A useful calculator typically helps you organize the categories that insurers pay for, such as:
- Medical costs (ER visits, imaging, surgeries, follow-up care)
- Rehab and therapy (physical therapy, occupational therapy)
- Lost income and reduced earning capacity (including time off work)
- Out-of-pocket expenses (medications, travel to treatment)
- Pain and suffering and other non-economic damages
Used early, it can help you understand what kinds of losses matter most—especially when you’re still collecting records after the crash.
Best use: treat a calculator like a planning tool to spot what information you still need—not a promise of what you’ll receive.


