Smith Transport Data Breach Class Action Settlement

Consumers who received a notice from Smith Transport stating their personal information may have been compromised in a data breach may qualify to submit a claim for up to $4,420 from a class action settlement.

Smith Transport Inc. agreed to settle a class action lawsuit alleging it failed to protect people's personal information during a data breach that occurred on or around Feb. 12, 2022, affecting approximately 16,000 people. The breach potentially compromised sensitive data, including:

• Names
• Social Security numbers
• Dates of birth
• Driver’s license or state identification numbers

Who is eligible for a Smith Transport payout?

Consumers are eligible if they received a mailed notice from Smith Transport indicating their personal information may have been exposed in the February 2022 data breach.

How much is the data breach settlement payout?

• Credit Monitoring and Identity Theft Protection: All eligible class members qualify to select three years of credit monitoring and identity theft protection services at no cost. This includes up to $1,000,000 in identity theft insurance.
• Reimbursement for Ordinary Expenses: Class members can claim up to $400 for documented out-of-pocket expenses directly related to the data breach. Eligible expenses include:
• Bank fees
• Postage, notary, copying, mileage and gasoline costs
• Fees for credit reports, credit monitoring or identity theft insurance purchased from Feb. 12, 2022, to July 17, 2025

• Lost Time Reimbursement: Class members can claim up to four hours of lost time spent responding to the data breach at $20 per hour for a maximum of $80. This includes activities such as contacting financial institutions, changing passwords, reviewing statements or researching the breach.
• Extraordinary Losses: Those who experienced actual, documented identity theft as a result of the breach may claim up to $4,000 for unreimbursed monetary losses not covered by ordinary expenses. It must be shown that reasonable efforts were made to recover losses from other sources, such as credit monitoring or identity theft insurance.

How to claim a data breach class action rebate

To receive a payout, class members must must submit a valid claim form by July 17, 2025. Claimants can file online or downland, print, complete and mail the PDF claim form to the settlement administrator.

Settlement administrator's mailing address: Black v. Smith Transport Inc. Settlement c/o Settlement Administrator, P.O. Box 25226, Santa Ana, CA 92799

Proof and documentation required

• Unique ID and PIN from settlement notice required to submit a claim.
• For ordinary expenses, claimants must provide documentation, such as receipts, bank statements or other records, showing out-of-pocket costs related to the data breach.
• For extraordinary losses, class members must provide documentation showing the actual, unreimbursed monetary loss, evidence that it was caused by the breach and proof they attempted to recover the loss from other sources.

Payout options

Eligible class members can choose one of the following payment methods:

• PayPal
• Venmo
• Zelle
• Virtual prepaid card
• Physical check mailed to the provided address

Smith Transport data breach settlement fund breakdown

Smith Transport will pay each of the following costs separately:

• Settlement administration costs: To be determined, paid by the defendant
• Attorneys' fees and expenses: Up to $375,000
• Service award to plaintiff: Up to $2,500
• Credit monitoring and identify theft protection: To be determined and depending on number of claims
• Payments to approved claimants: Up to $4,420 per individual depending on nature of claims

Important dates

• Opt-Out Deadline: June 17, 2025
• Claim Deadline: July 17, 2025
• Final Approval Hearing: Sept. 16, 2025

When is the Smith Transport settlement payout date?

Within 60 days of the settlement's final approval, or within 15 days of the settlement administrator providing Smith Transport a spreadsheet detailing the type and amount of all valid claims, whichever is later, the defendant shall pay the settlement administrator. The administrator will then distribute the funds as soon as possible.

Why was there a class action lawsuit?

The class action lawsuit alleged Smith Transport failed to properly protect consumers' personal information, resulting in a data breach. The company denies any wrongdoing but agreed to settle the case to avoid the uncertainty, expense and risk of continued litigation.

Sources

1. Class Notice
2. Settlement Agreement
3. Settlement Website FAQ