Most calculators work from averages. They ask for injury severity, medical costs, missed work, and sometimes a rough assumption about “fault.” That can be useful early on—especially while you’re still collecting records.
However, a calculator can’t see what an insurer will focus on in your specific case, such as:
- Whether your treatment timeline matches the crash (especially if symptoms changed weeks later)
- Whether liability is likely to be disputed because of statements made at the scene
- How comparative-fault arguments may reduce recovery in Pennsylvania
- Whether policy limits and insurance coverage affect what’s available to pay
Bottom line: treat the calculator as a planning tool, not a promise.


