The Pennsylvania Motor Truck Association (PMTA) is expressing concern following the House Judiciary Committee's approval of House Bill 1913 by a 14-12 vote on June 8. The legislation now advances to the full Pennsylvania House of Representatives for consideration.

PMTA opposed the bill and submitted a letter to committee members outlining concerns about the proposal's potential impact on Pennsylvania businesses, consumers, and the Commonwealth's already challenging litigation environment. (Read PMTA's letter here.)

At the center of the debate is a legal tactic commonly referred to as "anchoring." In personal injury cases, attorneys may suggest specific dollar amounts for noneconomic damages, such as pain and suffering, even when those figures are not tied to economic losses or objective evidence presented during trial. Research has shown that jurors can be influenced by these suggested figures, using them as a reference point when determining damages.

"Damage awards should be based on evidence and facts, not arbitrary numbers pulled from thin air," said Rebecca Oyler, President and CEO of PMTA. "Pennsylvania already faces one of the most challenging litigation environments in the nation. Policymakers should be looking for ways to improve affordability and economic competitiveness, not adopting policies that double down on legal uncertainty and increase costs for employers, consumers, and families."

Supporters of HB 1913 argue that juries should have access to all information attorneys believe is relevant to evaluating damages. Opponents, including PMTA, contend that anchoring can encourage awards based on arbitrary figures rather than the facts and evidence of a particular case.

For the trucking industry, the issue is particularly significant because liability and insurance costs have become one of the most pressing challenges facing motor carriers. Across the country, trucking companies have experienced a sharp increase in verdicts and settlements, often referred to as "nuclear verdicts," which can reach tens of millions—or even hundreds of millions—of dollars.

Recent industry research illustrates the growing disconnect between safety outcomes and liability costs. While truck crash rates remained relatively stable between 2021 and 2024, liability losses increased 33.1 percent. In other words, the costs associated with resolving claims are rising far faster than changes in crash frequency would suggest.

These costs do not remain confined to the courtroom. Higher verdicts and settlements contribute to increased insurance premiums, which in turn increase the cost of transporting goods. Ultimately, those costs are passed through the supply chain and affect businesses and consumers throughout the economy. Research has estimated that lawsuit abuse in the commercial auto sector contributes significantly to the price of everyday goods, including food and household necessities.

PMTA is also concerned about the broader message HB 1913 sends at a time when Pennsylvania's legal climate is already viewed as among the most challenging in the nation. National legal climate rankings have repeatedly highlighted Pennsylvania courts, particularly Philadelphia, as problematic venues for civil litigation. In the most recent Judicial Hellholes report, the Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas was ranked among the nation's most challenging jurisdictions for defendants, while the Pennsylvania Supreme Court was on the report's watch list.

The trucking industry has experienced firsthand the impact of escalating verdicts and settlements in recent years. While safety remains a paramount concern for trucking companies across Pennsylvania, and those injured by negligence should be fairly compensated, PMTA believes Pennsylvania's civil justice system should encourage decisions based on evidence and the specific facts of each case. Maintaining a balanced and predictable legal environment is essential to supporting safety, economic growth, and affordability across the Commonwealth.

The stakes are particularly high in Pennsylvania, where trucking plays a critical role in the economy. More than 70,000 trucking companies operate in the Commonwealth, supporting approximately 340,000 jobs. Nearly every product used by Pennsylvania families and businesses moves by truck at some point in the supply chain, making transportation costs an important factor in the affordability of goods and services.

PMTA believes policymakers should be looking for ways to improve Pennsylvania's competitiveness and affordability rather than adopting policies that may further increase litigation costs and legal uncertainty. The association supports fair compensation for those who are injured, but believes damage awards should be based on evidence rather than arbitrary figures suggested during trial.

The legislation now moves to the full House of Representatives, where lawmakers will have the opportunity to further debate the proposal and its potential impact on Pennsylvania's legal and business climate.

PMTA will continue to monitor HB 1913 and provide updates as the legislation advances through the General Assembly. 

If you wish to contact your state House member regarding HB 1913, contact information may be found here.