How Much Can I Get for a Car Accident

One of the first questions our clients ask is: “How much can I get for a car accident?” We asked our top personal injury lawyers to break it down.

One of the first questions people ask our personal injury lawyers is, “How much can I get for a car accident?” It’s an understandable question — after all, car accident claims can take months or years, and medical treatment alone can involve large sums of money.

But here’s the truth: right after your accident, no lawyer can give you an exact figure. Why? Because we don’t yet know how long your recovery will take, the full extent of your injuries, or whether complications will appear later. An experienced car accident attorney in New York will first investigate, review medical reports, and determine the at-fault driver’s policy limits before talking numbers.

There are more factors at play and we will cover them in detail.

Beware of lawyers who promise you millions without even hearing the details of your accident – unless, of course, you spot a crystal ball in their office and you’ve confirmed they can actually predict the future.🔮

➤ The most seasoned attorneys know that a rushed answer is not a reliable one. Before giving you a realistic figure, a good accident lawyer will investigate the incident, review your medical situation, and understand the at-fault driver’s policy limits.

Yes, experienced lawyers may be able to eventually gauge a potential settlement based on what they know they can negotiate with an insurer — but early on, the best thing they can do for you is to say nothing about numbers. Because until they know the full extent of your injuries, any amount would be pure guesswork.

📌 If you want to maximize your compensation, choose a lawyer with proven experience in motor vehicle accidents and deep knowledge of New York state laws. That’s how you protect your rights, your recovery, and your future.

How Much is My Car Accident Case Worth?

💰 Car accident claims can range anywhere from $5,000 for minor injuries to million-dollar settlements when injuries are life-altering. In New York, the average no-fault vehicle accident payout is about $32,324 — but your specific case could be worth far more, depending on the details.

When you’re injured in a car crash in New York and you weren’t at fault, you should be able to recover, at minimum:

• Medical expenses
• Lost wages
• Pain and suffering related to the accident

The value of a case is usually determined during the initial analysis, and several factors influence that number, including:

• Severity of your injuries(*)
• Medical costs (past, present, and future)
• Lost income or reduced earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Fault determination (especially if damages exceed your own policy limits)
• Insurance policy limits of the at-fault driver

(*) if the injury is catastrophic you can even file a claim directly with the other driver’s insurance

This analysis isn’t guesswork. Your lawyer must gather all relevant facts about the car crash and understand the full medical impact of your injuries. The sooner this investigation starts, the better — evidence stays fresh, costs are reduced, and critical evidence crucial to win your case is preserved.

Unfortunately, not all injury attorneys do this. Skipping a proper investigation can make winning much harder. An experienced car accident lawyer knows that they must conduct a full investigation to determine the value of your claim before presenting the demand, and to pursue every possible dollar from the at-fault party’s insurance.

👁‍🗨 Next, let’s look at a few real cases — and how much they were worth.

How Much Can I Receive for a Car Accident with Soft Tissue Injuries?

Soft tissue injuries — like sprains, or strains — heal faster and they are worth less money than a fracture in the eyes of the insurers. But at Liga De Justicia Injury Lawyers, we pride ourselves on our ability to discover all of the damages of a case so our clients recover as much money as possible.

We have defended motor vehicle accident cases where the offer was $5,000 and we’ve turned it into $250,000. How? We are trial lawyers. And we developed a theory that made the insurance company pay a quarter of a million dollars for a soft tissue injury.

Take one recent case in Queens, NY:

Our client, a young woman involved in a car collision in Queens. She suffered typical “soft tissue” injuries, including a herniated disc in her neck.

We knew the negligent party’s policy maxed out at $100,000, yet the insurance company initially offered only $8,000.

Instead of settling, we made a full assessment of her injuries. We sent our client to a neurologist, who referred her to a surgeon. After reviewing the case, the surgeon concluded she would probably have to undergo fusion surgery.

Even though our client indicated that she had no interest in having the surgery, the medical documentation was solid. We used the surgeon’s report to push back and made the insurance company pay $97,500 instead of the $8,000 originally offered.

The lesson? Even “minor” injuries can have major value when your car accident lawyer has the expertise to win your case.

Why Do Some Lawyers Reject Personal Injury Cases?

➤ Just because another lawyer turned down your personal injury case doesn’t mean it has no value.

Many lawyers or law firms with no trial experience do not see the value of cases in the same way as an experienced trial lawyer.

If they’ve never argued before a jury or secured a verdict, the idea of going to trial can instill fear because of the risks and expenses of the trial.

Going to court is costly. They require expert witnesses, detailed investigations, and substantial financial investment. Solo practitioners or small law firms do not have the money to pay expert witnesses necessary for the trial — even when the case has strong potential.

🏛 You need an experienced trial law firm and the financial backing to maximize the amount to be recovered.

At Liga De Justicia Injury Lawyers we are proud to have solved cases for millions of dollars –including wins in cases other law firms rejected.

How Do I Know How Much My Car Accident Case Is Worth💰💰💰

Every case is unique, and the true value depends on many factors. But you can call us anytime for a free consultation — no pressure, just answers.

If you don’t have a doctor, we can suggest specialists who work with accident victims and can help us analyze your case properly. An accurate medical diagnosis made by a professional with experience in accident injuries could be essential in determining the worth of your case.

At Liga De Justicia Injury Lawyers, we keep you informed every step of the way about the status of your case. We always work as a team with you throughout the process, so you’re never in the dark about your case or how much you could receive for it.

So, while “How much can I get?” may be the most common first question, a better one is:

“Will you be able to recover all my medical expenses and losses, and also seek compensation for my pain and suffering — while ensuring your fees are covered too?”

At Liga De Justicia, we don’t just settle cases — we fight for your full justice, one client at a time. Call us today.