Explore real Oregon car accident injury payouts. Look for accidents and injuries similar to yours.

Every year in Oregon there are more than 4,000 motor vehicle crashes with at least 3,000 personal injuries and 35 fatalities.¹

The average car accident settlement for a moderate injury claim in Oregon is $33,996. Average payouts range from $5,971 for minor injuries to $373,940 for severe injuries.

Average Oregon Car Accident Settlement Amounts

We collected and analyzed a group of personal injury cases filed in Oregon courts by auto accident victims. The plaintiffs include adults and children. Each was compensated by an out-of-court settlement, arbitration award, or jury award.

Average Payout by Severity of Injury
Minor Injury	$5,971
Moderate Injury	$33,996
Severe Injury	$373,940
Payout Range by Type of Accident
Rear-End Collisions	$1,847 - $400,000
Side-Impact Collisions	$213 - $1,600,000*

Our case group illustrates that neck and back injuries are common in almost any type of car accident. Severely injured crash victims often suffer from more than one type of injury. Compensation is intended to cover all the victim’s damages, not just one type of injury.

Personal injury payouts in the million-dollar range are unusual. Most car accident claims are settled in the moderate range.

How Accident Settlements Are Calculated

An easy way to estimate the settlement value of a minor to moderate injury claim is the “multiple” method. Add up all your economic damages like medical bills, out-of-pocket expenses, and lost income. Add a multiple of one to three times that amount to account for your non-economic damages, also known as pain and suffering.

The multiple depends on your circumstances. A multiple of one is appropriate when you walked away from a low-impact collision with a few bumps and a weekend of sore muscles. A multiple up to three can be justified for a broken leg that caused you to miss that hiking trip along the shoreline.

You’ll need an experienced personal injury attorney to calculate the value of severe or fatal injury claims. The attorney will factor in the dollar value of future medical care, loss of earning capacity, and the intense emotional distress caused by serious injuries.

Other factors that influence injury payouts in Oregon:

• Injury Severity – Insurers don’t like to pay much for soft-tissue injuries because pain and stiffness are subjective. Adjusters will pay more for injuries that can be verified by X-rays and other objective measurements.
• Shared Fault – Oregon is a modified comparative negligence state. You can file an injury claim so long as you are not more to blame than the other driver. If you are eligible to make a claim, your compensation will be reduced according to your percentage of blame.
• Auto Policy Limits – Oregon requires all drivers to carry insurance no less than $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident bodily injury liability, and $20,000 property damage liability. Drivers must also have at least $15,000 in Personal Injury Protection (PIP), and Uninsured Motorist coverage of $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident. The minimum limits may not be enough to cover severe injury claims.
• Multiple Claimants – Even when drivers carry more than the bare minimum insurance coverage, there might not be enough money to go around when multiple people are injured in a crash.
• Non-Economic Damages Cap – Oregon law limits non-economic damages, like pain and suffering, to $500,000 in wrongful death cases.
• Punitive Damages: Punitive damages can only be awarded in an Oregon court when the at-fault party acted in malice, or their behavior was particularly outrageous with regard to the safety of others.

Frequently Asked Questions

Minor Injury Case Examples

Minor car accident injuries are soft-tissue injuries like bumps, bruises, and sprains or strains. Victims won’t need much medical attention after the initial evaluation, and should be fully recovered in a week or two. A few days of work might be missed.

Shared Fault for Snowy Hunting Road Collision

Type of Injury: Back injuries-ruptured disc
Type of Accident: Side-Impact
Award/Settlement Amount: $213
Case Summary: Plaintiff, male age 52, mechanic and hunting guide claimed he was involved in a motor vehicle accident during elk-hunting season. The road was snow-packed and new snow was on the ground, plaintiff said. The vehicle driven by plaintiff and defendant collided at a corner. Plaintiff was going up the hill and defendant was coming down the hill; one set of tracks were in the snow and both vehicles were using the same path of travel. Plaintiff claimed he suffered a ruptured disc in back requiring surgery. Defendant denied liability and contended that plaintiff was contributorily negligent. Defendant further claimed that plaintiff had pre-existing back complaints. Jury found defendant 70% negligent and awarded plaintiff $213.02.
Location: Union County, Oregon
Case Name and Docket Number: Smith v. Siler, 87-10-31,558

Plaintiff Award for One of Two Car Accidents

Type of Injury: Back injury-disc protrusion at L5-S1, with annular tear, cervical, thoracic and lumbar strains, and multiple contusions
Type of Accident: Rear-End
Award/Settlement Amount: $1,847
Case Summary: Plaintiff was involved in two separate motor vehicle accidents. In the first accident, the plaintiff’s vehicle was struck from the rear by the Defendant 1’s vehicle while the plaintiff was stopped for traffic. In the second accident, plaintiff’s vehicle was struck broadside by Defendant 2 as she backed her vehicle in a parking lot. Plaintiff alleged that she suffered central disc protrusion at L5-S1, with annular tear, cervical, thoracic and lumbar strains, and multiple contusions. Defendants denied liability, disputed the plaintiff’s injuries, and contended that she failed to keep a proper lookout and drove at an excessive rate of speed. Plaintiff received an award from the Defendant 1 only, which included $1,657 for costs.
Location: Lane County, Oregon
Case Name and Docket Number: Shaw v. Mahoney, 5427917

