Combating lawsuit abuse is the top legislative priority of the Texas Trucking Association – Rio Grande Guardian

PHARR, Texas – The Texas Trucking Association wants more process reform when the Legislature reconvenes in January.

Dana C. Moore, the group’s vice president for policy and government relations, explained why at a Pharr Bridge Board trade talks session. The meeting took place at the Pharr Development and Research Center.

“We’re really talking about abuse of process,” Moore said during a panel discussion about transportation in Texas and Mexico.

“How far do you have to drive down one of these highways before you see a billboard up there with a plaintiff’s firm, an attorney? I saw some of them yesterday wearing big red gloves, and the word they keep using in their advertising is “fighting.” We fight, we fight. If we don’t win, you don’t have to pay,” Moore said.

“Well, you might think that’s fine, and honestly there are times when these people are needed. But think about it. What do you think is the main reason your insurance is increasing?”

Moore answered his own question. He said it could be due to inflation and the cost of repairing vehicles to some extent.

“But primarily, insurance companies are raising their rates because of the litigation environment, and in Texas it’s terrible.”

Moore said things are worse in certain counties and cities.

“For example, Harris and Houston, Dallas and Fort Worth counties, Austin, San Antonio and several of the counties down here in the Rio Grande Valley are notorious for the judgments that are returned to these trucking companies.”

Moore said he could probably talk about abuse of process for the rest of the day.

“I’ll just let you know that that will be our focus. The last thing I want to say about lawsuit abuse is that TXTA partnered with Texans for Lawsuit Reform and the Texas Food and Fuel Association, and now we have nearly 1,000 associations, businesses and individuals who have joined. It’s called the Lone Star Economic Alliance.”

Moore said he’s not looking for donations, but if anyone wanted to donate money to the cause, that would be great.

“But if you are interested in fighting these lawsuits, contact the Lone Star Economic Alliance or link to it through the TXTA website and offer to place your business name and logo there.”

Moore concluded his remarks on abuse of process by saying he learned a thing or two while walking the halls of the State Capitol.

“I learned something about dealing with the legislature. When you walk into the office of a legislator, be it a senator or a representative, and hand them three, four, or five sheets of paper covered in nothing but company logos and club names, you get their attention, because that’s actually quite a few voting people there .”