The nature and extent of serious injuries resulting from auto accidents and the prognoses of the accident victims have been examined as part of an insurer study of auto injuries. The source of data for the study was auto insurer claim files in three states with unlimited no-fault medical benefits-Michigan, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania.

Because of the nature of the no-fault provisions in these three states, auto insurance companies may continue making payments for claims resulting from serious auto injuries throughout the lifetime of many of the accident victims. This provides a unique opportunity to study the circumstances of the crashes, the nature of the injuries, and the special kinds of care required by the seriously injured. The results of an original study conducted in 1978 and of a follow-up study completed in 1980 are described.