Dan Patrick, the lieutenant governor of Texas, announced that Senate Bill 39 is a significant step toward addressing frivolous trucking lawsuits. These lawsuits have reportedly increased insurance costs, and the bill aims to provide judges with clearer guidelines while protecting Texas businesses and consumers.
"The explosion of lawsuits (many of them frivolous) against trucking companies in Texas has caused insurance rates to skyrocket, hurting Texans and our businesses," said Patrick, Lt Governor. "By passing SB 39, the Texas Senate has taken a major step toward providing judges a clear approach to collision cases."
According to Patrick, the Texas Senate's passage of Senate Bill 39 targets a surge in frivolous lawsuits against trucking companies. The bill is designed to offer clearer guidelines for judges in commercial vehicle collision cases and streamline the legal process. Patrick said that these reforms will ensure quicker justice for victims while reducing legal costs for Texas businesses.
Lt. Gov. Patrick's May 3 post
| X.com
A study by the U.S. Chamber Institute for Legal Reform indicates that Texas ranks among the top five states for nuclear verdicts, with 130 personal injury and wrongful death cases resulting in $16 billion in awards between 2013 and 2022. The study pointed out "anchoring" tactics—where attorneys suggest arbitrary, high-dollar damage amounts—as a significant factor in inflating jury awards. One notable case involved a $39 million verdict in an auto accident after a plaintiff’s lawyer proposed a symbolic per-mile damage figure; however, the Texas Supreme Court later overturned this verdict due to improper tactics. The study suggested that such excessive awards increase insurance premiums and consumer costs while undermining fairness in the legal system.
A report from the American Tort Reform Association (ATRA) highlights that Texas is a major hub for legal services advertising, with Dallas and Houston ranking among the top 10 U.S. media markets for ad spending in 2024. Dallas saw approximately $69.8 million spent on 622,212 ads, while Houston accounted for more than $56.6 million across over 411,000 ads. Nationally, trial lawyer advertising reached $2.5 billion last year—more than double what pizza restaurants spent.
A survey released by the American Property Casualty Insurance Association (APCIA) and Munich Re US found that most Americans believe certain plaintiff lawyer tactics—such as excessive advertising, third-party litigation funding (TPLF), and jury anchoring—contribute to rising insurance and consumer goods costs. The Harris Poll conducted among more than 2,000 U.S. adults revealed that 69% believe TPLF and jury anchoring increase insurance costs, while 66% say these practices raise everyday item prices. Additionally, 77% expressed concern that allowing foreign investors to participate in TPLF could pose a national security risk.
Lt. Governor Dan Patrick has served as Texas’s lieutenant governor since 2014 and has been an advocate for conservative policies on tax reform, border security, education, and energy. He led efforts to secure what he describes as the largest property tax cut in state history—$18 billion—and is known for his strong support of law enforcement, school choice, and the oil and gas industry.