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Personal Injury Attorney North Hollywood admits that business is looking up. Despite the fact that the number of automobile accidents has remained relatively consistent, there has been a sharp increase in the number of people making personal injury claims following a car accident. Insurance analysts confirm that this is the case in several countries including USA and Great Britain.

A 2011 Actuarial Profession report states that there has been an 11% drop in road accident reports. They cite such factors as:  increased safety measures, automobile safety features, the high costs of fuel which is curbing non-essential travel, and campaigns that encourage commuters to use public transportation. In spite of this drop in vehicle collisions, the number of personal injury claims increased by 18%.

British actuaries estimate the increase will probably cost insurance companies an extra £400m a year. North American insurance companies are estimating a hundred million dollar increases in personal injury claims.

What are the Reasons for Personal Injuries Claims?

Insurance companies are speculating about the causes in these increases. Several theories have been proposed:

• Increased costs of medical treatments
• Increased claims for personal suffering and loss of quality of life
• Increased costs of work time lost due to accident and recovery
• Increased numbers of people claiming total disability
• Increased knowledge of how to put forth a personal injury claim
• Higher costs of repair and replacement to vehicles and property damaged by the accident
• Personal injury lawyers encouraging those involved in accidents to make claims
• Pervading opinion that insurance companies have deep pockets
• Public opinion that supports and encourages litigation.

Actuaries noted one of the sharpest increases in personal injuries claims is whiplash. They cite more knowledgeable drivers and passengers and better detection by the medical profession as reasons for the increase in whiplash. Medical technology is able to pinpoint whiplash more accurately and sooner. Accident victims are also more aware of the symptoms of whiplash.

Governments and insurance companies are looking at ways to limit the amount of personal injury claims and the number of claims being made.

What does this mean for drivers?

In light of the increased numbers of claimants and the higher figures being sought, drivers are being advised by insurance companies and AUTO ACCIDENT LAYWYER NORTH HOLLYWOOD to make sure they have a minimum of   two million dollars coverage in personal liability and property damage (PLPD) in their insurance policies. If claims go beyond the amount of his/her PLPD, the defendant is responsible for the additional costs.

For more information on making a personal injury insurance claim contact: AUTO ACCIDENT LAYWYER NORTH HOLLYWOOD