The Fight Against Staged Collisions Goes Federal

A bipartisan proposal has been put forth by U.S. Congressmen Garret Graves, Henry Cuellar, and Mike Bost with the aim of criminalizing intentional collisions with motor carriers at the federal level. Named the Highway Accident Fairness Act of 2023, this legislation seeks to address the issue of fraudulent lawsuits, decrease car insurance rates, and enhance road safety.

Accident investigations in the New Orleans have resulted in the conviction of over 50 individuals involved in orchestrating accidents to fraudulently sue motor carriers. In one particular case, a group of scammers received a settlement of $4.7M.

Rep. Cuellar expressed the necessity of passing the legislation to protect truckers from staged collisions that endanger both civilians and the trucking companies serving essential functions.

Rep. Bost commended the Highway Accident Fairness Act of 2023 for its ability to halt fraudulent staged accidents, emphasizing the importance of holding individuals accountable for jeopardizing the safety of commuters and the livelihoods of hardworking truckers and motorists harmed by such schemes.

Chris Spear, CEO of the American Trucking Associations (ATA), lauded the Representatives for their introduction of the bill. He highlighted how staged accidents, third-party litigation funding, and excessive nuclear verdicts distort civil litigation, leading to a system characterized by jackpot justice. Spear stated that the proposed legislation would restore equilibrium and fairness to the system.