Car accident settlement calculator

Estimates only. Settlement amounts depend on facts specific to your case, insurance policy limits, and jurisdiction. This calculator provides a general range only. Always consult a licensed personal injury attorney. See our full disclaimer.

Injury severity

Medical bills to date ($)

Estimated future medical costs ($)

Lost wages to date ($)

Estimated future lost earning capacity ($)

Liability strength

Your estimated percentage of fault (if any)

At-fault driver's insurance coverage

State where accident occurred In no-fault states, your own PIP insurance pays first regardless of who caused the accident. Lawsuits require meeting a serious injury threshold.

Your car accident settlement estimate

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How car accident settlements are calculated

Car accident settlements cover 2 categories of damages: economic and non-economic. Economic damages are quantifiable financial losses - medical bills, future treatment costs, lost wages, and future earning capacity. Non-economic damages cover pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, and consortium losses for a spouse.

Insurers and attorneys typically calculate non-economic damages using a multiplier method (2x to 5x economic damages) or a per diem method (daily dollar rate for each day of pain). Severity of injury, impact on daily life, and duration of recovery all drive the multiplier up or down. For related tools see the pain and suffering calculator and lost wages calculator.

Liability and comparative fault

Most states use comparative fault, reducing your recovery by your percentage of fault. A few states still use contributory negligence, barring recovery entirely if you were even 1% at fault. In shared fault accidents, documentation matters - police reports, witness statements, dashcam footage, and accident reconstruction can shift the fault percentage in your favor.

Insurance policy limits

A settlement can't exceed the at-fault driver's policy limits unless you have underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage on your own policy. If the other driver has a $25,000 policy and your damages are $200,000, the $25,000 is the ceiling from their insurer. Your UIM coverage and any commercial vehicle policies are where additional recovery comes from. Always check for commercial vehicle insurance - a delivery driver or rideshare driver may have a commercial policy with much higher limits.

Frequently asked questions

Almost never. Insurance companies make quick low offers before you know the full extent of your injuries and before you've consulted an attorney. Accepting a settlement waives all future claims - even if your injuries turn out to be worse than initially thought. Studies consistently show that accident victims who hire attorneys recover 3 to 4 times more than those who settle directly with insurers, even after attorney fees. At minimum, consult an attorney before signing anything.

Personal injury statutes of limitations for car accidents vary by state, typically 2 to 3 years from the accident date. In no-fault states, additional notice requirements and thresholds apply. Don't wait until near the deadline - evidence disappears, witnesses become unavailable, and attorneys need time to build a proper case. Contact an attorney within weeks of a serious accident, not years.

Your own uninsured motorist (UM) coverage kicks in. UM/UIM coverage is one of the most important parts of your auto policy. If you have it, your insurer steps into the at-fault driver's shoes and compensates you up to your UM policy limits. If you don't have UM coverage, your options are limited to suing the uninsured driver directly - which usually means collecting a judgment from someone with no money. An attorney can review all available coverage sources including your own policy.

Pre-existing conditions don't eliminate your claim - they complicate it. The at-fault driver is responsible for aggravating a pre-existing condition, not just for causing new injuries. The "eggshell plaintiff" doctrine says you take the victim as you find them. If you had a previously injured back and the accident made it significantly worse, you can recover for the aggravation. The defense will try to minimize the aggravation. Your attorney works with treating physicians to document exactly what the accident changed.

For truly minor accidents with minimal medical treatment and complete recovery, handling the claim yourself may be reasonable. But "minor" injuries often turn out to be more serious than initially apparent - whiplash symptoms can worsen over days and spinal injuries don't always show up immediately. If you have any doubt about the severity of your injuries, consult an attorney before settling. Most personal injury attorneys offer free initial consultations and can tell you honestly whether your claim warrants representation.