Claim Inputs
Enter amounts as numbers. Commas are allowed.
Example Data Table
A sample scenario to show how entries are structured.
| Item | Example value | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Repair cost | $1,800.00 | Body + paint |
| Rental / loss of use | $420.00 | 14 days × $30 |
| Medical bills | $2,500.00 | Urgent care + PT |
| Lost wages | $600.00 | 3 days missed |
| Pain method | Multiplier | 1.5× medical |
| Your fault | 0% | Not at fault |
| PD limit / BI limit | $25,000 / $50,000 | Available coverage |
Formula Used
- PropertyDamage = repairs + towing + rental + property + diminished value
- BodilyEconomic = medical + future medical + lost wages + other expenses
- NonEconomic = (medical + future) × multiplier, or fixed amount
- Interest (optional) = (PD + BI + NonEconomic) × APR × (days/365)
- GrossDamages = PD + BI + NonEconomic + Interest
- FaultFactor = (100 − your_fault%) / 100
- AfterFaultPD = PD × FaultFactor
- AfterFaultBI = (BI + NonEconomic + Interest) × FaultFactor
- CollectiblePD = min(AfterFaultPD, PD_limit)
- CollectibleBI = min(AfterFaultBI, BI_limit + UIM_limit)
- NetToYou = Collectible − deductible_out_of_pocket − fees − liens − deductions
This model is a structured estimator. Real settlements depend on evidence, liability disputes, local practice, and policy terms.
How to Use This Calculator
- Gather documents: repair estimate, invoices, receipts, medical bills, and wage verification.
- Enter property costs, then injury-related costs (if any).
- Choose a pain and suffering approach, or set it to none.
- Set fault to 0% if you are fully not at fault.
- Enter the at-fault driver’s limits; add UIM/UM if you may rely on it.
- Use fees/liens to estimate what you may actually receive.
- Click Calculate. Download the CSV/PDF to share or archive.
Professional Notes and Data
Damage Categories That Drive Settlement Value
Property damage commonly includes repairs, towing, storage, rental loss of use, personal items, and diminished value. In many files, repair invoices represent 60–80% of the property portion. If your repair total is 1,800 and rental is 420, the property subtotal becomes 2,220 before any fault adjustment. Adding documented items prevents “soft” numbers from being discounted. Keep receipts dated, match them to photos, and note days out of service; insurers often request a per-day rental rate and a repair timeline for approval.
Fault Percentage and Comparative Negligence Impact
This calculator applies a fault factor of (100 − your fault%) ÷ 100. A 20% share reduces every recovery component by 0.80. Example: 10,000 in combined damages becomes 8,000 after fault. Even small changes matter: moving from 10% to 5% increases the after‑fault total by about 5.6% relative to the reduced figure.
Policy Limits and Collectible Ceiling
Limits are the practical ceiling. If after‑fault property damage is 30,000 but the property limit is 25,000, collectible property is capped at 25,000. The bodily injury side is similarly capped, with optional UIM/UM added as an extension. A common pattern is strong damages but constrained limits, creating an uncompensated gap that informs strategy.
Non‑Economic Valuation and Interest Timing
For non‑economic damages, the multiplier method uses (medical + future medical) × multiplier. With 2,500 medical, 1,000 future care, and a 1.5 multiplier, non‑economic equals 5,250. Optional simple interest estimates delay cost: total damages × APR × days/365. At 6% over 180 days on 20,000, interest is about 592.
Net Recovery After Fees and Liens
Net to you subtracts out‑of‑pocket deductible (if not reimbursed), attorney contingency, medical liens, and other deductions. On a 15,000 collectible, a 33.33% fee is about 5,000, leaving 10,000 before liens. If liens total 2,500 and other deductions are 300, estimated net becomes 7,200.
FAQs
1) What does “not at fault” mean in this calculator?
Set your fault percentage to 0%. The estimator then avoids liability reductions and focuses on damages, limits, deductions, and the estimated net you may actually receive.
2) Why can my collectible be lower than my damages?
Collectible values are capped by the entered policy limits. If your after‑fault totals exceed limits, the difference becomes an uncompensated estimate in this model.
3) How should I choose a pain and suffering multiplier?
Use it cautiously. The multiplier is applied to medical plus future medical, so small changes can swing results. If unsure, run several scenarios and compare documentation strength.
4) Does the interest option reflect local law?
No. It applies a simple interest estimate using APR and delay days. Real entitlement, rates, and start dates vary by jurisdiction, policy language, and settlement posture.
5) What happens if my deductible is reimbursed?
When reimbursement is checked, deductible out‑of‑pocket is set to zero in the net estimate. If reimbursement is uncertain, uncheck it to see a conservative net.
6) Can I use the PDF as a demand letter?
It’s a structured summary, not a legal document. Pair it with supporting records, photos, timelines, and a clear narrative before making any formal demand.