By Saul Anuzis, President, 60Plus.org
Driving along I-65, you can’t miss the billboards. Some point you to the next gas station or restaurant. But many more advertise legal services, promising big payouts after an accident.
For seniors in Indiana and across the country, that’s concerning. These ads can create unrealistic expectations, suggesting lawsuits are a quick path to financial gain, an enticing message for anyone living on a fixed income. In reality, jury awards are often eaten up by legal fees and court costs, leaving far less for those involved. Meanwhile, the rest of us pay the price.
When frivolous lawsuits clog the courts, the consequences extend far beyond the parties involved. Businesses facing costly litigation often pass those expenses on to consumers. These hidden costs, often called “tort taxes,” add up quickly. Indiana households pay nearly $3,000 each year because of excessive litigation. This is especially true for the insurance market.
Auto-related claims are ripe for abuse. Dishonest litigation tactics, like inflated insurance claims and exaggerated injuries, have allowed bad actors to cash in. This is especially evident in cases involving rideshare vehicles, which seniors have come to rely on.
Seniors use rideshare services to make medical appointments, visit family and maintain independence. While several factors influence fare prices, insurance costs are among the biggest drivers. In Indiana, average auto insurance rates increased roughly 24 percent between 2023 and 2024, reflecting a broader national trend driven in part by litigation expenses.
Indiana has long been a leader in promoting fairness in our legal system. From pioneering medical liability reforms in the 1970s to adopting protections for businesses and healthcare providers during COVID-19, the Hoosier state has worked to create a stable environment where legitimate victims can access the courts without opening the door to abuse. There will always be opportunities to build on state reforms, but right now there is a prime opportunity for Congress to pass nationwide relief.
As Congress considers the federal highway bill, there is an existing policy that could be expanded to further curb lawsuit abuse and stabilize the insurance market. The Graves Amendment was passed in 2005 to clarify that rental and leasing companies should only be held liable for accidents that resulted in their own negligence, not simply for owning a vehicle involved in an accident. Expanding this amendment to include rideshare companies would help close a legal loophole that invites excessive litigation and drives up costs.
Florida drivers are already seeing the benefits of similar reforms, with insurance rates dropping by eight percent and rideshare fares following suit.
Rideshare services are a vital part of today’s transportation infrastructure, especially for seniors who rely on them to stay active and connected. Reducing the pressures driving up insurance costs, including lawsuit abuse, delivers real savings for Hoosiers who depend on these services every day.
Indiana has long been a leader on legal reform. Now, it’s time to take that leadership to Capitol Hill.
Saul Anuzis is president of the 60 Plus Association and a former Michigan State Republican Party Chairman.
