What's the most money you can get from a car accident?
Asked by: Brianne Lesch | Last update: February 11, 2026Score: 4.9/5 (46 votes)
Factors That Affect How Much Money a Passenger Can Get After an Accident
- Minor: bruises, sprains, whiplash (typical payout: $5,000–$20,000)
- Moderate: broken bones, herniated discs, concussions ($20,000–$100,000)
- Severe: brain injuries, paralysis, internal organ damage ($100,000+)
What is the highest car accident payout?
Highest-Paying Car Accident Injuries
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI) Average Settlement Range: $500,000 – $4,000,000+ ...
- Spinal Cord Injuries and Paralysis. Average Settlement Range: $1,000,000 – $5,000,000+ ...
- Amputations and Severe Orthopedic Injuries. ...
- Severe Burns and Internal Organ Injuries.
How much will I get from a $25,000 settlement?
If you're settling a personal injury case for $25K, you probably won't walk away with the full amount. After your attorney's fees, case costs, and medical bills are deducted, you'll usually take home somewhere between $8,000 and $12,000. The exact amount depends on the details of your case, which we'll break down next.
What is a good settlement offer for a car accident?
Since every case is unique, there is no average car accident settlement in California. Some victims receive tens of thousands of dollars, while others receive a million or more.
How much can you get for back pain after a car accident?
On average, for minor to moderate back injuries like strains or sprains, settlements may range from a few thousand to tens of thousands of dollars. More severe injuries, such as herniated discs, fractures, or serious spinal cord damage, can lead to settlements in the hundreds of thousands to millions of dollars.
Lawyer Reveals Easy Car Accident Claim Process
Will I pay taxes on a settlement?
The general rule regarding taxability of amounts received from settlement of lawsuits and other legal remedies is Internal Revenue Code (IRC) Section 61. This section states all income is taxable from whatever source derived, unless exempted by another section of the code.
What is a good settlement figure?
A “good” figure is one that fairly compensates the victim for all losses incurred due to the accident, including medical bills, ongoing treatment, future medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
How long does a car accident settlement normally take?
Straightforward cases involving minor injuries and clear liability may resolve in about three to six months. More complex cases, especially those involving serious injuries, unclear liability, or uncooperative insurance companies, may take one to two years or more to settle.
How much of a 30K settlement will I get?
You'll get around $13,000 to $17,000 out of your $30K settlement in most cases. That might surprise you, but once the legal fees, medical bills, and case costs are subtracted, what's left is your actual take-home amount. The exact number depends on how your case played out.
What is a good settlement offer for a back injury?
Some legal research suggests that the average back injury settlement may range between $20,000 and $50,000. But in most severe back injuries, it is possible the injured party could receive between $100,000 and $500,000. This is especially likely if the spinal cord is affected.
How much is a good settlement for a car accident?
A: In California, the average car accident settlement amount is anywhere between $20,000 – $30,000, depending on the overall severity of the injuries sustained and any associated property damages, lost wages, etc.
What not to say to an injury lawyer?
What Not to Say to an Injury Lawyer
- It Was My Fault. ...
- I Don't Think My Injuries Are That Serious. ...
- I Want to Settle Quickly. ...
- I Don't Want to Share That — It Might Hurt My Case. ...
- Best Practices for Talking with Your Injury Lawyer. ...
- Contact the Bronx Personal Injury Attorneys at Rosenbaum Personal Injury Lawyers for Help Today.
How to get more money for your car after an accident?
The 5 tips for getting more money from a car accident settlement or truck crash settlement include seeking medical care, collecting evidence, hiring an attorney, not accepting your first settlement offer, and being careful about what you say.
How much should I settle for pain and suffering?
It should cover all your medical bills and lost income, plus extra money for your pain and suffering. This extra amount should reflect how much the accident has affected your life. For minor injuries that heal quickly, a fair settlement might be just a few thousand dollars above your medical bills and lost earnings.
What is a reasonable settlement amount?
A reasonable settlement offer is one that fully covers all of your accident-related losses, both present and future, while a low offer falls short, leaving you to bear the financial burden. If you have received an offer from an insurance company, it is vital to understand the difference and what you can do about it.