Delaware Insurance Law Sparks Concern Among Truckers | Land Line Media
Delaware has enacted a law giving individuals more time to cancel certain personal-injury settlements, a change the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association warns could increase litigation exposure and insurance costs for trucking companies.
Longer cancellation period for some settlements
The law extends the amount of time available to cancel certain injury settlements after an agreement is reached. The change affects the period during which a claimant may reconsider a settlement before it becomes final.
Supporters of the measure view the extended period as additional protection for people resolving injury claims. For motor carriers and insurers, however, the change could leave claims unresolved for longer periods and create additional uncertainty during the settlement process.
OOIDA raises insurance concerns
OOIDA said the law could contribute to higher insurance costs for truckers if extended cancellation rights lead to more disputes, delayed settlements or increased litigation expenses.
Insurance costs are already a significant concern across the trucking industry. Carriers have reported rising premiums and increased expenses tied to equipment, labor and claims. Additional legal exposure could place further pressure on operating budgets, particularly for small fleets and owner-operators.
Potential impact on motor carriers
For trucking companies, the financial effect would depend on how insurers interpret and apply the new requirements, as well as whether the law changes the number or duration of disputed injury claims.
The measure adds to broader industry concerns about the cost of trucking litigation. Higher claim expenses can eventually be reflected in premiums, deductibles and the cost of obtaining coverage, although the full impact of Delaware’s law will depend on future claims and court decisions.
