Texans for Lawsuit Reform

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For the Record

Anatomy of a Cottage Industry

Over the past few weeks, we’ve highlighted the phenomenon of nuclear verdicts in Texas, and some of the questionable tactics used by personal injury trial lawyers pursuing trucking litigation in the Lone Star State. While trucking litigation has always existed, it seems a new cottage industry has sprung up in the last several years.

According to the Texas Department of Transportation, trucking is big business in Texas:

  • 1 in 16 Texans are employed by the trucking industry
  • 73% of goods manufactured in Texas are transported by truck
  • 85% of trade between Texas and Mexico is handled by trucks
  • Texas has more interstate mileage than other state (3,200 miles)
  • There are over 66,000 trucking industries in Texas
  • Trucking industry wages exceed $22.5 billion with average salary of $45,000
  • There are over 185,000 truck drivers employed in Texas

But what is it about the trucking industry, specifically, that landed it in the litigation crosshairs? To answer this question, all you have to do is follow the money.

While you and I may only have $30,000 in motor vehicle liability insurance, trucking companies often have multi-million-dollar insurance policies. In other words, they have deep pockets. 

While it makes sense for trucking companies to carry a lot of insurance because accidents involving trucks tend to be more serious than those involving smaller vehicles, we’ve seen instances where the truck involved in the accident wasn’t at fault and the carrier still got sued. 

Personal injury trial lawyers just cannot resist a deep pocket.

The increase in litigation has been so drastic that trucking companies are facing significant insurance rate hikes. As we all know, the increased cost of insurance is passed along to consumers in the form of increased prices for goods—yet another example of the Tort Tax at work. Because transportation costs are a meaningful component of the retail prices of consumer products, the costs of unnecessary lawsuits and unreasonable verdicts will ultimately be borne by Texas consumers.

With the outsized role trucking plays in Texas’ economy, we are hopeful the Legislature will take a close look at trucking litigation in the 2021 legislative session.

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Texans for Lawsuit Reform

3 days ago

Texans for Lawsuit Reform

A great turnout at our 88th Legislative Session Lunch & Learn today! Thanks to all the legislative staffers who joined us to hear about TLR’s agenda this session. ... See MoreSee Less

A  great turnout at our 88th Legislative Session Lunch & Learn today! Thanks to all the legislative staffers who joined us to hear about TLR’s agenda this session.Image attachment
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Texans for Lawsuit Reform

3 days ago

Texans for Lawsuit Reform

In case you missed it: Check out the TLR Advocate to read our top priorities for the 88th legislative session, guest columns, and an update on the expanding TLR team. Read and share: bit.ly/3ZHdEva ... See MoreSee Less

In case you missed it: Check out the TLR Advocate to read our top priorities for the 88th legislative session, guest columns, and an update on the expanding TLR team. Read and share: https://bit.ly/3ZHdEva
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Texans for Lawsuit Reform

4 days ago

Texans for Lawsuit Reform

Public nuisance lawsuits have expanded beyond their traditional use into a way to regulate through litigation. TLR is dedicated to preventing the public nuisance doctrine from becoming a catch-all cause of action used to impose one person’s political views on society as a whole. Read and share: bit.ly/3ZHdEva ... See MoreSee Less

Public nuisance lawsuits have expanded beyond their traditional use into a way to regulate through litigation. TLR is dedicated to preventing the public nuisance doctrine from becoming a catch-all cause of action used to impose one person’s political views on society as a whole. Read and share: https://bit.ly/3ZHdEva
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lawsuitreform avatarTLR@lawsuitreform·
3 Feb 1621598756633288707

A great turnout at our 88th Legislative Session Lunch & Learn today! Thanks to all the legislative staffers who joined us to hear about TLR’s agenda this session. #txlege

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lawsuitreform avatarTLR@lawsuitreform·
3 Feb 1621539669228879873

#ICYMI: Check out the TLR Advocate to read our top priorities for the 88th legislative session, guest columns, and an update on the expanding TLR team. Read and share: https://bit.ly/3ZHdEva

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lawsuitreform avatarTLR@lawsuitreform·
2 Feb 1621267523164426242

TLR is working to make the Texas legal system fair, efficient, and accessible for all. Learn more: #txjustice #txcourts

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TLR's objective is to restore litigation to its traditional and appropriate role in our society. A lawsuit takes a heavy emotional and financial toll ...

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Texans for Lawsuit Reform
1701 Brun Street
Houston, Texas 77019

Ph. 713-963-9363
  • About TLR
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