“Jackpot Justice” episode exposes lawsuit abuse epidemic harming trucking small businesses

Washington – Today, Nothing Without Trucking, in association with ACT 1, released the latest episode of the documentary series DRIVEN that shines a spotlight on trucking professionals who keep our nation rolling through good times and bad.

The latest episode titled “Jackpot Justice” exposes an epidemic of staged accidents targeting reputable motor carriers and endangering innocent truck drivers.  This infamous phenomenon manipulates the legal system to extort trucking companies for settlements, and the costs are borne by everyone in the form of elevated insurance premiums, lost jobs, and higher prices for goods.

The documentary highlights the experience of a third-generation, family owned trucking business in Louisiana, an ordeal that began when a con artist deliberately crashed into one of their trucks to score a big insurance payout.  Eventually, federal investigators unraveled a vast conspiracy involving dozens of “slammers,” “spotters,” and corrupt lawyers who orchestrated numerous operations that targeted multiple companies.  In an attempted coverup, a federal witness was killed. The short film follows the victims’ quest to ensure the kingpins of staged accidents are put behind bars.  

“Con artists who intentionally collide with commercial motor vehicles put truck drivers and the motoring public at risk through their reckless disregard for safety.  When these unscrupulous and selfish individuals file frivolous lawsuits against honest trucking companies to score a big payout, they inflate costs for everyone,” said American Trucking Associations President & CEO Chris Spear.  “This documentary sheds light on how shameless profiteering has perverted the civil justice at the expense of everyone else.  By raising awareness among the public and policymakers, we can restore fairness and integrity to our justice system and hold wrongdoers accountable.”

“This story is not about me,” said Randy Guillot, president of Triple G Express, featured in the documentary.  “It’s about everyone, because everyone in this country pays for fraud.  I urge Louisiana’s elected officials at the state and federal level to enact common sense reforms that can restore truth and transparency to the justice system.” 

The American Trucking Associations has made it a top priority to reign in lawsuit abuse and put an end to damaging practices like staged accidents.  As part of this campaign, ATA launched a new digital resource last month, StopLawsuitAbuse.info, to educate policymakers, the media, and the public about this growing problem for America’s trucking industry, small businesses, and professional drivers.

The website features: 

• Video testimonials from truckers and small business owners sharing firsthand experiences;
• Data and statistics that illustrate the economic and operational impacts of lawsuit abuse in all 50 states; and
• Legislative solutions that policymakers can pursue to level the playing field.