Best California Car Accident Settlement Calculator (90 Second Estimate)
Legally reviewed by: Jessica Anvar Stotz, JD, MBA
Updated 12/10/23
Looking to calculate your California car accident settlement quickly? Fill out our online calculator form to get a rough estimate in about 90 seconds. This calculator can work for most car accidents. If you have a specific type of accident you were in, check out one of our additional accident calculators below.
Looking for a More Specific Estimate?
If you’re looking for a more specific estimate based on the type of accident you were in, use one of online calculators below.
California Rear End Collision Settlement Calculator
Recently in a rear ended in California? Use our online calculator designed specifically for rear end accidents to get a settlement estimate in about 90 seconds.
California Passenger Car Accident Settlement Calculator
Recently in a car accident? Use this online calculator designed specifically for passengers in a car accident and get a settlement estimate in about 90 seconds.
DUI Accident Settlement Calculator
Recently hit by a drunk driver? Use this online calculator designed specifically for DUI car accidents and get a settlement estimate in about 90 seconds.
Now that you have your estimate, read on below to gather more information about why reaching out to an attorney after calculating your settlement can be beneficial.
Car accidents can be a traumatic and confusing experience, and the process of settling a claim can be even more so. One tool that some individuals use to help navigate this process is a California car accident settlement calculator.
Auto accident settlement calculators are designed to give an estimate of the potential settlement for a car accident claim; however, they are not always accurate or reliable, nor do online calculators consider nuances that could significantly affect the outcome of your case.
The final settlement amount you receive depends on the specific circumstances of your situation. Your final settlement amount can be affected by many different factors such as the severity of the injuries, the extent of the damage, and the degree of fault. Car accident calculators may not take all these factors into consideration and the estimated settlement amount may not be the most accurate.
Online calculators cannot consider every detail of your case when putting together an estimate. To have the best understanding possible of what you could receive in recovery, we recommend consulting with a highly qualified personal injury or car accident attorney. Talking to an attorney is a better option than using an online settlement calculator for several reasons:
- Personalized advice: An attorney can provide personalized advice based on your specific situation and the facts of your case. An online calculator is a one-size-fits-all tool and may not consider every important detail regarding your case.
- Experience: An attorney has the experience and knowledge to advise you on the best course of action. They can help you understand the strengths and weaknesses of your case and help you make informed decisions about how to proceed.
- Representation: An attorney can represent you in court and negotiate with the opposing party on your behalf. They can help you navigate the legal system and ensure that your rights are protected.
- Complexity: Some cases are complex and require a deep understanding of the law that only an attorney with many years of experience in personal injury can provide. An online calculator may not be able to handle such complexity or give accurate advice on the settlement.
Online car accident settlement calculators can be helpful in estimating potential value of a claim, but they are not a substitute for the expertise of an experienced attorney. An attorney can provide a more accurate assessment of the value of your claim and help you navigate the legal process. Additionally, an attorney can negotiate on your behalf and work to maximize your settlement.
What is the average settlement for a car accident in California?
Settlements for car accidents in California can range from a few thousand dollars for a minor accident with no injuries, to hundreds of thousands or even millions of dollars for a severe accident with serious injuries or wrongful death. It is important to keep in mind that every case is unique and the final amount that you may receive will vary based on the unique facts of your case.
To determine what you could receive in recovery, we recommend consulting with an accident attorney or personal injury lawyer who will be able to assess your case and provide an accurate estimate of the potential outcome.
An attorney will also be aware of any potential legal issues that could impact the outcome of your case, such as the statute of limitations or comparative fault laws, which are time-sensitive and could negatively impact the outcome of your claim if not handled correctly. Therefore, we recommend consulting with an attorney as soon as possible after an accident to ensure that your case is handled correctly.
How are car accident cases calculated in California?
In California, an auto accident settlement calculation is based on the principle of “comparative fault.” This means the damages awarded to the injured party are reduced by the percentage of fault attributed to them. For example, if an injured person is found to be 25% at fault for an accident, they will only receive 75% of the total damages awarded.
