See average payouts for Alabama car accidents with different types of injuries. Find real case examples similar to yours.

Payouts for Alabama car accident claims vary based on many factors, including jurisdiction, injury type and severity, medical costs and related expenses, lost income, and pain and suffering.

The average injury settlement for a car accident claim in Alabama is $24,000, with most payouts between $9,000 and $40,000. However, some claims with lower medical bills can settle for as little as $950, and catastrophic injury cases can get jury awards of up to $51 million or more.

Average Alabama Car Accident Settlement Amounts

After gathering data for car accident cases in Alabama with different types of collisions and injuries, we’ve calculated the average payouts for personal injury claims based on the severity of injuries, type of injury, and type of motor vehicle accident.

Average Payout by Severity of Injury
Minor Injury	$8,690
Moderate Injury	$38,303
Severe Injury	$325,384
Payout Range by Type of Injury
Back Injury	$6,500 - $271,400
Neck Injury	$8,489 - $252,330
Head Injury	$10,500 - $258,000
Payout Range by Type of Accident
Rear-End Collisions	$7,987 - $424,110
Side-Impact Collisions	$10,142 - $197,401

Head-on collisions are the least common, and most deadly type of vehicle accident. Payouts for catastrophic injury claims fell into the severe category, averaging $325,384.

How Accident Settlements Are Calculated

Minor to moderate injury settlements can be calculated by totaling all economic damages, meaning losses with a measurable dollar value, then adding an additional amount for non-economic damages, also known as pain and suffering.

Severe injury claims must be evaluated by an experienced personal injury attorney to determine settlement value. The attorney will take into account future medical costs, loss of future earning capacity, and much more.

Factors Affecting Payout Amounts

Common factors affecting Alabama car accident settlements include:

• Shared Fault – Alabama is a pure contributory negligence state. If you are found to share blame for the accident, you may be barred from claiming any compensation.
• Injury Severity – Injuries resulting in paralysis, brain damage, amputations, and other permanent conditions qualify for much higher payouts than minor injuries. Not only are the medical costs higher in severe injury cases, but the pain and suffering is significantly worse.
• Auto Policy Limits – Alabama requires minimum bodily injury liability coverage of $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident for private auto insurance. Private drivers can elect to carry more, and commercial liability policies tend to have much higher limits.
• Uninsured Motorist (UIM) Coverage – When the at-fault driver has little or no car insurance, there may be limited or no funds available for the injury victim, unless they carry UIM insurance.
• Multiple Claimants – Even when the at-fault driver has more than the minimum required insurance coverage, there may not be enough to fully compensate everyone injured in an accident.
• Venue – Insurance companies pay more to settle a case when the claimant lives in a court jurisdiction that tends to award higher amounts to injured parties.
• Punitive Damage Caps – Punitive damages are only awarded in court by juries who find the at-fault party’s negligence particularly egregious. Under Alabama law, punitive damages for personal injury cases are limited based on the compensatory damages award, or $1,500,000, whichever is greater.

Frequently Asked Questions

Alabama Car Accident Case Examples

Most car accident cases settle out of court, even when the injured person has to file a personal injury lawsuit to get the at-fault party to pay. A car accident lawsuit is a civil suit. The person bringing the suit is the Plaintiff. The at-fault driver and other responsible parties (like the driver’s employer) are the Defendants.

Minor Injury Case Examples

Minor injuries include bumps, bruises, small cuts and scrapes, sprains, strains, and other soft-tissue injuries that usually heal in a few days or weeks. Minor injuries are usually associated with low-impact or low-speed car accidents, although some people walk away from significant car accidents with relatively mild injuries.

