The Insurance Research Council released their findings of auto injury claim trends and the results have insurance adjusters somewhat baffled. From 2007-2012, the average claimed economic losses, which include medical care expenses, lost wages, and other out-of-pocket expenses, actually grew by 8%. What is even more confusing, is that the severity of the injuries themselves actually declined during this time.
Bodily injury claimants actually claimed 4% higher losses in 2012 alone; thanks in large part to increasing medical care costs such as expensive diagnostic procedures and dramatic increases in billed charges for medical providers.
For the study, the IRC reviewed more than 35,000 auto injury claims across the United States. From 2008-2010, the personal injury protection claims per insured vehicle increased by more than 18%. In Florida, the average personal injury claim jumped 62% in just those 2 years.
This news has insurance companies and adjusters a little more than concerned. After all, insurance companies are a business—and despite their catchy slogans, they are not on your side. Insurance adjusters are frequently rewarded for denying claims, offering low-ball settlements, and delaying payments. Now, they have even more incentive to do so.
If you or someone you love is injured in a car accident, you need an experienced and skilled car accident lawyer on your side. From the moment you are injured, your lawyer will need to fight aggressively with insurance companies to ensure that your rights are protected and that you receive the compensation you need to fully recover.
Your insurance company won’t tell you that they are offering you a low settlement. They may even try to deny your claim by insisting that your injuries were pre-existing. Don’t let the insurance companies use their manipulative tactics to win—call Kelley/Uustal today.
