GET YOUR FREE CONSULTATION

Truth About Car Accident Settlement Calculators

Frank • February 12, 2016

Car Accident Settlement Calculator — Roseville, CA — Frank Penney Injury Lawyers

Read the blog from Frank Penney Injury Lawyers in Roseville, CA below.

There are many car accident settlement calculators available online, but they should only be used to provide an estimate of your eventual settlement.

This article will shed light on some of the key variables that can only be determined by examining the details of the case.

Two Primary Factors When Determining Your Settlement

The value of your settlement will ultimately depend on proof of liability and the severity of your injuries.

1. PROOF OF LIABILITY

The majority of car accidents are the result of negligence, either the negligence of one or more drivers to drive safely, or negligence to implement safe road design. In some states, if you were even a little bit responsible for the accident you won’t be able to recoup any of your associated expenses. California follows the legal doctrine of “comparative negligence” which means that you may recover costs in direct proportion to the negligence of the other driver. So if you were hit by a car and and were 80% at fault, you would be entitled to recover 80% of your costs.

Police reports are a strong indicator to insurance companies of who was at fault during the accident. If you were hit by a car from behind or hit by a driver who was making a left turn, the other driver will almost always be found liable for the accident.

2. SEVERITY OF INJURIES

It’s simple: the worse your injuries are, and the longer your life will be debilitated by them, the more money you’re likely to get. And there is such a wide spectrum of injuries possible to sustain in a car accident that what you think is severe may not seem so bad to an insurance adjuster. You must validate your case with medical records from professional medical treatment facilities and be able to show that you followed your doctor’s recommended course of treatment. (Don’t seek unnecessary treatment; it’s unlikely that you will be reimbursed for a visit to an herbalist.)

Try to imagine that you are a member of a jury and view your case objectively. Did you follow proper procedure after the accident? How much proof do you have?

Negotiation in Car Accident Settlements

While it’s easy enough to provide proof of economic damages, there is usually some “wiggle room” in proving the value of noneconomic damages. This is why getting a lawyer who can negotiate well is key to your settlement. A skilled personal injury lawyer may be able to persuade an insurance adjuster that your noneconomic damages are worth more than they originally offer. A lawyer can also be very resourceful in finding more types of evidence than you may think of on your own.

So instead of trusting an online car accident settlement calculator, consider contacting a trusted personal injury lawyer for a free case evaluation.

< Older Post

Newer Post >

No Fee Guarantee!

Our legal team understands that life can be very stressful after an accident of any type. The financial costs of your accident can add to that stress. When you are asking for help, this should make your life easier – not more difficult. That is why you do not have to worry about any upfront legal fees and expenses when you hire Frank Penney Injury Lawyers to handle your California personal injury case.

At Frank Penney Injury Lawyers, Frank Penney and his staff work on a contingency basis. This means you only have to pay a fee if you win your case. We will never charge a fee unless we obtain a settlement on your behalf. No win. No fee. Case closed.

This means there is no risk in asking Frank Penney Injury Lawyers for help. You get to benefit from Frank Penney’s years of experience, knowledge, and success without needing to stress about the cost. Call today to set up a free initial case assessment or to learn more.

When I first contacted the Law Offices of Frank D. Penney after my accident, I was frustrated with car insurance companies, and medical insurance companies; after all, I was in pain. He and his staff put me at ease instantly! It was such a relief to have someone working on MY BEHALF! They were able to settle my case for more than I initially thought it was worth. THANKS AGAIN!!!

- KRISTA H.

Why Choose Us?

If You Don’t Win, You Don’t Pay
Free Case Evaluations
Over 25 Years of Experience

Compassionate and Caring
Highly Rated Reviews
Proven Track Record

24/7 Availability
Quick Response Time
And More

Our Recent Blog Posts

An auto accident attorney from Frank Penney Injury Lawyers and her client are shaking hands in her o

5 Common Mistakes to Avoid After a Car Accident in Redding & How an Auto Accident Attorney Can Help

April 4, 2025

Learn why gathering evidence and consulting an auto accident attorney in Redding, CA, are crucial. Call Frank Penney Injury Lawyers at 888-888-0566.

Tragic DUI Crash in Pomona, California Claims Lives of Toddler and Two Sisters

By Frank Penney • March 26, 2025

A devastating crash in Pomona has left a family grieving after a suspected DUI driver caused a head-on collision that killed three people, including a 1-year-old boy. The tragedy unfolded late Saturday night on the 60 Freeway when a wrong-way driver crashed into a Honda Civic carrying two sisters and the infant. The victims have been identified as 1-year-old Ezra Aziel Espinoza, 29-year-old Jazmin Guadalupe Ramos, and 39-year-old Raquel Moreno. Both women died at the scene, while little Ezra was rushed to Children’s Hospital of Orange County. After showing no signs of life, he was taken off life support on Tuesday, his family confirmed. Authorities say the crash happened just after 11 p.m. near Reservoir Street when a driver, traveling east in the westbound lanes, slammed into the sisters’ vehicle. The California Highway Patrol identified the driver as 24-year-old Rick Rodriguez of Pomona. He suffered only minor injuries and was taken to Pomona Valley Hospital before being arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence. As the victims’ loved ones mourn their loss, family members shared that the sisters’ parents remain in Mexico, unable to be with their grieving relatives in Southern California. This heartbreaking accident serves as yet another reminder of the devastating consequences of impaired driving. Experience unparalleled legal representation with Frank Penney Injury Law , the esteemed recipients of the CAOC Trial Attorney of the Year award. With over two decades of dedicated service, our team has consistently delivered record-setting results for accident victims in Northern, Central, and Southern California. Enjoy peace of mind with our no upfront fees policy. Contact us today at 888-888-0566 or through our website www.penneylaw.com for a FREE consultation. Frank Penney Injury Lawyers does not represent any of the parties mentioned above. Nevertheless, we sympathize with the victim and their families in this time of crisis.

4 Injured after Tesla Crashes into Downtown Sacramento Building

By Frank Penney • March 25, 2025

A Tesla crashed into the Kaiser Permanente Downtown Commons building off 5th and J Street on Monday morning, leaving four people with minor injuries. The incident happened just after 9 a.m., prompting a swift response from the Sacramento Fire and Police Departments. According to officials, the driver of the Tesla was among those injured. Three pedestrians were also hurt after being struck by debris from the crash. Among them were two Kaiser Permanente employees who sustained minor injuries. Fortunately, no serious harm was reported. Authorities have not yet determined what caused the crash. While accidents like this can be alarming, they serve as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of roadway incidents and the importance of staying aware of your surroundings. If you've been injured in an accident, even a seemingly minor one, it’s essential to understand your rights. Medical bills, lost wages, and other expenses can add up quickly. Speaking with an experienced personal injury attorney can help you navigate the legal process and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve. At Frank Penney Injury Law , we’ve helped thousands of clients recover after car accidents. With over 25 years of experience and nearly $500 million in settlements won, Frank Penney is a trusted advocate for injury victims in California. Named the 2023 California Consumer Attorney of the Year, he is dedicated to fighting for justice both in and outside the courtroom. Learn more at www.penneylaw.com —because when it comes to your case, You Can Bank on Frank! Frank Penney Injury Lawyers does not represent any of the parties mentioned above. Nevertheless, we sympathize with the victim and their families in this time of crisis.

24/7 Availability – Reach Us by Phone, Email, Chat and More!

If you are involved in any type of personal injury due to the fault of someone else, our experienced team at Frank Penney Injury Lawyers in Roseville, CA can help. We are available to anyone in Northern California 24/7! Give us a call today to learn more at 888-888-0566. We will fight for your rights!