Major changes are occurring in the number and kinds of injuries being reported by persons involved in automobile crashes in the United States. People involved in auto crashes are much more likely to make injury claims than in prior years. The incidence of bodily injury liability claims increased 16% between 1987 and 1992 even though during the same period, there was a 12% decrease in the incidence of roadway crashes severe enough to produce a vehicle damage claim. Those changes are affecting the kinds and amounts of medical treatment being obtained by injured persons, the payments received and the cost of providing auto insurance to vehicle owners. This report documents the results of a countrywide survey of 62,000 claimants, the kinds of injuries reported to auto insurers, the average amounts being paid for those injuries under different coverages and kinds of auto compensation laws. Rising claim frequencies and claim costs are strongly associated with higher levels of attorney involvement, increasing use of medical providers to treat auto injuries and the overall rise in medical expenses generally. (A)
Abstract