Enter your numbers below. The calculator combines your economic damages (bills and lost wages) with an estimate of non-economic damages (pain and suffering), then adjusts the total for fault. Results are an educational estimate, not a guaranteed offer.
How this calculator works
Insurance adjusters and attorneys usually build a claim from two buckets. This tool follows the same logic so your estimate reflects how a real settlement is framed.
1. Economic damages (the hard numbers)
These are your measurable, out-of-pocket losses: medical bills already incurred, estimated future treatment, wages you lost while recovering, any long-term loss of earning capacity, and vehicle or property damage. Because they come with receipts and records, they form the backbone of every claim.
2. Non-economic damages (pain and suffering)
These cover the human cost — physical pain, emotional distress, and reduced quality of life. There is no receipt for them, so adjusters commonly use the multiplier method: they multiply your injury-related economic damages by a factor (typically 1.5 to 5) based on how serious and lasting the injury is. Our calculator applies the multiplier you select and shows a low-to-high range around it.
3. Adjustment for fault
Most states follow comparative negligence rules. If you were partly responsible for the crash, your payout is reduced by your percentage of fault. Enter 20% fault and the estimate drops by 20%. A few states bar recovery entirely if you are 50% or 51% at fault, so your local rules matter.
Frequently asked questions
How accurate is a car accident settlement calculator?
It gives you a reasonable ballpark based on the same building blocks insurers use — economic damages plus a pain-and-suffering multiplier, adjusted for fault. It cannot account for the specific facts of your case, your state's caps on damages, or negotiation dynamics, so treat the result as an educational range rather than a firm figure.
What is the average car accident settlement?
There is no single average because cases vary enormously. Minor soft-tissue claims often settle in the low thousands, while serious injuries with surgery can reach six figures. See our average settlement amounts page for typical ranges by injury type.
What multiplier should I use for pain and suffering?
As a rough guide: 1.5–2 for minor injuries that fully heal, 3 for injuries needing surgery or leaving lasting pain, and 4–5 for permanent or catastrophic injuries. Learn more on our pain and suffering multiplier page.
Does being partly at fault reduce my settlement?
In most states, yes. Under comparative negligence, your award is reduced by your percentage of fault. In some states you recover nothing if you are 50% or more at fault. Enter your estimated fault percentage to see the effect.
Should I hire a lawyer or settle on my own?
This tool does not replace professional advice. For minor claims many people negotiate directly with the insurer. For serious injuries, disputed fault, or when an insurer's offer seems low, most people consult a personal injury attorney — many offer free consultations. We are not a law firm and cannot advise on your specific case.