If you were in a car crash in Phoenix, you might wonder how much money people usually get in a settlement. The truth is, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Some people walk away with $10,000. Others might get over $100,000. It all depends on your injuries, the insurance coverage, who was at fault, and how the crash changed your life.
Let’s break down what affects settlement amounts and what you can expect if you’re going through this right now.
How Much Is the Average Car Accident Settlement?
Based on recent case studies and reports, the average car accident settlement in Arizona ranges from $10,000 to $30,000. But in serious cases where the injuries are severe or permanent, settlements can reach $100,000 or even over $1 million.
For example:
- Rear-end accidents often settle around $10,000 to $20,000
- Motorcycle accident claims tend to be higher, averaging over $60,000
- Pedestrian accidents can settle at $60,000 or more
- Truck accident claims can easily go over $100,000
These numbers aren’t guaranteed. But they help give you a ballpark idea of what people have received in similar crashes.
Factors That Affect Car Accident Settlements
Several things impact how much money you might get after a crash.
Injury Severity
The more serious your injuries, the higher your settlement may be. Minor injuries like whiplash or bruises may lead to smaller payouts. But if you suffered broken bones, brain injuries, or anything that keeps you from working or enjoying life, the value goes up.
Medical Costs
Doctors, hospital stays, therapy, prescriptions, and surgeries all add up. If you needed a lot of treatment, or if you’ll need care in the future, your settlement should reflect that.
Lost Wages
If your injuries kept you from working, that lost income can be added to your settlement. This includes not just what you missed, but also future income if you can’t return to your old job.
Pain and Suffering
Not all damage is physical. Pain, emotional stress, PTSD, and the loss of your normal life can also be included in your payout. These are called non-economic damages.
Insurance Coverage
Insurance companies only pay up to their policy limits. In Arizona, the minimum required liability coverage is:
- $25,000 per person
- $50,000 per accident
- $15,000 for property damage
If the other driver has no insurance or only carries the minimum, your own uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage may apply. This can affect the total amount you receive.
Fault and Negligence
Arizona uses a pure comparative negligence rule. This means you can still recover money even if you were partly at fault. But your payout gets reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if your settlement was worth $50,000 and you were found 20% at fault, you’d get $40,000.
Types of Damages in a Car Accident Settlement
When calculating a car accident settlement, there are three main types of damages:
Economic Damages
These cover actual costs you had to pay or will pay later, like:
- Medical bills
- Physical therapy
- Lost wages
- Car repairs or replacement
Non-Economic Damages
These are harder to measure in dollars, but still real:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Anxiety or depression
- Loss of enjoyment of life
Punitive Damages
These are rare, but they may apply if the other driver acted in a dangerous or reckless way, like driving drunk or street racing. Punitive damages are meant to punish that behavior.
Settling a Claim vs. Going to Trial
Most car accident cases settle out of court. Settling usually takes less time and avoids a long legal process. But if the insurance company refuses to offer a fair amount, a jury trial may be the better option.
A trial can sometimes lead to higher payouts, especially if your injuries are serious and the other driver was clearly at fault. But trials also come with risks. A jury might decide against you, or award less than what was offered before.
Arizona’s Time Limit to File a Claim
In Arizona, you have 2 years from the date of the crash to file a lawsuit. This is called the statute of limitations. If you miss that deadline, you likely won’t be able to recover any money, no matter how strong your case is.
Real-Life Car Accident Settlement Examples
Here are a few examples of car accident settlements across Arizona and beyond:
- $500,000 for a rear-end crash involving surgery
- $450,000 for a drunk driving accident
- $100,000 policy limits paid for back surgery from a crash
- $103,000 for a truck crash
- $67,000 for a pedestrian hit while crossing the street
These numbers show how case details matter. Two people in similar accidents can walk away with very different results based on injuries, costs, and legal help.
Get Legal Help After a Car Accident in Phoenix
Going through a car accident can feel overwhelming. If you’re trying to heal while dealing with insurance adjusters and bills, it’s easy to get underpaid or pressured into a low offer. You don’t have to go through this alone.
Call our Phoenix car accident lawyers at (855) 257-9467 for a free case review. A personal injury attorney can look at the facts of your case, explain your options, and fight for the full amount you’re owed.
There’s no fee unless we win your case. Let’s help you move forward.