings showing a sharp increase in trucking-related litigation across the United States. The report confirms what many fleets have felt for years: legal exposure is growing, verdicts are getting larger, and the financial burden on carriers continues to rise.

This trend is now one of the most urgent issues shaping operations, insurance costs, and risk management strategies in the trucking industry.

What the ATRI Report Reveals

ATRI’s research highlights several major developments:

1. “Nuclear Verdicts” Are Becoming More Common

Courts are awarding juries damages in excess of $10 million at an increasing rate. These extreme verdicts often arise from accidents where plaintiffs successfully argue that carriers failed to maintain adequate safety, training, or oversight.

2. Legal Costs Are Rising Even Without Major Verdicts

Even cases that never reach trial settlements, mediation, or defense preparation are costing carriers significantly more. Small and mid-sized fleets often feel the greatest pressure.

3. Increased Focus on Safety Documentation and Compliance

Plaintiff attorneys are relying heavily on:

• Logbook records

• Safety training documentation

• Maintenance history

• Dash-cam and telematics data

Gaps in any of these areas can become central to litigation.

4. Litigation Trends Differ by State

ATRI notes that certain states remain “high-risk” due to plaintiff-friendly legal environments. Carriers operating in these states face greater exposure even when accidents are minor.

Why Litigation Is Increasing

ATRI points to several contributing factors:

• Greater public scrutiny of trucking safety

• Technological transparency (ELDs, cameras, GPS)

• Aggressive plaintiff strategies

• Weakened tort-reform laws in key states

• Larger settlement expectations from juries

Together, these shifts create an environment where even a single incident can escalate into a costly legal battle.

Impact on Fleets and Insurance

The rise in litigation has had cascading effects:

• Insurance premiums continue to surge

Many carriers report annual increases regardless of safety performance.

• Smaller fleets face viability challenges

With thinner margins, even moderate claims can threaten a small carrier's survival.

• Liability concerns shape equipment and hiring decisions

Fleets are increasingly investing in newer trucks, better safety systems, and stricter driver screening.

ATRI’s Recommendations for Carriers

To reduce legal exposure, ATRI suggests the industry adopt stronger risk-management strategies, including:

1. Enhanced Safety Technology

Cameras, collision-avoidance systems, lane-assist, and real-time telematics help prevent accidents and provide strong legal defense.

2. Stronger Documentation Practices

Courts expect complete and accurate records for maintenance, inspections, training, and hours-of-service.

3. Better Driver Training & Monitoring

Structured onboarding, professional development, and ongoing performance reviews reduce risk.

4. Proactive Insurance & Legal Planning

Carriers are encouraged to work closely with insurers, develop rapid-response protocols, and regularly review coverage needs.