Recent personal injury statistics are finally beginning to show some positive signs.  The trend in personal injury accidents seems to be declining modestly, particularly in certain categories.  It is probably too early to claim that this positive trend in personal injury claims is a permanent one.  However, there is reason for optimism based on some of the most recent personal injury statistics. For example, personal injury automobile accident fatalities have declined in 2006 vs. personal injury auto related fatalities in 2005.  In 2006 there were 42,642 people killed in motor vehicle crashes.  This represents a 2% decline in auto accident fatalities from 2005.  In fact, personal injury auto accident fatalities are at their lowest level in the past five years.

The percentage decline in personal injury auto accidents for 2006 was even greater than the change in auto accident fatalities vs. 2005.  Personal injury auto accidents reported in 2006 were 2,575,000 – a decline of 4.6% from 2005.  Personal injury fatalities for motorcycle riders increased in 2006 for the ninth year in a row.  It is also noteworthy to point out that of all personal injury auto fatalities; over half of the personal injury fatality victims were not wearing seat belts at the time of the personal injury accident.