Motor Accidents Represent 72% of Personal Injury Claims
Press Release 25th March 2008
MOTOR ACCIDENTS REPRESENT 72% OF PERSONAL INJURY CLAIMS
MEN MAKE LESS CLAIMS BUT SECURE HIGHER AVERAGE AWARDS THAN WOMEN
LOUTH HIGHEST LEVEL OF MOTOR LIABILITY AWARDS
PER HEAD OF POPULATION
The Personal Injuries Assessment Board (PIAB) today (Tuesday, 25 th March 2008) announced that motor accidents accounted for 72% of all personal injury claims processed by the Board last year. An analysis of motor liability awards in 2007 indicates that men have fewer claims for motor accidents but secure higher average compensation. Motorists aged between 25 and 44 are recipients of almost half of all compensation awards for motor accidents.
The PIAB analysis of motor liability awards shows that in 2007 men accounted for 47% of claimants while women represented 53%. The overall average compensation awarded for a motor liability claim was €21,707, with men securing average compensation of €22,140, while women received a mean award of €21,313.
Dublin recorded the highest overall percentage of motor liability awards accounting for 23.6% of the total number of awards. This compares to counties Leitrim and Carlow which both witnessed the lowest percentage of total awards at just 0.79%.
However, an analysis of claims 'per head of population' indicates that Louth has the highest level of motor liability accounting for 4.58% of total awards, despite representing just 2.62% of the national population. Limerick recorded the second highest number of motor liability awards per head of population, while Westmeath ranked third in Ireland for the number of motor awards above the national average.
In contrast, Kilkenny has the lowest level of motor liability when compared with the national average, accounting for 1.09% of all awards while representing 2.07% of the national population.
Top 5 Counties by Motor Liability Awards Per Head of Population:
Bottom 5 Counties by Motor Liability Awards Per Head of Population:
In terms of the injuries sustained, approximately 80% of claimants cited multiple or neck, back and whiplash injuries as the basis of their claim. Despite affecting a much smaller proportion of claimants, injuries in the pelvis/leg/foot category generated the highest compensation payment at €28,519.
Commenting on these latest findings, Patricia Byron, Chief Executive, PIAB, said "Since 2004, personal injury claims in Ireland (excluding medical negligence) must be processed through the Board rather than through the Courts. The switch to PIAB has seen the Board deliver awards at the same level as the adversarial (Courts) model but four times faster and at 70% less cost. This has resulted in annual cost savings of €40 million and delivered lower insurance premia for consumers. Though PIAB is compulsory for all personal injury claimants, the Board is keen to ensure that claimants benefit from a user-friendly, consumer-focused service that is not just faster and more cost effective but also avoids the stress associated with a Court appearance. "
"This data arising from PIAB's 2007 claims profiling should assist in identifying trends in motor accidents, specifically relating to location and injury types, and may assist those involved in the development of risk minimisation programmes", concluded Ms. Byron.
The Personal Injuries Assessment Board (PIAB) is an independent statutory body, which assesses the amount of compensation due to a person who has suffered a personal injury. Claims can be made directly via a Lo-Call helpline: 1890 829 121 between 8am and 8pm from Monday to Saturday or by post to PIAB, P.O. Box 8, Clonakilty, County Cork.
Ends
Personal Injuries Assessment Board
Sorcha Coady 01 463 4551 / 086 803 2926
Editors Notes