JUSTICENTER Personal Injury Lawyers | November 6, 2025 | Personal Injury
Determining the average personal injury settlement amount depends on many factors that shape the final result. Each case involves unique facts, and no single formula can predict the exact payout.
Still, if you were injured in an accident in Sherman Oaks, certain elements can influence the total value of your claim and how much a fair settlement amount might be. In this article, we explain how these factors work together and how our legal team can help you understand what your case may be worth.
Understanding Personal Injury Settlement Amounts
No fixed number defines an average personal injury settlement. Every case differs based on the type of accident—whether a slip and fall accident, car crash, dog bite, or another incident—which determines whether an insurance company is involved, the source of potential compensation, and the applicable state laws.
Settlement amounts vary widely, and each case deserves a careful review of its facts and losses. Insurance companies often base their calculations on the cost of medical care, lost income, and the extent of pain and suffering.
What Factors Can Influence a Settlement Offer?
Several elements influence the value of a personal injury claim. The seriousness of the injury often drives the overall payout. The losses you suffer, including medical bills, damage to property, and lost wages, can determine how much compensation you are entitled to.
Negotiations with insurers, insurance coverage, and even the other party’s resources can also impact how much you can collect. A crucial, often misunderstood, component of a settlement is the concept of liability—who was at fault—and the degree of fault. If the other party’s negligence is clear and undisputed, the settlement value tends to be higher. However, if there’s shared fault for the accident, the final award may be lower.
This is because California uses a pure comparative fault rule, which allows an injured party to recover damages if they are partially to blame for their injuries. However, the recovery is reduced by that party’s degree of fault, which would then impact the overall settlement value.
How Insurance Companies Evaluate Settlements
Insurance companies have several methods for evaluating settlement amounts. Many insurers use internal formulas to estimate what they consider a reasonable offer. It is not unusual for an insurance company to attempt to limit the amount it pays you.
Some may claim that certain treatments were unnecessary or unrelated to the accident. That’s why having a lawyer representing you can significantly improve your case outcome.
Steps That Help Maximize a Settlement Offer
There are several key actions you can take to strengthen your personal injury claim and improve your chances of a favorable settlement.
These include:
- Seek prompt medical treatment to connect your injuries directly to the incident.
- Accurately document all expenses, from medical bills to transportation costs.
- Gather photographic evidence, witness names, and copies of official reports.
By taking these steps, you ensure that your attorney can build a strong foundation for your claim.
Mistakes That Can Lower a Personal Injury Settlement
Missteps can reduce the value of your settlement. For example, delays in medical treatment could create doubt about the seriousness of the injury. Gaps in care give insurers an excuse to claim that the accident did not cause your symptoms.
Recorded statements to insurance companies also pose risks because adjusters often twist your words to weaken your claim. Avoid discussing your case with insurance adjusters before speaking with an attorney.
How Personal Injury Attorneys Protect Claims
Your attorney’s job is to seek fair compensation on your behalf, negotiate with insurance companies, and handle any legal processes. They shield you from lowball offers and aggressive insurance tactics.
If the other side refuses to offer a fair settlement, your attorney can prepare your case for trial to pursue the outcome you need and the compensation you deserve.
Schedule a Free Consultation with a Sherman Oaks Personal Injury Lawyer from JUSTICENTER Personal Injury Lawyers Today
The best way to find out what you could expect to collect in a personal injury settlement is to discuss your case with an attorney. JUSTICENTER Personal Injury Lawyers can provide you with an estimate of how much you may be able to seek based on our extensive experience and the circumstances of your case.
Contact our law firm JUSTICENTER Personal Injury Lawyers to schedule a complimentary consultation with a Sherman Oaks personal injury attorney for a more detailed examination of your case and to discuss its potential value at (833) 852-3600.
Our main office is in Encino, CA, but we serve all through Los Angeles County.
JUSTICENTER Personal Injury Lawyers
16633 Ventura Blvd suite 1011,
Encino, CA 91436
