AI estimates typically rely on generalized patterns: injury type, typical treatment length, and broad valuation categories. In Brookings, those general patterns can be thrown off by local realities:
- Seasonal roadway conditions (freeze-thaw cycles and gravel tracking can affect visibility and stopping distance)
- Mixed traffic (commuters, students, and visitors sharing the same corridors)
- Intersection risk (left-turn and yield failures are common causes of disputes about fault)
- Delayed symptom reporting (insurers may question causation if documentation isn’t consistent)
That means an AI “range” can be useful for planning, but it shouldn’t be treated like a predicted payout.


