U.S. Chamber study puts the average truck crash award at $16.8 million
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce Institute for Legal Reform found an average award of $16.8 million across 334 truck crash verdicts and settlements from June 2023 to July 2026.
What happened
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce Institute for Legal Reform reviewed 334 truck crash verdicts and settlements from June 2023 to July 2026. It found an average award of $16.8 million, and plaintiffs' verdicts averaged nearly $28 million. The authors note these are collected case outcomes, not a sample of all trucking suits.
Why it matters
The report ties these outcomes to rising insurance costs and points to staged crashes aimed at trucks, inflated medical bills and outside funding of lawsuits. Truck News reports the study also says settlements of $500,000 to $5 million can hit carriers directly through deductibles and self-insured retentions.
What to consider
Keep camera footage, driver files and crash steps ready so a claim is judged on the facts, and know how much of a claim you would pay before your coverage responds. Read the Roadblock report · Excess vs umbrella for trucking
Sources
Reporting and records credited to the sources above, Oct. 19, 2026. We link to the original and add what it means for carriers.
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