An online estimate typically uses the information you enter (injuries, treatment, time off work) to generate a range. That can help you ask better questions and avoid unrealistic expectations.
Still, a calculator cannot:
- confirm fault under California comparative negligence rules,
- verify the medical necessity of treatment,
- predict how your particular insurer will value non-economic damages,
- account for missing evidence (which is common in real crashes).
In other words: treat the number as a compass, not a destination.