Low-Impact Injuries Disputed by Defendant

Type of Injury: Neck injury resulting in muscle spasm and headaches
Type of Accident: Rear-End
Award/Settlement Amount: $1,983
Case Summary: Defendant was stopped behind plaintiff at a red light at an intersection. Plaintiff contended his vehicle was struck from the rear by defendant with very little property damage. Plaintiff claimed he suffered temporary flare-up of neck injury for 4-6 weeks; headaches, muscle spasms; and loss of range of motion in his neck. Defendant contended that while writing on a notepad on the passenger seat, he saw cars in the lane to his right move and began to engage the clutch. Before he was able to stop, he struck plaintiff’s vehicle. Defendant however denied causation, stating that plaintiff had been involved in a motor vehicle accident 3 weeks before. Jury awarded plaintiff $1,983.
Location: Multnomah County, Oregon
Case Name and Docket Number: Riel v. Hornsberger, 9501-00700

Jury Award for Low-Speed Accident Injuries

Type of Injury: Neck injuries
Type of Accident: Rear-End
Award/Settlement Amount: $3,099
Case Summary: Plaintiff contended her vehicle was struck from the rear by defendant in a low-speed collision. Plaintiff claimed he suffered neck injuries. Defendant admitted liability but denied any damage to either vehicle. The defendant further contended that plaintiff was involved in another motor vehicle accident 4 months earlier with same injuries. The jury awarded plaintiff $3,099 in damages.
Location: Multnomah County, Oregon
Case Name and Docket Number: Stacey v. Abel, 9607-05333

Injured Married Couple Share Jury Award

Type of Injury: Neck and back injuries-soft tissue cervical and lumbar injuries
Type of Accident: Rear-End
Award/Settlement Amount: $3,350
Case Summary: Plaintiffs, a married couple, were traveling in their vehicle in heavy traffic. They drove through an intersection controlled by a traffic light and, while still moving, claimed their car was rear-ended by a vehicle driven by Defendant. Both plaintiffs claimed soft tissue cervical and lumbar injuries which required neurological, orthopedic, physical therapy and chiropractic treatment. Defendant contended it was stop-and-go, rush hour traffic, and that he bumped the rear of plaintiffs’ vehicle. He argued that this accident could not have caused plaintiff’s injuries, which were subjective in nature. Further, defendant maintained that plaintiffs were involved in a subsequent accident which may have caused their complaints. Jury awarded plaintiffs $6,700.
Location: Lake County, Oregon
Case Name and Docket Number: Garrison v. Greene, 15CV25062

Plaintiff With Pre-Existing Work Injury Settles Auto Claim

Type of Injury: Neck, back and shoulder strain.
Type of Accident: Rear-End
Award/Settlement Amount: $4,000
Case Summary: Plaintiff male age 46, claimed he was involved in a motor vehicle collision involving defendant. Plaintiff suffered neck, back and shoulder strain. Defendant disputed liability and causation. He argued that plaintiff had pre-existing workers’ compensation injury at the time of the accident. Partied agreed to settle the case for $4,000 before trial.
Location: Multnomah County, Oregon
Case Name and Docket Number: Caravajal v. Christian, 9706-04698

Plaintiff Award for Disputed Low-Impact Accident Injuries

Type of Injury: Back injuries-cervical and lumbar strain/sprain
Type of Accident: Rear-End
Award/Settlement Amount: $4,750
Case Summary: Plaintiff’s vehicle was struck from behind by defendant. Plaintiff claimed he suffered cervical and lumbar strain/sprain from the collision. Defendant admitted liability but contested the nature and extent of plaintiff’s claimed injuries. Defendant argued that this was a low-impact rear-end motor vehicle accident and could not have caused any injuries to plaintiff unless the same were pre-existing or caused by subsequent accidents. Jury found for plaintiff in the amount of $4,750.
Location: Multnomah County, Oregon
Case Name and Docket Number: Iniquez-Reyes v. Kambeitz, 1103-03206

Award to Injured Teen Passenger in Mother’s Car

Type of Injury: Neck injury-Soft tissue lumbar sprain/strain
Type of Accident: Side-Impact
Award/Settlement Amount: $5,095
Case Summary: Plaintiff, a 16-year-old female, was a back seat passenger in her mother’s car, which was being driven by a friend of her mother. It was night time and there was a rainstorm. Defendant was operating his own vehicle in the opposite direction of the plaintiff’s host car. Defendant attempted to make a left turn into an auto care shop’s parking lot and collided with the plaintiff’s vehicle. Plaintiff suffered soft tissue lumbar sprain/strain. Defendant denied liability. He contended he did not see the plaintiff’s vehicle approaching because the host driver was exceeding the speed limit. Jury returned a plaintiff verdict.
Location: Marion County, Oregon
Case Name and Docket Number: Nelbye v. Jacobson, 00C15084

Defendant Challenges Plaintiff’s Chiropractic Treatments

Type of Injury: Neck and back injuries-Soft tissue cervical and lumbar injuries
Type of Accident: Rear-End
Award/Settlement Amount: $6,800
Case Summary: Plaintiff claimed her car was rear-ended by a vehicle driven by Defendant. Plaintiff alleged the impact caused her neck and back injuries which required initial emergency room treatment. However, she claimed she continued to suffer pain and underwent extensive chiropractic treatment followed by epidural injections for pain associated with this collision. Defendant admitted he struck the rear of plaintiff’s car, but disputed the extent of continuing injuries. Jury awarded plaintiff $6,800 in damages.
Location: Multnomah County, Oregon
Case Name and Docket Number: Stout v. Lauman, 9503-01563

Plaintiff Injury Award Reduced for Contributory Negligence

Type of Injury: Back and hand injuries-lumbar strain; chipped bone on her finger
Type of Accident: Side-Impact
Award/Settlement Amount: $8,000
Case Summary: Plaintiff contended she was traveling at approximately 25 m.p.h. when defendant’s vehicle turned left in front of plaintiff’s vehicle and the vehicles collided. Plaintiff said she did not have time to react prior to impact. The scene of the accident consisted of a 42-foot wide street with 700 feet of unobstructed view. Plaintiff suffered a lumbar strain and a chipped bone on her finger. Medical records showed that plaintiff’s lumbar strain resolved 8 months after the accident. Defendant contended that plaintiff was comparatively negligent for the accident. He also disputed causation of plaintiff’s low-back pain, which plaintiff’s physician attributed to her pregnancy. Jury awarded plaintiff $10,000 less contributory negligence 20% = $ 8,000 net.
Location: Lane County, Oregon
Case Name and Docket Number: Funderburk v. Kruger, 5294632

Evidence Proves Defendant Liability for Collision

Type of Injury: Soft tissue neck and back injuries
Type of Accident: Rear-End
Award/Settlement Amount: $8,400
Case Summary: Plaintiff contended that traffic in front had been stopped for quite some time for unknown reason and that some people were even out of cars, leaning up against them, smoking cigarettes. Plaintiff further contended that his car was struck from the rear by defendant. Plaintiff suffered soft tissue neck and back injuries. Defendant contended that traffic was slow, that plaintiff stopped suddenly, and also that she was hit from the rear. The evidence presented at trial however showed there was no damage to rear of defendant’s car but there was damage to front of her car and damage to rear of plaintiff’s car. Jury found for plaintiff.
Location: Multnomah County, Oregon
Case Name and Docket Number: Diane v. Smith, 9506-03889

At-Fault Pickup Driver Asserts Victim’s Injury was Pre-Existing

Type of Injury: Soft tissue neck and back injuries; right leg numbness
Type of Accident: Rear-End
Award/Settlement Amount: $9,100
Case Summary: Plaintiff was driving her vehicle. As she came around the curve, she saw all three lanes blocked by traffic. Plaintiff contended she slammed on the brakes. Plaintiff further contended that almost instantaneously, defendant’s pickup truck struck her car from behind at low speed. Plaintiff claimed soft tissue neck and back injuries; right leg numbness. Plaintiff denied prior similar symptoms. Defendant denied being negligent and disputed causation of plaintiff’s damages. Defendant further argued that plaintiff’s medical records showed some low back and leg complications and treatment in previous 6 months and a prior motor vehicle accident 4 months earlier. Jury returned a plaintiff verdict.
Location: Multnomah County, Oregon
Case Name and Docket Number: O’Reilly v. Greger, 92C 10748

Driver in Work Vehicle Liable for Accident Injuries

Type of Injury: Chest contusion, soft tissue body injuries and foot pain
Type of Accident: Side-Impact
Award/Settlement Amount: $10,000
Case Summary: Plaintiff was driving on a narrow country road. He claimed his car was sideswiped by a vehicle driven by Defendant and owned by co-defendant. Plaintiff suffered chest contusion, soft tissue body injuries. He returned to the emergency room a second time with complaints of foot pain, which required treatment for residual problems. Defendant admitted he was at fault for the accident, but disputed causation of plaintiff’s injuries. Defendants argued that plaintiff’s foot complaints were not related to this accident. The matter was presented to a jury, who awarded plaintiff $10,000.
Location: Multnomah County, Oregon
Case Name and Docket Number: Ogden v. Fujitsu Microelectronics, INC., 9304-02740

Inattentive Driver Liable for Disputed Collision Injuries

Type of Injury: Soft tissue neck and back injuries-cervical and lumbar injuries with headaches
Type of Accident: Rear-End
Award/Settlement Amount: $10,000
Case Summary: Plaintiff stopped her vehicle at a traffic light. While stopped, her car was rear-ended by a vehicle driven by Defendant. Plaintiff alleged defendant was solely responsible for this accident and the impact caused significant injuries. Plaintiff claimed she suffered soft tissue cervical and lumbar injuries with headaches, as well as shoulder injuries. Defendant admitted he looked down to check his radio and struck the rear of plaintiff’s vehicle, but disputed the nature and extent of plaintiff’s injuries. He contended plaintiff exaggerated her condition and overreached for damages. The jury awarded plaintiff $ 10,000.
Location: Clatsop County, Oregon
Case Name and Docket Number: Fairchild v. Miracle Recreation Equipment, 91-2057

Bus Driver Injured in Intersection Crash

Type of Injury: Neck and back injuries-herniated lumbar disc
Type of Accident: Side-Impact
Award/Settlement Amount: $12,923
Case Summary: Plaintiff was the driver of a TriMet bus. The bus and defendant’s vehicle collided in an intersection. Plaintiff claimed he suffered neck and back injuries including a herniated lumbar disc. Plaintiff further claimed that defendant’s negligence was the proximate cause of the motor vehicle accident. Defendant denied liability and disputed the nature and extent of plaintiff’s injuries. Jury found in favor of plaintiff in the amount of $12,922.89.
Location: Multnomah County, Oregon
Case Name and Docket Number: Crowston v. Pech-Gongora, 9508-06037

Moderate Injury Case Examples

Moderate car accident injuries can be more extensive soft-tissue injuries. Victims may suffer muscle, tendon, or ligament sprains that take weeks to heal. Moderate injuries can include simple fractures, herniated discs, and mild to moderate concussions that may have some lingering effects. Victims may be out of work for several weeks or months.

Driver Admits Fault, Contests Plaintiff’s Damages

Type of Injury: Head, neck, lower back and right hip injuries
Type of Accident: Side-Impact
Award/Settlement Amount: $14,920
Case Summary: Plaintiff said she was driving her vehicle near an intersection, when she was struck by a vehicle driven by defendant. Plaintiff claimed she suffered head, neck, lower back and right hip injuries requiring medical treatment as a result of the impact and lost time from her employment. She filed a complaint against defendant, alleging defendant’s negligent driving caused the collision. The defendant admitted she was negligent but contested the plaintiff’s claimed injuries and damages. A jury awarded the plaintiff $14,920.
Location: Multnomah County, Oregon
Case Name and Docket Number: Mulflur V. Hoshibata, 1212-16336

Plaintiff Wins Injury Award for Two Different Accidents

Type of Injury: Hand injury-left hand nerve damage, biceps tendonitis; back injury- cervical, thoracic and lumbar strains; others-left knee strains, headaches and multiple contusions and abrasions
Type of Accident: Side-Impact
Award/Settlement Amount: $19,318
Case Summary: Plaintiff was involved in two separate motor vehicle accidents. In the first accident, plaintiff contended that his vehicle was struck broadside by Defendant 1’s vehicle as she attempted to turn left at an intersection. In the second accident, the plaintiff contended that his vehicle was struck from the rear by Defendant 2’s vehicle as he stopped for heavy traffic near an intersection. Plaintiff claimed he suffered left hand nerve damage that resulted in numbness and permanent impairment, headaches, biceps tendonitis, vertigo, cervical, thoracic, lumbar and left knee strains, with limited motion and permanent impairment in his neck, and multiple contusions and abrasions. The defendants denied liability and disputed the plaintiff’s injuries. Jury returned a plaintiff verdict.
Location: Washington County, Oregon
Case Name and Docket Number: Coke v. Watts, C073341CV

Jury Award for Injuries from Icy Road Crash

Type of Injury: Shoulder, Foot and Neck injuries
Type of Accident: Rear-End
Award/Settlement Amount: $21,750
Case Summary: Plaintiff contended she was stopped at a stop sign when her vehicle was rear-ended by defendant’s vehicle during icy conditions. Plaintiff claimed she suffered neck and related structures, shoulders, headaches and right foot injuries. She also claimed aggravation of pre-existing neck conditions. Plaintiff argued that the negligence of the defendant driver caused her to sustain past medical expenses, past wage loss and impairment of future earning capacity, and pain and suffering. Defendants contended that defendant driver was not driving in a negligent manner, and denied plaintiff’s injuries were aggravated by the motor vehicle accident. Jury returned a verdict for plaintiff for $ 21,750: $ 10,000 in economics, $ 2,000 in non-economics, and $ 9,750 in medicals.
Location: Jackson County, Oregon
Case Name and Docket Number: Labrocca v. Serrano, 00-0542-LI

Defendant Liable for Injuries from Road Rage Incident

Type of Injury: Back injuries-bulging disc at C5-7; Others- head, neck, shoulder and left arm injuries.
Type of Accident: Single Vehicle
Award/Settlement Amount: $22,542
Case Summary: Plaintiff contended that defendant, after passing him on a two-lane highway, suddenly hit his brakes at least two or three times, then waived a .357 magnum pistol at plaintiff while plaintiff had his head, neck and shoulders out of his car window. The waiving of pistol caused plaintiff to suddenly jerk his head, neck, and shoulders into the car while slamming on his brakes, but veered off the road and struck the median. Plaintiff contended he received injuries from both the sudden application of brakes and pulling his head in the window. Defendant’s version was similar to plaintiff’s except that he contended he was provoked by plaintiff, who flipped him off. Defendant was subsequently convicted in criminal court of menacing. Jury returned a plaintiff verdict.
Location: Marion County, Oregon
Case Name and Docket Number: Tyrrell v. State Farm, 15CV27003

Jury Finds Both Drivers Liable for Passenger Injuries

Type of Injury: Back injury-herniated disc at L4-5
Type of Accident: Side-Impact
Award/Settlement Amount: $24,187
Case Summary: Plaintiff was a passenger in defendant’s vehicle when they were struck broadside by co-defendant at an intersection. Plaintiff said he suffered a herniated disc at L4-5 among other injuries. He brought a lawsuit against defendants, alleging both were negligent in causing the motor vehicle accident. Defendants denied liability. The case proceeded to a jury trial. Jury found both defendants were at fault in causing the collision. Jurors allocated 40% of the fault to defendant and 60% to co-defendant. Judgment was entered in favor of the plaintiff and against defendant in the amount of $3,674.87, and against co-defendant in the amount of $20,512.30.
Location: Multnomah County, Oregon
Case Name and Docket Number: Vancleave v. Shannon, 1306-07858

Plaintiff Verdict for Disputed Impact Case

Type of Injury: Back injuries-cervical and lumbar strains
Type of Accident: Rear-End
Award/Settlement Amount: $24,657
Case Summary: Plaintiff contended defendant rear-ended plaintiff’s vehicle while traveling 35-40 m.p.h. The extent of the impact was disputed. According to defendant’s recorded statement, the impact was a bump to plaintiff’s car. Plaintiff said he suffered cervical and lumbar strains from the accident. Defendant disputed liability as well as plaintiff’s claimed injuries and damages. Jury found in favor of plaintiff.
Location: Multnomah County, Oregon
Case Name and Docket Number: Cartisser v. Townsend, 15CV16230

Plaintiff Wins Injury Case, Defendant Failed to Appear at Trial

Type of Injury: Back injury-herniated disc at C3-4
Type of Accident: Rear-End
Award/Settlement Amount: $25,000
Case Summary: Plaintiff contended that his vehicle was struck from the rear by defendant. Plaintiff’s doctors testified that plaintiff suffered a herniated disc at C3-4 solely as a result of the motor vehicle accident and an anterior cervical fusion was needed to alleviate symptoms. Evidence was introduced that the surgery would cost $20,000 after which plaintiff would be off work for 2 months, incurring approx. $8,000 in lost income. Defendant contended the herniated disc was caused by prior on-the-job injury and need for surgery was related to a second motor vehicle accident. Defendant however did not appear at trial. Jury returned a plaintiff verdict for $25,000, including $15,000 economic and $10,000 noneconomic damages.
Location: Washington County, Oregon
Case Name and Docket Number: Wenc v. Thon, C960176CV

Jury Award Reduced for Shared Accident Fault

Type of Injury: Back injury-cervical strain and headaches
Type of Accident: Side-Impact
Award/Settlement Amount: $28,311
Case Summary: As plaintiff drove through an intersection, defendant made a left turn in front of her, causing a collision. Plaintiff sustained a cervical strain and headaches. Defendant denied liability and disputed the plaintiff’s claimed injuries and damages. According to the defendant, she was in the course of making a left turn on a green light, when the plaintiff’s eastbound vehicle entered the intersection, failed to stop, and the front of the plaintiff’s car hit the right rear passenger side of the defendant’s car. Defendant claimed plaintiff was contributorily negligent. Jury allocated 25% negligence to plaintiff, and 75% to defendant. Plaintiff was awarded $15,811 for economic damages and $12,500 for noneconomic damages.
Location: Multnomah County, Oregon
Case Name and Docket Number: Schneider v. Macarthur, 1007-11171

Arbitration Award to Plaintiff After Chain-Collision

Type of Injury: Bruising from lower ribs to hip; neck and low-back injuries
Type of Accident: Rear-End
Award/Settlement Amount: $33,771
Case Summary: Plaintiff was a passenger in defendant’s vehicle when they were involved in a series of rear-end collisions during a rain storm, involving 6-7 vehicles. The accident occurred when defendant rear-ended a vehicle ahead of him at an intersection. Plaintiff said he suffered bruising from lower ribs to hip; neck and low-back injuries. He treated 6 months. Defendant denied liability, claiming that a phantom vehicle caused the collision by braking suddenly for no apparent reason. The Arbitrator returned a verdict for plaintiff for $33,771. The award included 30% against co-defendants, and 70% against the unknown phantom vehicle.
Location: Multnomah County, Oregon
Case Name and Docket Number: Chapman v. Cornwall, 0102-01995

Jury Award to Plaintiff Despite Expert’s Testimony

Type of Injury: Neck and back injuries-Cervical and lumbosacral strains; contusions
Type of Accident: Rear-End
Award/Settlement Amount: $33,771
Case Summary: Plaintiff claimed she was rear-ended by defendant. Plaintiff asserted that she sustained cervical and lumbosacral strains and contusions. During the jury trial, defendant admitted negligence. The only issue for the jury was the amount of damages. Defendant asserted that plaintiff was not injured in the accident and that she had a pre-existing condition very similar in nature to the injuries plaintiff claimed in conjunction to the accident. Defendant’s expert testified that there was no objective evidence from which he could conclude that plaintiff was injured in the accident or that she suffered an aggravation of a pre-existing injury. Jury awarded plaintiff $33,771.
Location: Multnomah County, Oregon
Case Name and Docket Number: Tanna v. Alfred, 0010-10805

Defendant Disputes Plaintiff’s Artificial Insemination Injury Claims

Type of Injury: Neck and back sprains/strains
Type of Accident: Rear-End
Award/Settlement Amount: $36,364
Case Summary: Plaintiff claimed that her vehicle was struck from behind by defendant at an intersection. Plaintiff suffered neck and back sprains/strains. Plaintiff had been artificially inseminated on the day before the accident and claimed that she became worried that the accident might interfere with her becoming pregnant. She however found out that she was pregnant ten days after the accident. She then became worried that her pregnancy might be affected by the accident and that her baby “might not be normal.” Defendant admitted that the accident occurred but argued that plaintiff’s injuries were unrelated to the accident. Jury awarded plaintiff $36,364 in damages
Location: Multnomah County, Oregon
Case Name and Docket Number: McIntyre v. American Standard, 15CV24107

Jury Finds for Plaintiff with No Non-Economic Damage Award

Type of Injury: Aggravation of pre-existing neck/back injuries; L4-5 disc protrusion; Headaches.
Type of Accident: Rear-End
Award/Settlement Amount: $36,999
Case Summary: Plaintiff claimed that defendant negligently rear-ended plaintiff’s vehicle. Plaintiff said she suffered aggravation of pre-existing neck/back injuries; L4-5 disc protrusion with headaches. Defendant contended plaintiff’s work-related neck/back injury 30 days prior to this accident was the proximate cause of plaintiff’s damages. Defendant also contended plaintiff’s injuries were due to 2 subsequent motor vehicle accidents, one significant and the other minor. Jury returned a plaintiff verdict for $36,999.13. Jury awarded wage loss and medicals but no noneconomic. Plaintiff argued that pursuant to her motion made during trial, jury must award some noneconomic damages if they found negligence. Subsequent motion for new trial solely on issue of non economic damages was made and denied.
Location: Multnomah County, Oregon
Case Name and Docket Number: Bowman v. Griggs, 9712-09803

Defendant a No-Show for High-Impact Collision Trial

Type of Injury: Soft tissue neck and upper-back injuries; headaches.
Type of Accident: Rear-End
Award/Settlement Amount: $41,001
Case Summary: Plaintiff contended that his vehicle was struck by defendant’s vehicle in a high impact rear-end collision. The plaintiff suffered soft tissue neck and upper-back injuries along with headaches. The value of the case was in the degree to which the motor vehicle accident injuries interfered with the plaintiff’s pre-accident recreational activities of daily running, weekly weight-lifting and seasonal back-packing. Defendant did not appear at trial. Jury returned a plaintiff verdict for $41,001 which included $7,501 in economic; $33,500 in non-economic damages.
Location: Marion County, Oregon
Case Name and Docket Number: Minten v. Carter, 00C-16238

Sleeping Driver Liable for Life-Altering Injuries

Type of Injury: Neck, back, left knee, left ankle, and hands injuries
Severity Rating: Moderate
Type of Accident: Head-On
Award/Settlement Amount: $51,623
Case Summary: Defendant fell asleep and crossed the centerline causing a head-on collision with a car operated by plaintiff. Plaintiff claimed that defendant’s actions were the result of negligently foregoing sleep during the course of a cross-country trip. Plaintiff further claimed that as a result of the accident, he suffered injuries and damage to his neck, back, left knee, left ankle, and hands, and that some of the damage would likely permanently alter his life activity. He sought actual damages, future damages, and punitive damages. Defendants argued that plaintiff’s claim did not support punitive damages and that his measure of damages was excessive. Jury returned a plaintiff’s verdict for $51,623.91.
Location: Jackson County, Oregon
Case Name and Docket Number: Weiland v. Pellicone, CV 08-3057-CL

Jury Award to Plaintiff for T-Bone Collision Injuries

Type of Injury: Back injuries-disc protrusion at L5-S1, an annular tear at L5-S1, narrowing of the C4-5 disc space, disc protrusion at L4-5, a lumbar intervertebral disc injury at L5-S1, and cervical and lumbar strains
Type of Accident: Side-Impact
Award/Settlement Amount: $95,720
Case Summary: Plaintiff entered an intersection intending to turn left, when a vehicle driven by defendant failed to stop for a stop sign and collided with the driver’s side of her vehicle. Plaintiff claimed she sustained a left posterolateral disc protrusion at L5-S1 with narrowing of the left lateral recess and compression of the left S1 nerve root, an annular tear at L5-S1, narrowing of the C4-5 disc space, disc protrusion at L4-5, a lumbar intervertebral disc injury at L5-S1, radiculopathy, cervical and lumbar strains and a hip strain. Defendant simply denied liability. Jurors awarded plaintiff $11,720 for past economic damages, $54,000 for future economic damages, and $30,000 for noneconomic damages.
Location: Multnomah County, Oregon
Case Name and Docket Number: Davis v. Spenser, 1104-04468

Severe Injury Case Examples

Severe car accident injury victims may sustain multiple types of injuries, including brain injuries, internal damage, extensive or complicated fractures, debilitating back or neck injuries, or spinal cord damage. Victims may be permanently scarred or disabled. Some severe injury victims may not be able to return to gainful employment.

Driver Towing Trailer Liable for Collision

Type of Injury: Back injury-Herniation of cervical disc at C7-8 and aggravation of preexisting low back and lumbar injuries
Type of Accident: Side-Impact
Award/Settlement Amount: $100,000
Case Summary: Plaintiff contended his vehicle was struck on the left side by the right rear fender of defendant’s vehicle which was towing a small trailer as both vehicles were making parallel left turns. Plaintiff said he suffered herniation of cervical disc at C7-8 and underwent an anterior keyhole laminectomy 2 1/2 months later. Defendant contended he did not see plaintiff’s car until after impact. Defendant also denied changing lanes or moving over to the right. Defendant further alleged that plaintiff was involved in 3 subsequent motor vehicle accidents, 2 of which preceded low back surgeries and also had a prior lumbar surgery. Jury determined that defendant’s negligence caused the accident.
Location: Multnomah County, Oregon
Case Name and Docket Number: Baker v. Bischoff, 9503-01981

Jury Award to Plaintiff Left in Intractable Pain

Type of Injury: Back and neck injuries-Aggravation of preexisting degenerative disc disease at C3-C4, C4-C5 and C5-C6 and permanent nerve damage to cervical spine (neck)
Type of Accident: Rear-End
Award/Settlement Amount: $107,586
Case Summary: Plaintiff and Defendant were operating their respective vehicles in the same direction. Plaintiff came to a stop and was rear-ended by defendant. At the time of the accident, Defendant was operating her vehicle in the scope of her employment with co-defendant. Plaintiff’s expert opined that the accident aggravated plaintiff’s preexisting degenerative disc disease at C3-C4, C4-C5 and C5-C6 and permanent nerve damage to cervical spine (neck) with intractable pain requiring the continued use of morphine. Defendants contended that plaintiff was contributorily negligent in that she hit the car in front of her first and did not come to a reasonable stop, which plaintiff denied. Jury awarded plaintiff $107,586.
Location: Multnomah County, Oregon
Case Name and Docket Number: Alex v. Transit Homes, 9507-05115

Defendant Alleged Passenger Injuries Pre-Existing

Type of Injury: Back injury-soft tissue; aggravation of preexisting back condition
Type of Accident: Rear-End
Award/Settlement Amount: $107,948
Case Summary: Plaintiff was a passenger in a vehicle that was rear-ended by defendant. Plaintiff claimed she sustained soft tissue back injuries and that she experienced on-going back pain as a direct result of this accident. The defendant disputed the nature and causation of plaintiff’s injuries arguing that plaintiff had a pre-existing back injury from another rear-end motor vehicle accident approximately a year earlier. Jury returned a plaintiff verdict for $107,948.
Location: Multnomah County, Oregon
Case Name and Docket Number: Hunter v. Boyson, 0703-03346

Parties Agree to Reduce Jury Award by PIP Offset

Type of Injury: neck and back injuries-muscles and ligaments with radiating pain and numbness into his legs
Type of Accident: Rear-End
Award/Settlement Amount: $140,086
Case Summary: Plaintiff was stopped for a red light, when his vehicle was struck from behind by a vehicle operated by defendant. Plaintiff sustained injuries to his neck and back muscles and ligaments with radiating pain and numbness into his legs. The plaintiff claimed the defendant was negligent for operating his vehicle at an unreasonable rate of speed under the circumstances and failing to maintain proper control of his vehicle. Defendant denied liability. Jury found that defendant’s negligence was a cause of plaintiff’s injury, and awarded plaintiff $117,882 for economic damages and $30,000 for noneconomic damages. Plaintiff’s award was reduced in the judgment to $140,086 by agreement of parties for an offset for medical bills paid by plaintiff’s PIP insurer.
Location: Multnomah County, Oregon
Case Name and Docket Number: Lopez v. Arroyo, 1203-03032

Cattle Hauler Liable for Five-Vehicle Accident

Type of Injury: Back injury-herniation at L4-L5
Type of Accident: Rear-End
Award/Settlement Amount: $150,000
Case Summary: Defendant was driving a three-ton pickup truck pulling a trailer containing approximately 8,000 pounds of feeder cattle. He was driving South, and the traffic in front of him stopped. Defendant failed to stop his vehicle in time, and collided with the vehicle in front of his, which caused a five vehicle accident. Three cars behind plaintiff were forced into her vehicle, which was then pushed into the vehicle in front of hers. Plaintiff’s physician noted muscle spasms and reduced range of motion in her lumbar spine. An MRI revealed a severe herniation at L4-L5, with nerve impingement. Plaintiff underwent a microlumbar discectomy L4-5, left. Defendant admitted liability but disputed causation and damages. Jury returned a plaintiff verdict $150,000 in non-economic damages.
Location: Multnomah County, Oregon
Case Name and Docket Number: McGalliard v. Visser, 3:0S-CV-114-MO

Rush Hour Crash Injuries Require Months of Medical Care

Type of Injury: Right knee pain; neck stiffness and pain; others-headaches, myofascial pain syndrome and cervical spondyloarthritis
Type of Accident: Rear-End
Award/Settlement Amount: $227,000
Case Summary: Plaintiff said she was involved in a motor vehicle accident. Traffic was heavy for rush hour and was stop-and-go. Plaintiff was in motion but very slowly driving her vehicle. Defendant was driving her vehicle and did not stop in time for the slow traffic and rear-ended the plaintiff’s car. Plaintiff said her knee had hit the steering column and was sore. She was later diagnosed with a sprain of ligaments of the cervical spine and contusion of the right knee, cervical spondylosis and spinal stenosis in the cervical region. Plaintiff received extensive medical care over several months and reached maximum improvement and was released from care. Parties settled for $227,000 before trial.
Location: Multnomah County, Oregon
Case Name and Docket Number: LC v. KU, 60302985

Case Settles After Determination of Shared Liability

Type of Injury: Left shoulder injury-torn rotator cuff
Type of Accident: Side-Impact
Award/Settlement Amount: $236,396
Case Summary: Plaintiff was passing defendant on the left when defendant made a left turn into her driveway. Plaintiff suffered a rotator cuff injury in her left shoulder. Defendant and her witnesses contended she had properly slowed and signaled. Plaintiff however stated that she did not see a signal and thought defendant was pulling off the right side of road when he committed to pass her on the left. Defendant filed a lawsuit against plaintiff first. Plaintiff then filed a separated action against the defendant. The two actions were consolidated for trial. At trial, it was determined that defendant was 70% responsible for accident, resulting in a dismissal of case against plaintiff. Thereafter, the case against defendant settled for $337,709 Less Contributory Negligence 30%.
Location: Multnomah County, Oregon
Case Name and Docket Number: Barney v. Alvarado, 16CV39951

High-Impact Crash Case Settled Before Trial

Type of Injury: Head injury-traumatic brain injury, resulting in cognitive losses, including short-term memory difficulties; Soft tissue cervical and lumbar injuries.
Type of Accident: Rear-End
Award/Settlement Amount: $250,000
Case Summary: Plaintiff came to a stop in traffic and was rear-ended by a vehicle driven by Defendant. Plaintiff’s vehicle was pushed forward a substantial distance as a result of the impact. Plaintiff alleged she struck her head on the window or steering wheel at impact and sustained a closed head injury, resulting in cognitive losses. Plaintiff also suffered soft tissue cervical and lumbar injuries. Defendant did not dispute that she struck plaintiff’s vehicle, but contended that plaintiff’s difficulties had nothing to do with this accident. The parties reached a $250,000 settlement prior to trial.
Location: Multnomah County, Oregon
Case Name and Docket Number: Wiita v. Aguilar, C120963CV

Defendant Liable for Crash Causing Plaintiff’s Coma

Type of Injury: Closed head injury resulting in cognitive deficits; Others-fractured limbs, vertebrae and pelvic injuries
Type of Accident: Side-Impact
Award/Settlement Amount: $300,000
Case Summary: Plaintiff was driving her vehicle through an intersection when she was “T-boned” by a truck driven by defendant and owned by co-defendant. Plaintiff contended she had the green light, which was corroborated by independent witnesses to this accident. Plaintiff sustained a closed head injury resulting in cognitive deficits, including short-term memory loss and slurred speech. Plaintiff also sustained fractured limbs, vertebrae and pelvic injuries. She was in a coma for several days and later required the use of a walker and pain medications. Defendant denied that he ran a red light and argued that he was not responsible for the accident. Defendant did not dispute that plaintiff was injured, but claimed that plaintiff exaggerated her injuries. Jury found for plaintiff.
Location: Multnomah County, Oregon
Case Name and Docket Number: Linda v. Viesko Concrete, 0703-03576

Young Adult Passenger Settles Accident Injury Case

Type of Injury: Knee and Hip Injuries
Type of Accident: Side-Impact
Award/Settlement Amount: $312,000
Case Summary: Plaintiff, age 20, was a front-seat passenger in a motor vehicle collision involving the car she was in and a car driven by first defendant. On impact, plaintiff’s knees were forced under the dashboard, injuring her knee and hip. She had arthroscopic knee surgery and two open hip surgeries. The knee surgery was due to patellar tendonitis and patella plica. The first hip surgery was to repair a “snapping” psoas tendon, resulting in a 6″ scar on plaintiff’s upper thigh. The second hip surgery was due to Tibial Band Syndrome, a condition frequently associated with running, but not trauma. However, defendant’s IME doctor opined plaintiff’s hip injuries were not related to the motor vehicle accident. Parties agreed to a $337,000 Settlement less PIP payments totaling $25,000.
Location: Multnomah County, Oregon
Case Name and Docket Number: Seibold v. Safeco, 0201-00543