When determining the damages to be awarded in a car accident case, there are several factors that are considered, including:
- Medical expenses: This includes the cost of any medical treatment, such as emergency room visits, hospital stays, surgeries, physical therapy, and any other medical expenses related to the accident.
- Lost wages: If the injured person is unable to work due to their injuries, they may be entitled to compensation for the wages they would have earned during their recovery period.
- Pain and suffering: This includes compensation for the physical and emotional pain and suffering caused by the accident.
- Property damage: If the injured person’s car or other property was damaged in the accident, they may be entitled to compensation for the cost of repairs or replacement of the damaged property.
There is a statute of limitations of two years for car accident claims in California. This means that you have two years from the date of the accident to file a claim or take legal action for your case. We highly recommend enlisting the help of an attorney who is well versed in California car accident law and can help you obtain the best settlement possible.
How do car accident settlement calculators work?
Car accident settlement calculators are online tools that can provide an estimate of the potential settlement amount for a car accident case based on certain information that you input. They are typically designed to provide a rough estimate of how much you could receive in recovery. The final settlement amount you may receive will depend on the specific circumstances of your case.
Using a car accident payout calculator typically involves inputting information about the accident, such as the date and location of the accident, the type of vehicles involved, and the injuries that were sustained.
The calculator may also ask for information about the at-fault party, such as their insurance company and policy limits. Based on the information you input, the calculator will use an auto accident settlement formula to estimate the potential amount you could receive.
Auto accident settlement calculations are not meant to be a substitute for legal advice. The final settlement amount you receive may be significantly different from the estimate provided by the calculator.
Ultimately, the best way to know the exact amount is to consult with an attorney who can review the details of your case to provide you with a more accurate estimate. Online car accident settlement calculators cannot factor in every detail about your case when determining an estimate, whereas a personal injury attorney can.
What are some example cases?
Common car accident case types include:
- Rear-end collisions: These accidents occur when one driver hits the back of another driver’s vehicle. Rear-end collisions may happen in heavy traffic or when a driver is not paying attention.
- Head-on collisions: Head-on accidents happen when two vehicles collide while traveling in opposite directions. These accidents can be caused by driver error or poor road design.
- T-bone accidents: Also called side-impact collisions, T-bone accidents happen when the front of one vehicle strikes the side of another. T-bone collisions can occur at intersections when one driver runs a red light or stop sign.
- Rollover accidents: Rollover collisions occur when a vehicle tips over onto its roof or side. They are often caused by driver error or by manufacturing defects in a vehicle.
- Hit and Run Accidents: Hit and run accidents occur when one of the drivers involved in an accident intentionally leaves the scene without stopping to provide identification or render aid.
If you were in an accident involving a commercial truck, you will need assistance from a legal team that specializes in truck accident law. A truck accident lawyer specializes in representing clients who have been involved in accidents involving commercial trucks, such as 18-wheelers, tractor-trailers, and delivery trucks.
They have a specific understanding of the federal and state regulations that govern these types of vehicles and the companies that operate them.
A car accident lawyer, on the other hand, typically deals with accidents involving private passenger cars and other non-commercial vehicles. Accidents involving commercial trucks are often more complex and result in far more severe injuries and property damage than auto accidents involving only private passenger vehicles.
What does a settlement check cover?
A settlement check from an insurance company in a car accident claim typically covers the following types of damages:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Property damage
A settlement check from an insurance company is intended to compensate the injured party for their damages and losses caused by the accident. These settlement checks are usually a lump sum, and it is the injured person’s responsibility to ensure that the funds are used to cover the damages and expenses they incurred.
If you are not sure if the settlement offered to you covers all the damages and expenses you have sustained because of the accident, you should consult with a personal injury attorney for legal advice. A personal injury attorney can ensure that you understand all the terms of the settlement and that you are receiving fair compensation for your losses.
Should I speak with any insurance companies?
You should be cautious when communicating with insurance companies immediately following an accident. Keep in mind that their goal is to settle claims as quickly and inexpensively as possible. Here are a few things to keep in mind when communicating with insurance companies after a car accident:
- Be careful with what you say: Insurance adjusters will often ask for a recorded statement soon after the accident, be aware that anything you say could potentially be used against you later
- Don’t sign anything: Be careful when signing any document that the insurance company gives you, as you may be waiving your rights to compensation. You should consult with a personal injury attorney before signing any documents given to you by an insurance company.
