A calculator can be a starting point, but Hollywood cases frequently involve disputes that numbers can’t solve—like conflicting witness accounts at crowded crosswalks, unclear lighting conditions at night, or delays between the crash and the first medical visit.
In real negotiations, insurers look for three things:
- A defensible injury timeline (what happened, when symptoms started, and how they progressed)
- Objective and clinician-supported findings (ER records, follow-ups, therapy notes, neuro testing when appropriate)
- Demonstrated impact on day-to-day life and earning capacity (work restrictions, missed shifts, cognitive limitations)
When those pieces are missing or inconsistent, a settlement offer can stall—even if you feel the injury is severe.