Driver Liable for Plaintiff’s Injuries and Attorney Fees

Type of Injury: Head injury-lacerations; Back injury-disc herniations at L3-4, cervical, thoracic and lumbar strains; a right knee strain
Type of Accident: Side-Impact
Award/Settlement Amount: $385,644
Case Summary: Plaintiff’s vehicle was ‘t-boned’ by a vehicle being driven by defendant and owned by co-defendant. Plaintiff claimed that defendant driver failed to obey a red light at an intersection and struck his vehicle on the passenger’s side as he proceeded on through the intersection. Plaintiff suffered disc herniations at L3-4, cervical, thoracic and lumbar strains, a right knee strain, and a head laceration. The defendants denied liability, arguing that defendant driver had the green light and that plaintiff failed to yield the right of way to defendant’s vehicle. Defendants further contended that plaintiff failed to wear his seatbelt thus contributed to his injuries. Jury found defendant 100% liable for the accident and awarded plaintiff $385,644. The plaintiff’s award included $28,210 for attorney fees and $1,146 for other costs.
Location: Multnomah County, Oregon
Case Name and Docket Number: Cipriano v. Valley Property, 70302449

Passenger Shared Injury Fault by Not Wearing Seatbelt

Type of Injury: Head injury-traumatic brain injury and a fractured jaw; Others-left tibia and fibula fractures
Type of Accident: Head-On
Award/Settlement Amount: $392,433
Case Summary: Plaintiff, a 22-year-old male was a passenger in defendant’s car. Plaintiff claimed that defendant drove at a high rate of speed, lost control of the vehicle and collided head-on with another vehicle. Plaintiff suffered a traumatic brain injury, a fractured jaw, and left tibia and fibula fractures in the same accident. Defendant denied liability. The jury determined that plaintiff was 10% negligent for not wearing a seat belt while defendant was 90% liable for the accident and plaintiff’s injuries. The panel awarded plaintiff $392,433 in compensatory damages.
Location: Multnomah County, Oregon
Case Name and Docket Number: Moen v. Murphy, C991331CV

Jury Award to Teen with Permanent Painful Injury

Type of Injury: Permanent soft tissue injury-mechanical low back pain
Type of Accident: Rear-End
Award/Settlement Amount: $400,000
Case Summary: Plaintiff, age 16, was a passenger in a vehicle that was rear-ended by defendant. Plaintiff was diagnosed with a permanent soft tissue injury. Plaintiff presented medical records which showed three years of continuous medical treatment with no improvement. Plaintiff also presented two medical experts who testified that her injury was “mechanical low back pain” and was permanent in nature. Prior to this accident, plaintiff was very active and swam competitively. Defendant admitted liability, but denied causation. Defendant contended that, at worst, plaintiff had a simple sprain and would have recovered within four weeks of the accident. Jury awarded plaintiff $400,000. Per plaintiff’s attorney, the verdict was due to the fact plaintiff would endure lifelong pain and that she was permanently injured at such a young age.
Location: Lane County, Oregon
Case Name and Docket Number: Teachout v. Marshal, 16CV27223

Drunk Driver Liable for Plaintiff’s Injuries, Permanent Scars

Type of Injury: Legs and hand injuries-Trimalleolar fracture of the right ankle; right (dominant) forearm fracture; and tibia and fibula fractures of the right leg
Type of Accident: Side-Impact
Award/Settlement Amount: $900,000
Case Summary: Plaintiff was involved in a motor vehicle accident with defendant driver, who was intoxicated at the time of impact. Plaintiff, who had the right-of-way, was broadsided by defendant’s vehicle in an intersection. The impact caused significant orthopedic fractures to plaintiff’s arm and leg. Plaintiff required surgeries to repair all fractures, followed by physical therapy. Plaintiff had permanent hardware in her legs and claimed significant surgical scarring. Plaintiff claimed $139,905 in past medicals and $19,446 in lost wages. There was no dispute that defendant was intoxicated or that defendant caused the accident. Defendant disputed only the extent and value of the damages. A pre-trial settlement of $900,000 was reached with defendant’s liability carrier.
Location: Lane County, Oregon
Case Name and Docket Number: Jean v. Marie, 16-90-03841

High-Dollar Award to Seriously Injured Motorcyclist

Type of Injury: Head injury-traumatic brain injury; Crushed leg
Type of Accident: Side-Impact
Award/Settlement Amount: $1,600,000
Case Summary: Plaintiff was riding his motorcycle through an intersection. Plaintiff claimed that defendant made a left turn in front of plaintiff’s oncoming motorcycle, resulting in a collision. Plaintiff alleged that he had a green light and defendant failed to yield the right-of-way to oncoming traffic. As a result, plaintiff’s leg was crushed. He also suffered a mild traumatic brain injury. Defendant agreed to settle this case for the $1,600,000 shortly after the defendant’s deposition was taken.
Location: Multnomah County, Oregon
Case Name and Docket Number: Fitzgerald v. Shelby, 132687

Methodology

We analyzed a group of personal injury cases filed in Oregon courts by car accident victims. Each of the plaintiffs received a payout. Some received a jury award or an arbitration award, and other settled their cases before trial. The group does not include wrongful death cases.

The Award/Settlement Amount reflects the final payout after reductions for shared fault, if applicable. In cases with more than one plaintiff, the payout reflects the highest amount awarded to one injured individual.

Averages are calculated by adding the payouts for a group of cases, then dividing by the number of cases in the group. An unusually high award can skew the average higher for the group.