Arkansas Trucking Association

The American Transportation Research Institute (ATRI) today released comprehensive research that confirms that large verdicts against trucking fleets are increasing dramatically, both in number and in size of awards. ATRI’s research is partially based on a newly created trucking litigation database that provides detailed information on 600 cases between 2006 and 2019. In the first five years of the data, there were 26 cases over $1 million, and in the last five years of the data, there were nearly 300 cases. 

In response to arguments that nuclear verdicts reflect real-world cost increases, the research documents that from 2010 to 2018, the size of verdict awards grew 51.7% annually at the same time that standard inflation grew 1.7% and healthcare costs grew 2.9%.

Safety is always the top priority at the ATA. The ongoing protests across our nation have unfortunately led to violence and looting in some areas raising concern for the safety of professional drivers. As these events continue to transpire, it is important for drivers to heighten their situational awareness as they travel. Some suggestions for our industry to maintain safe and secure operations include the following: