July 2005

Californians use chiropractors most in auto injuries

Californians go to chiropractors most often following an auto injury, according to a study by the Insurance Research Council (IRC).

Comparing auto-injury claims from four states, IRC found that claimants seek different types of medical treatment, even though they report similar injuries. States in which claims were studied were California, Illinois, Texas, and Washington.

Comparing auto-injury claims from these four tort states, IRC finds that California claimants go to chiropractors most often; Illinois claimants are most likely to see an emergency room physician; and Washington claimants are most likely to go to general practitioners, as well as alternative medical providers, such as massage therapists.

From 1997 to 2002, per-claimant medical expenses increased the most in Texas, compared with the other three states.

The study, “Analysis of Auto Injury Insurance Claims in Four Tort States,” reveals the following differences and similarities among bodily injury liability (BI) claims in these four states:

IRC is an independent, nonprofit research organization supported by leading property and casualty insurance companies and associations.

Source: Insurance Research Council, www.ircweb.org