Car accident claims combine two kinds of damages: your actual out-of-pocket losses (medical bills, lost wages, vehicle repair) and compensation for pain and suffering. Insurance adjusters typically use the multiplier method below as a starting point in negotiations — enter your numbers to see how it works.
This tool uses the multiplier method: (medical bills + lost wages) × a pain-and-suffering multiplier based on injury severity (1.5x for minor, 3x for moderate, 5x for severe), minus any reduction for your percentage of fault. It's the same starting-point approach insurance adjusters commonly use in negotiations — not a guaranteed outcome.
If you select a state, this tool applies that state's actual comparative/contributory negligence rule and, where researched, its noneconomic-damages cap for this claim type — see the methodology page for exactly which states and rules are currently covered. If your state's rule bars recovery at your entered fault percentage, this tool shows an explanation instead of a dollar amount — that percentage is your own estimate, not a legal finding, and several of these rules have real exceptions.
It gives a starting-point estimate using the same multiplier method insurance adjusters use, not a guaranteed outcome. Actual settlements depend on liability, insurance policy limits, and negotiation.
Yes, and the exact effect depends on your state. Most states apply comparative negligence, reducing recovery proportionally by your fault percentage — some bar recovery entirely once fault crosses a threshold (typically 50% or 51%, and the exact cutoff varies by state). A handful of states (Alabama, Maryland, North Carolina, Virginia, D.C.) use pure contributory negligence, where any fault at all can bar recovery, though real exceptions exist there too. Select your state above for the specific rule that applies — fault percentage is ultimately determined by a judge or jury, not by this estimate.
Every state sets a statute of limitations for personal injury claims, typically 1 to 6 years from the accident date. Check your state's deadline — missing it usually bars the claim permanently.