Vehicle accidents increase in comp: NCCI

The frequency of vehicle accidents in workers compensation continues to increase, a trend a report released Wednesday by the National Council on Compensation Insurance connected to the overall rise in smartphone use.

From 2011 to 2016, the frequency of all workers compensation claims decreased by 20.1% while claims caused by motor vehicle accidents increased by 4.9%, according to the report released by the Boca Raton, Florida ratings agency.

Thirteen percent of motor vehicle accident claims stem from the trucking industry, while workers in other industries such as chauffeur and taxi drivers, salespeople, and automobile services workers accounted for 2% to 5% of claims.

NCCI cited the “rapid” expansion of smartphone ownership amounting to 80% of adults during this period as a “possible contributing factor.”

Motor vehicle accident lost-time claims continue to cost over 80% more than the average lost-time claim, because such claims tend to involve severe injuries to such body parts as head, neck and spine, according to the report.

Stricter state laws on phone use while driving and vehicle safety improvements may lessen further increases in motor vehicle accident frequency, according to NCCI.