Skip to main content
Free Consultation No Win, No Fee
Back to All Injury Types
Soft Tissue Injuries

Whiplash Settlement Calculator

Whiplash is a neck injury caused by rapid back-and-forth movement of the head, commonly occurring in rear-end collisions.

Average Settlement
$25,000 - $50,000
Settlement Range
$10,000 - $100,000
Medical Costs
$5,000 - $30,000
Recovery Time
6 weeks to 6 months

Disclaimer: These are general estimates. Actual settlements vary based on specific case facts.Call for a free evaluation.

Example Settlement Calculations

Mild whiplash with 4-week recovery

Medical Bills
$5,000
Lost Wages
$2,000
Pain Multiplier
×1.5
Estimated Settlement
$15,500
($5,000 + $2,000) × 1.5 = $15,500

Moderate whiplash with 3-month recovery

Medical Bills
$15,000
Lost Wages
$8,000
Pain Multiplier
×2.5
Estimated Settlement
$60,500
($15,000 + $8,000) × 2.5 = $60,500

Severe whiplash with chronic symptoms

Medical Bills
$30,000
Lost Wages
$20,000
Pain Multiplier
×3
Estimated Settlement
$140,000
($30,000 + $20,000) × 3 = $140,000

Factors Affecting Whiplash Settlements

Duration of symptoms

high impact

Longer recovery periods indicate more severe injury

Multiplier range: 1.5x - 3x

MRI findings

medium impact

Documented soft tissue damage increases value

Multiplier range: 1.2x - 2x

Impact on daily activities

high impact

Inability to work or perform daily tasks

Multiplier range: 1.3x - 2.5x

Common Causes

  • Rear-end collisions
  • Sports injuries
  • Slip and fall accidents
  • Physical assault

Common Symptoms

  • Neck pain and stiffness
  • Headaches
  • Dizziness
  • Fatigue
  • Blurred vision
  • Difficulty concentrating

Common Treatments

  • Physical therapy
  • Pain medication
  • Chiropractic care
  • Massage therapy
  • Neck brace

Potential Long-Term Effects

  • Chronic neck pain
  • Recurring headaches
  • Limited range of motion
  • Cognitive difficulties

Frequently Asked Questions About Whiplash Settlements

How long do I have to file a whiplash claim in California?

In California, you have 2 years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury claim for whiplash.

Can I claim for whiplash if symptoms appear days later?

Yes, delayed symptoms are common with whiplash. Document when symptoms first appeared and seek medical attention immediately.

What if I had pre-existing neck problems?

You can still recover compensation if the accident worsened your condition. California follows the "eggshell plaintiff" doctrine.

General Factors Affecting All Personal Injury Settlements

Severity of Injury

More severe injuries with permanent effects receive higher settlements

Medical Expenses

Total cost of medical treatment including future care

Lost Income

Wages lost during recovery and reduced earning capacity

Pain and Suffering

Physical pain and emotional distress from the injury

Liability Clarity

How clearly fault can be established against the defendant

Insurance Policy Limits

Maximum coverage available under the defendant's policy

Pre-existing Conditions

Prior injuries or conditions may reduce settlement value

Documentation Quality

Medical records, photos, and witness statements

Get an Accurate Whiplash Case Evaluation

Online calculators can only provide rough estimates. For an accurate assessment of yourwhiplash claim, speak with our experienced attorneys who have handled thousands of similar cases.

Free consultation • No win, no fee • Available 24/7

Request Your Free Whiplash Case Review

Fill out the form below and one of our attorneys will contact you within 24 hours to discuss your case and potential settlement value.

Attorneys Available Now

Free Case Review

Get your free rear end collision consultation today

✓ 100% Free • No obligation • Confidential

Prefer to talk? Call (818) 482-2260