Capitol News

Congressman Tom Barrett of Michigan and Congresswoman Ashley Hinson of Iowa have introduced legislation aimed at changing how civil lawsuits involving trucking accidents are handled in the United States. The proposed bill, known as the Forum Accountability and Integrity in Roadway (FAIR) Trucking Act, would grant federal courts original jurisdiction over highway accident civil actions against commercial motor vehicles involved in interstate commerce when the amount in controversy exceeds $5 million.

The sponsors argue that personal injury attorneys have increasingly targeted the trucking industry by filing lawsuits in state courts perceived to be more favorable for large settlements. They claim this practice makes it harder for legitimate victims to be heard, has led to an increase in staged accidents, and puts small businesses at risk. According to industry data, 96% of U.S. trucking companies operate with 10 trucks or fewer.

“American truckers play an essential role in every aspect of our economy — from keeping the store shelves stocked to getting fuel to gas stations and delivering medical supplies to hospitals,” said Barrett. “Allowing them to keep falling victim to lawsuit ambushes in handpicked courtrooms is bad for business and bad for our supply chains. This bill will restore fair and balanced litigation while ensuring that our truckers, trucking companies, and owner-operators can keep our commerce flowing.”

Hinson added: “Truckers keep America moving and deliver for us each and every day — but bad actors are blatantly exploiting them for payouts. Without federal oversight, truckers face unjust litigation that distorts settlements and threatens supply chains. My bill puts safety and fairness first — deterring staged collisions, protecting jobs and small businesses, and ensuring justice is the focus — not profit. I am proud to be a voice for America’s truckers and look forward to getting this crucial legislation across the finish line.”

Chris Spear, President & CEO of American Trucking Associations (ATA), expressed support for the measure: “When trial lawyers treat the judicial system like a game of ‘jackpot justice,’ employers, consumers, and our economy pay the price. The skyrocketing number of nuclear verdicts is driving up insurance rates to unsustainable levels and raising the cost of goods for all consumers. It also means trucking companies — the vast majority of which are small businesses — are one bad verdict away from being forced to permanently shut their doors. The FAIR Trucking Act would close the loopholes that the plaintiffs’ bar exploits to move cases to judicial hellholes and engineer these lopsided verdicts. We commend Reps. Hinson and Barrett for leading this reform effort to protect jobs, strengthen our supply chain, and restore balance and fairness to the courts.”

The FAIR Trucking Act sets out specific criteria under which federal courts would have jurisdiction over certain truck crash cases: if they involve interstate commerce; if more than $5 million is sought; and if at least one defendant and one plaintiff are from different states.

The American Trucking Associations has endorsed the legislation.