How Much Is My Car Accident Case Worth in Arizona?
Every car accident case is different, and anyone who gives you a specific number without reviewing your case is guessing. But there are real factors that determine the value of your claim, and understanding them helps you know whether the insurance company’s offer is fair or whether they are trying to underpay you.
What Determines the Value of Your Case
Medical bills (past and future). This includes emergency room visits, surgery, hospitalization, physical therapy, prescription medications, medical devices, and any future medical treatment your doctors say you will need. If your injury requires ongoing care, the future costs are often larger than what you have already spent.
Lost wages and earning capacity. If your injury kept you from working, those lost wages are part of your claim. If your injury permanently limits what kind of work you can do, the reduction in your future earning capacity can be substantial.
Pain and suffering. Arizona allows compensation for physical pain, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, and the impact of the injury on your daily activities. This is often the largest component of a personal injury settlement, and it is also where insurance companies fight hardest to pay less.
Property damage. The cost to repair or replace your vehicle and any personal property damaged in the accident.
Available insurance coverage. Your case can only recover what the at-fault driver’s insurance covers, plus any underinsured motorist coverage you carry. Arizona’s minimum liability coverage is $25,000 per person, which does not go far with serious injuries.
Why the Insurance Company’s First Offer Is Almost Always Too Low
Insurance adjusters are trained to settle claims quickly and cheaply. Their first offer often comes before you know the full extent of your injuries. They hope you will take the money before realizing your medical bills will be much higher than expected.
Once you accept a settlement, you sign a release that prevents you from asking for more, even if your injuries worsen. This is why having a lawyer review any offer before you accept is critical.
Average Settlement Ranges (General)
Minor injuries (soft tissue, no surgery): $10,000 to $50,000
Moderate injuries (broken bones, herniated discs): $50,000 to $200,000
Serious injuries (surgery, permanent disability): $200,000 to $1,000,000+
Catastrophic injuries (TBI, spinal cord, wrongful death): $500,000 to several million
These ranges are general estimates. Your case could be higher or lower depending on the specific facts, the available insurance, and the strength of the evidence.
Get a free case evaluation from Wood Injury Law: (480) 937-2116
