Posted on Monday, February 4th, 2019 at 6:19 pm    

A common myth associated with accident cases in California is the existence of a personal injury settlement calculator. The calculator is used to determine the value of your claim. Some websites offer “free settlement calculators” for accident victims who want to know the value of the case. The myth may be common because many people believe there is a formula for calculating damages in a personal injury case. However, there is not a set formula for calculating the value of a claim.

Using a Personal Injury Settlement Calculator

Some websites try to lure you into hiring a firm by offering you use of their free calculator. You insert the total of your medical bills, lost wages, and other financial losses to calculate the value of your claim. Some websites go even further and tell you that by multiplying your financial losses by a certain number, you can calculate the value of your pain and suffering damages. However, these so-called “calculators” do not consider all factors used in valuing a personal injury claim.

There is not a magic number or formula prescribed by law that attorneys, insurance companies, or the courts use to calculate the value of a personal injury claim. In other words, there is no such thing as a personal injury settlement calculator.

Factors Used to Calculate the Value of a Personal Injury Claim?

Each case is unique. Therefore, the factors used to calculate the value of your claim may be slightly different from the factors used in another case. However, some of the common factors that impact the value of a personal injury claim include:

  • The type and severity of your injuries;
  • The total financial losses associated with the accident, your injuries, and your recovery;
  • The location of your accident;
  • The available insurance coverage;
  • The length of your recovery; and,
  • Whether or not you suffered permanent impairment or disabilities.

Liability is an Important Factor

To recover compensation for a personal injury claim, you must prove that the other party was responsible for causing the accident that resulted in your injury. However, if you are partially responsible, you may not receive full compensation for your injuries.

California uses a pure comparative negligence standard for personal injury claims. If you have any fault for causing the accident that resulted in your injuries, your compensation is reduced by the percentage of fault assigned to you for the accident.

For example, if you were speeding at the time of a crash and the jury finds you were 30 percent at fault for causing the accident, your compensation is reduced by 30 percent. If your total damages equal $100,000, the most you can receive for your claim is $70,000.

Contact a Sacramento Personal Injury Attorney for a Free Case Review

Calculating the value of a personal injury claim is a complex process. Don’t fall for a firm or website that offers a personal injury settlement calculator. Our legal team works closely with you throughout your case to ensure that we account for each expense and damage that we can include in the value of your claim. We use a variety of strategies to maximize the compensation you may receive for your claim.

Call The Tiemann Law Firm at (916) 999-9000 to schedule your free legal consultation.

Client Testimonials

Hanna Padilla Testimonial
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From the very start of my case the Tiemann Law Firm was wonderful. Perter came all the way to my home to sit down and talk to me about my options. He made me and my partner feel very comfortable and promised us he would take the very best care of my case. Peter kept me informed every step of the way and was always on top of things. everything was done in a timely manor and I always felt like I was the only case he was working on because he was so fast. In the end Peter got me back way more money than I ever expected. I would recommend this law firm to everyone. I am very happy with the outcome of my case thanks to the Tiemann Law Firm! Thank you!

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It is hard to put into words the care and dedication that I received from the Tiemann’s. They have been here for me every step of the way and were always available when I had questions or concerns. My husband and I will be forever grateful for everything they have done for us and our family. Thank you so much for all of the hard work and time you have put into my case, we greatly appreciate it and your friendship. We highly recommend this firm and will always be thankful for everything they have done. Thank you so much again, Kim

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I just saw my lawyer Jelena Tiemann on a t.v ad, which reminded me how much she helped when I was in a desperate situation. I just love her! That is why I feel a need to tell everyone. I had a situation that happened & didn’t know what to do, our where to go. I didn’t even know if she could help me or if any lawyer could. All I wanted was it to go away & was afraid most lawyers wanted to drag it out & possibly go to court. For one she was very professional but was very personable (maybe b.c she’s a lady). She didn’t make me feel embarrassed or self-conscious that I did something wrong or was the cause of the situation. She immediately said we should try our best before going to court. Let me handle some paperwork, if at the last we do go to court we have documents. She gave me all the details, pros and cons but reassured me she deals with these cases all the time. She came through and made it as painless as possible. I now have my life back.

Jennifer Birdseye Testimonial
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Tiemann Law Firm helped us with an injury case for my nephew. They were very knowledgeable and we are very happy with the service they provided. The entire staff is topnotch!

Elizabeth Ochoa Testimonial
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I chose Tiemann Law Firm to help me after a car accident I was involved in. Throughout the entire process, Moe made sure to keep me updated, he always responded quickly whenever  I had questions about anything. My case won thanks to this law firm and its dedication. My experience with Tiemann Law Firm was amazing! 10/10 recommended.