- Keep track of all communications: Maintain accurate records of all communication and correspondence with the insurance company, including the name and contact information of the representative you spoke with.
- Get legal advice: We recommend speaking with an attorney who is experienced in car accident cases, as they can help you navigate the claims process and advise you on the best course of action. Your attorney can handle any communications with the insurance company.
When you speak with an insurance company after a car accident, they may ask you a series of questions about the accident. You should be aware that they may try to use your answers against you.
For example, if you admit fault, even slightly, the insurance company may use this to reduce or deny your claim. An attorney can help you understand the legal questions being asked and assist you in responding in a way that protects your rights and interests.
What Evidence is Needed for My Case?
The type of evidence needed depends on the specific circumstances of your case. However, some common types of evidence that may be used to support your claim include:
- Photographs and videos: Pictures or videos of the accident scene, the vehicles involved, and any injuries can be used as evidence to show the extent of the damage and injuries.
- Police report: The police report will contain important information about the accident, such as the location, time, weather conditions, and who was at fault.
- Eyewitness statements: Eyewitnesses who saw the accident happen can provide valuable testimony about what they saw and heard.
- Medical records and bills: Medical records and bills will show the extent of your injuries and the treatment that you received as a result of the accident.
- Expert witness testimony: An expert witness can be used to provide testimony on issues such as the cause of the accident, the extent of the injuries, and the value of the damages.
- Insurance policy and coverage documents: It’s important to have a copy of the policy and coverage documents to understand the limits of the insurance coverage and the rights that you have under the policy.
An accident attorney can assist you in gathering evidence by using their legal expertise and resources to obtain relevant documentation, witness statements, and other forms of evidence that can be used to support your claim.
They can also interview and depose relevant parties, hire experts to investigate the incident, and gather evidence from the opposing party through the discovery process. With their knowledge of personal injury laws and the legal system, they can ensure that all evidence is properly obtained and presented to strengthen your case as much as possible.
Is a car accident suit worth it?
Whether or not a car accident suit is worth it depends on the specific circumstances of your case. In some cases, settling with the insurance company may be the best option and can provide a faster and more efficient resolution. In other cases, however, pursuing a car accident suit in court may be necessary to ensure that you receive fair compensation for your injuries and damages.
The decision of whether to file a car accident lawsuit is a personal one, and you should consider all of your options and the potential outcomes before making a decision. A personal injury attorney can help you understand your rights and provide guidance on filing a lawsuit.
Should I Hire a Lawyer?
We highly recommend hiring a lawyer if you believe that you have a car accident claim. A highly skilled personal injury attorney can secure fair compensation for your injuries and damages; handle negotiations and court procedures; and protect your legal rights.
Before deciding to take legal action, you should speak with a reputable car accident lawyer about your options. An experienced attorney can provide you with a more accurate assessment of your case than any online car accident settlements calculator.
Excellent legal representation may cost you nothing at the outset. Many personal injury lawyers work on a contingency basis, which means that they only get paid if you receive a settlement or win in court. You can be confident that your legal team will work extremely hard to negotiate the best possible outcome for your case.
If you live in Los Angeles and are searching for a personal injury attorney, LawLinq can help. Our lawyer referral service is the best choice for anyone in need of legal representation in the LA area.
Our team carefully screens and selects attorneys based on their experience, qualifications, and ability to provide compassionate and effective representation. With LawLinq, you can have peace of mind knowing that you are being matched with a reputable lawyer who has the skills and experience to win your case, at zero cost to you.
We understand that finding the right lawyer can be a daunting task, especially when you are trying to recover from a car accident. That is why LawLinq takes the guesswork out of the process by carefully screening and selecting the best attorneys for your case.
We only work with California Bar certified lawyers who have a proven record of accomplishment. If you have any questions about your situation, please let us know. Our team is more than happy to help you determine your options. Give us a call at 855-997-2588 or fill out a referral form on our website to learn more.
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