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Federal truck safety bill takes aim at lawsuit abuse
Industry backs effort to bar liability claims beyond NHTSA requirements
According to ATRI, insurance premium costs for trucking companies climbed 36% over the past eight years. (avosb/Getty Images
Key Takeaways:
- The Uniform Vehicle Safety Standards Act would prevent liability claims based on vehicle safety standards stricter than NHTSA regulations.
- Sponsors say a nationwide standard would reduce legal uncertainty and curb what they describe as frivolous lawsuits.
- American Trucking Associations, Werner Enterprises and several trucking groups support the legislation.
Republican lawmakers from five states are seeking federal legislation to create nationwide trucking safety standards to curb what they describe as frivolous lawsuits stemming from inconsistent state interpretations.
The bicameral legislation, called the Uniform Vehicle Safety Standards Act, was introduced Aug. 6 in the House and Senate.
The legislation would amend Title 49 of the U.S. Code to prohibit common law liability claims alleging a motor vehicle should have been manufactured or equipped to standards stricter than those established by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Under the Department of Transportation, NHTSA aims to prevent roadway vehicle crash injuries and lower economic costs through federal safety standards, education, research and enforcement.
The legislation is supported by lawmakers from Nebraska, Wyoming, California, North Carolina and Texas.
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Flood
“In recent years, we’ve seen a sharp rise in lawsuits awarding damages based on state standards instead of the federal safety standards trucking companies are already required to meet,” House sponsor Congressman Mike Flood said. “Americans deserve one clear set of rules instead of a patchwork of state regulations that drive up costs and create uncertainty for businesses that already follow the law.”
His office noted that businesses across the country would have clear expectations through a single, consistent federal safety standard instead of today’s lawsuit-abuse climate, in which trucking companies are targeted for massive payouts by juries reaching different conclusions about requirements in various states.
PERSPECTIVE: Truckers deserve lawsuit transparency
“Frivolous lawsuits put unnecessary pressure on American businesses, driving up shipping costs and higher prices for consumers. When businesses adhere to federal safety standards, they shouldn’t face excessive liability based on inconsistent court decisions,” said co-sponsor David Rouzer (North Carolina). Reps. Jay Obernolte (California) and Jake Ellzey (Texas) also backed the bill.
The Senate version is being pushed by Wyoming Sen. Deb Fischer and co-sponsor Sen. Cynthia Lummis.
Industry supporters
- National Motor Freight Traffic Association
- National Tank Truck Carriers
- Truck Renting and Leasing Association
- Truck Trailer Manufacturers Association
- Truckload Carriers Association
- Werner Enterprises
Flood distributed a fact sheet that showed lawsuit abuse and insurance cost and availability as major motor carrier concerns, according to the American Transportation Research Institute.
ATRI said in its “Critical Issues in the Trucking Industry for 2025” report that while several states have enacted measures addressing lawsuit abuse, trucking companies continue to face evolving legal threats, including third-party litigation funding and staged accidents designed to secure substantial settlements from carriers and insurers.
According to ATRI, insurance premium costs for trucking companies climbed 36% over the past eight years and are linked to losses from excessive litigation.
American Trucking Associations voiced support for the legislation.
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Rosen
“If NHTSA, after evaluating the available evidence through its rulemaking process, determines that a particular standard strikes the appropriate balance to maximize motor vehicle safety, that expert determination should carry greater weight than the hindsight judgments advanced by profit-seeking trial attorneys in individual courtrooms,” said Alex Rosen, ATA’s legislative affairs senior vice president.
Nebraska Trucking Association President and CEO Kent Grisham said the bill creates safeguards against frivolous lawsuits.
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Grisham
“Nebraska’s trucking industry plays a vital role in supporting agriculture, manufacturing, retail, construction, and virtually every sector of our state’s economy,” Grisham said. “Legal predictability and fairness are essential to maintaining a strong transportation network and ensuring that carriers can continue investing in the people, equipment, and technologies that improve roadway safety.”
Nathan Meisgeier, Werner president and chief legal officer, said such a federal standard “shields carriers from frivolous lawsuits while ensuring motor vehicle manufacturing upholds established, federally mandated safety requirements for all drivers.”
Other proponents include the American Property Casualty Insurance Association and National Association of Mutual Insurance Cos.
