Current version: 1.2.0. Every calculation runs in your browser; we do not store what you enter. The calculation code is covered by automated tests for each state rule and tariff band.
United States: settlement estimate
1. Economic damages
The sum of past and future medical costs, past and future lost income, property damage and other out-of-pocket costs you enter.
2. Non-economic damages (pain and suffering)
We use the multiplier method: injury-related economic losses (everything except property damage) multiplied by a range based on the severity you choose. If you indicate lasting or permanent effects, 0.5 is added to both ends of the range, up to a maximum of 5×.
| Severity | Multiplier range |
|---|---|
| minor | 1.5× to 2× |
| moderate | 2× to 3× |
| serious | 3× to 4× |
| severe | 4× to 5× |
These ranges are a documented assumption reflecting how the multiplier method is commonly described by attorneys and legal publishers. They are not set by law, and insurers use their own claim-evaluation software.
3. Fault
| Rule | Effect in the calculator |
|---|---|
| Pure comparative negligence | Reduced by your % of fault; never barred |
| Modified (50% bar) | Reduced by your %; nothing if 50% or more |
| Modified (51% bar) | Reduced by your %; nothing if more than 50% |
| Contributory negligence (AL, MD, NC, VA, DC) | Any fault shown as a possible bar to recovery |
| South Dakota slight/gross rule | Reduced by your %, with a warning that recovery may be barred |
4. Policy limits, fees and liens
If you enter the at-fault party's policy limit and the estimate exceeds it, we show a warning. The net range subtracts your chosen attorney fee percentage and any liens from each end of the range.
5. Deadline and offer checks
If you enter the accident date, we add your state's general limitation period to show a general deadline and the days remaining. If you enter an insurance offer, we show whether it is below, within or above your fault-adjusted range. Deadlines have many exceptions, so we always recommend confirming yours with an attorney.
6. Rounding and ranges
Results are rounded (for example to the nearest $500 between $10,000 and $100,000) because precise-looking figures would suggest accuracy the method does not have. We always show a low, middle and high value.
United Kingdom (England & Wales): compensation estimate
Road traffic whiplash
For whiplash injuries of up to two years suffered by drivers and passengers, we apply the statutory tariff: the 2021 table for accidents from 31 May 2021 to 30 May 2025 and the 2025 table for accidents from 31 May 2025. The minor psychological injury amounts apply if you tick that option.
Other injuries
Compensation for other injuries (general damages for pain, suffering and loss of amenity) comes from the bracket ranges in the Judicial College Guidelines (18th edition, April 2026), summarised in our own words. You choose the injury and how serious it is, and we show the full bracket rather than a single figure, because where a case falls within a bracket depends on the medical evidence. If you already have a figure from a medical report, an offer or a solicitor, you can enter it instead. Brackets are guidance for judges, not a fixed tariff.
Special damages and contributory negligence
Financial losses are added as entered. The combined total is reduced by the percentage of blame you enter.
Time limit
We show the general 3-year limit from the accident date under the Limitation Act 1980. Exceptions apply, for example for children.
Limitations
- We cannot assess evidence, credibility or how liability will be argued.
- Serious and permanent injuries often need expert reports on future care and earnings.
- Special rules apply to medical negligence, claims against government bodies, minors and workers' compensation.
- Laws change. See our sources and editorial policy.
Change log
- 1.1.0 (27 September 2026): added filing-deadline and insurance-offer checks; verified both UK whiplash tariff tables against legislation.
- 1.0.0 (27 September 2026): first public version.