Mike Collins, a representative for Georgia's District 10, has called for tort reform, arguing that trial lawyers are financially crippling small trucking companies and increasing costs for Americans. Collins made this statement in a post on the social media platform X on March 26.
"Trial lawyers are driving up the costs of every item truckers move and are bankrupting small trucking companies," said Collins, Congressman (GA-10). "No wonder nobody wants to get into this business. Americans need tort reform NOW!"
According to Collins, President Donald Trump is uniquely positioned to lead the fight against "lawsuit abuse." He emphasized that excessive litigation, driven by personal injury lawyers or "billboard attorneys," increases costs for American families by more than $4,000 annually. Collins referenced a Georgia case where a school bus company was compelled to pay millions despite not being at fault. He also mentioned that left-wing law firms have profited from targeting high-profile figures like President Trump and framing lawsuits as easy wins. Collins said that Trump and Congressional Republicans are now in a position to reform the legal system to reduce costs and protect businesses and consumers.
Rep. Collins March 26 statement
| X.com
A report released on March 5 by the American Tort Reform Association analyzed legal services advertising in the United States. The report found that over $2.5 billion was spent on more than 26.9 million ads nationwide—more than double the amount spent by all pizza restaurants on advertising during the same period. Between 2020 and 2024, legal ad spending grew significantly. In Atlanta, Georgia, legal advertising is particularly aggressive, reflecting a highly litigious environment. The report also raises concerns about the impact of these ads on public health, citing an FDA study that found 66 reports of adverse events, including seven deaths, after patients discontinued their blood thinner medication following a lawyer advertisement.
On January 30, Governor Brian Kemp issued a press release announcing a comprehensive tort reform package designed to create fairness in Georgia’s court system. The proposal aims to stabilize insurance costs for businesses and consumers while promoting transparency and fairness in legal proceedings. Kemp emphasized that protecting hardworking Georgians from rising costs due to excessive litigation has become critical. The reform package is supported by industry leaders who believe it will improve the state’s business climate and legal system.
A study released by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Institute for Legal Reform on January 24 found that rising tort costs in Georgia are placing an increasing financial burden on households, impacting insurance premiums and overall living expenses. In 2022, the state’s tort costs reached nearly $20 billion, averaging over $2,000 per household. These expenses stem from civil litigation, claim compensation, and administrative costs affecting both businesses and consumers.
Mike Collins is not only a Representative for Georgia’s 10th Congressional District but also a businessman with decades of experience. He and his wife founded a successful trucking company in the 1990s which now employs over 100 Georgians. Collins has also held leadership roles in a major credit union and his local Chamber of Commerce.