It is the first question most people ask, and the honest answer is that nobody can tell you on day one. Any lawyer who quotes a number before seeing your medical records is guessing. What we can do is explain what goes into the value of a claim.
Economic damages
These are the losses with a paper trail:
- medical bills, past and future
- lost wages and reduced earning capacity
- property damage, such as your vehicle
- out-of-pocket costs like medication, equipment and travel to appointments
Non-economic damages
California law also allows compensation for physical pain, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, and disfigurement. There is no chart for these. They depend on how serious the injury is, how long it lasts and how convincingly its effect on your life is shown.
What raises or lowers the value
How clear fault is
Strong evidence that the other party caused the crash increases what an insurer will pay. Under California’s comparative fault rule, your compensation is reduced by any share of fault assigned to you.
The severity and permanence of the injury
A broken bone that heals is valued differently from an injury that needs surgery or leaves lasting limits. Future medical needs can be the largest part of a serious claim.
Your medical record
Insurers look for gaps. Prompt treatment and consistent follow-up show that the injury is real and related to the accident.
Available insurance
A claim can only be collected from the insurance and assets that exist. California’s minimum liability limits are modest, which is why identifying every applicable policy, including your own uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage, matters.
Why first offers are usually low
An early offer is made before your treatment is finished and before the full cost is known. It reflects what the insurer hopes you will accept. Once you sign a release, you cannot go back for more if your condition worsens.
What you can do to protect your claim
- Get medical care promptly and follow your treatment plan.
- Keep every bill, receipt and record of missed work.
- Stay off social media when it comes to the accident and your injuries.
- Talk to a lawyer before giving a recorded statement or signing anything.
For a rough starting point, you can try the firm’s Instant Estimate tool. An estimate is not a prediction or a promise, and a real assessment requires your records. To see how specific claims work, visit our practice areas or start with car accidents.
Want a real assessment of your case?
Send us the details or call. We will review the facts and tell you honestly how we see your claim.
This article is general information about California law as of its publication date. It is not legal advice and does not create an attorney-client relationship. Laws change, and how they apply depends on your facts. Consult an attorney about your situation.
