Car Accident Settlement Calculator
Car accident settlements depend on your injury, your documented losses, who was at fault, the at-fault driver's insurance limits, and whether your state uses no-fault insurance. Choose the injury that best fits your diagnosis below and enter your numbers to see an estimated range.
State laws determine how fault affects your payout and cap on pain & suffering
The severity of your injury determines the pain & suffering multiplier — insurers use this to value non-economic damages.
Surgery significantly increases settlement value — it's objective evidence of serious injury.
Hospital, ER, ambulance, specialists, physical therapy, prescriptions, imaging. Include everything billed — not just what insurance paid.
💡 Use the total billed amount — even if insurance covered part of it. Insurers use gross billing, not what you paid out of pocket.
Ongoing treatment, surgery you haven't had yet, long-term therapy or medication. An attorney can get a medical expert to project these — this often adds significant value.
Days missed from work, reduced hours, lost business income, or future earning capacity if your injury affects your ability to work long-term.
Be honest here — your state's negligence rule determines whether shared fault reduces or eliminates your recovery entirely.
How This Estimate Was Calculated
Estimate only. Actual settlements vary based on insurance policy limits, liability strength, and negotiation. An attorney's analysis will be more accurate.
Estimated Settlement Range
Select injury type
⚠️ Going without an attorney could cost you everything
• Insurance adjusters are trained to pay you as little as possible — it's their job
• They'll offer a quick settlement before you know your full injury
• They'll ask for a recorded statement to use against you later
• In contributory-negligence states, 1% of fault = $0 recovery
• Once you sign, it's permanent — even if injuries worsen
Insurance Research Council (IRC) Study
3.5×
Victims with attorneys receive 3.5× more on average — even after legal fees
⏰ Filing Deadline in Your State
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Review My Case for Free →This tool provides general estimates only and does not constitute legal advice. Consult a licensed attorney in your state.
⚠️ Going without an attorney could cost you everything
• Adjusters are trained to pay you as little as possible
• They offer quick settlements before you know your full injury
• Recorded statements are used against you
• Once you sign, it's permanent — even if injuries worsen
3.5×
more with an attorney
Victims represented by attorneys receive 3.5× more on average — even after paying legal fees (Insurance Research Council)
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What Raises a Car Accident Settlement
- Clear liability: a police report, witness statements, photos, or dashcam footage.
- Prompt medical care and consistent treatment.
- Documented lost income and future medical needs.
- Enough insurance coverage. The at-fault driver's policy limits, and your own uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage, often cap what is realistic.
How Insurers Push the Value Down
- Assigning you a share of fault to cut the payout.
- Requesting a recorded statement and broad medical authorizations.
- Making an early offer before your treatment is finished.
Records to Gather
- ✓Police report and claim numbers
- ✓Photos of the scene, vehicles, and your injuries
- ✓All medical records and bills
- ✓Proof of lost wages and your insurance declarations page
Use the evidence checklist to track everything, and check your filing deadline before you negotiate. Need treatment now with no upfront cost? Find doctors who accept liens.
Car Accident Settlement FAQ
How are car accident settlements calculated?
A common approach totals your economic losses (medical bills, future care, lost wages), then multiplies them by a factor for pain and suffering based on injury severity. The result is reduced by your share of fault, and limited by any state cap and the available insurance.
How does a no-fault state affect my settlement?
In no-fault states, your personal injury protection (PIP) coverage pays initial medical bills and lost wages regardless of fault. You may only be able to sue the other driver for pain and suffering if your injury meets the state's threshold.
What if I was partly at fault?
Most states reduce your recovery by your share of fault, and some bar recovery entirely above a threshold. A few states bar recovery for any fault. Select your state and fault level in the calculator to see the effect.
Is this estimate what I will actually receive?
No. It is an educational range. A licensed attorney in your state can evaluate liability, coverage, and your medical records.
Educational estimates only, not legal advice. Multipliers are a simplified model of how insurers value claims, not averages of real settlements. Consult a licensed attorney in your state.