Side-Impact Accident with Head and Neck Pain

Type of Injury: Pain in head and neck radiating into shoulders and arms; lower back pain and general bruises, contusions, and cuts
Severity Rating: Minor
Type of Accident: Side Impact/Center line violation
Award/Settlement Amount: $5,000
Case Summary: Plaintiff, while in the line and scope of his employment with first Defendant, was traveling to various doctors’ offices to sell his employer’s products. Plaintiff alleged that second Defendant, operating a vehicle owned by third Defendant, allowed his vehicle to strike the median curbing, cross the median into westbound traffic, and collide with the driver’s side of Plaintiff’s vehicle. Plaintiff claimed he suffered pain in his head and neck radiating into shoulders and arms, lower back pain, bruises, contusions, and cuts. Defendants generally denied liability. The case settled in the sum of $5,000 for Plaintiff before trial.
Location: Etowah County, Alabama
Case Name and Docket Number: Maschmeier v. Pharmacia Corp, CV-04-253

Rear-End Accident with Back Injury

Type of Injury: Back injury-Cervical and lumbar strain; General bruises and contusions
Severity Rating: Minor
Type of Accident: Rear-end Collision
Award/Settlement Amount: $925
Case Summary: Plaintiff, an 80-year-old female, alleged that Defendant rear-ended her while she was stopped at a red light. The Plaintiff claimed she sustained cervical and lumbar strains, bruises and contusions from the collision. Defendant admitted that his car made contact with Plaintiff’s vehicle but contended that Plaintiff was not injured in this accident. Defendant relied on medical evidence and showed that Plaintiff had pre-existing degenerative back and neck condition and had undergone fusion surgery from a prior motor vehicle accident. The case proceeded to trial on issues of causation and damages only. The jury returned a Plaintiff verdict for $925 in damages.
Location: Jefferson County, Alabama
Case Name and Docket Number: Ghumra v. Allen, CV-04-2058

Motorcycle Collision with Soft Tissue Injuries

Type of Injury: Plaintiff 1-General soft tissue injuries; Plaintiff 2-Bruises on left hand
Severity Rating: Minor
Type of Accident: Motor vehicle-Motorcycle Collision
Award/Settlement Amount: $3,247.34
Case Summary: Plaintiff 1 was operating a motorcycle with Plaintiff 2 as a passenger. Plaintiffs were traveling on a Highway, when Defendant, negligently allowed her vehicle to collide with Plaintiff’s motorcycle, causing the motorcycle to collide with another vehicle driven by a third party. Plaintiff 1 claimed he sustained soft tissue injuries while Plaintiff 2 sustained bruises to his left hand. Defendant contended she had the green light and proceeded through an intersection, at which time Plaintiff’s motorcycle turned left in front of her vehicle and struck it. Counsel for Plaintiff 2 withdrew from the case. Plaintiff 2’s claims were not litigated at trial. The court awarded Plaintiff 1 $3,247.34 in damages.
Location: Morgan County, Alabama
Case Name and Docket Number: Martin v. Letson, CV-03-1007

Rear-End Collision with Neck and Back Soft Tissue Injuries

Type of Injury: Neck and back soft tissue injuries
Severity Rating: Minor
Type of Accident: Rear-end Collision
Award/Settlement Amount: $10,000
Case Summary: Plaintiff was stopped in traffic at an intersection when he was rear-ended by Defendant’s vehicle. Plaintiff claimed that he suffered neck and back soft tissue injuries for which no surgery was required, physical pain and suffering, and mental anguish as a result of the accident. Defendant admitted liability. The case proceeded to trial on the issue of Plaintiff’s claimed damages. The jury awarded Plaintiff $10,000 for compensatory damages.
Location: Houston County, Alabama
Case Name and Docket Number: Hernandez v. Bryant, Jr., CV-2005-611

U-Turn Collision with Minor Injuries

Type of Injury: Head, back, neck, arm, and leg injuries
Severity Rating: Minor
Type of Accident: U-turn Collision
Award/Settlement Amount: $14,000
Case Summary: Plaintiff alleged that Defendant negligently attempted to make a U-turn in front of her vehicle, causing a collision. Plaintiff further claimed that immediately after the accident, Defendant apologized for causing the collision. Plaintiff claimed he sustained head, back, neck, arm, and leg injuries. Defendant admitted liability at trial. The Court awarded the Plaintiff $14,000 for compensatory damages.
Location: Jefferson County, Alabama
Case Name and Docket Number: Lee v. Willis, CV-03-7376

Rear-End Accident with Head, Neck, and Back Injuries

Type of Injury: Head, neck, and back injuries
Severity Rating: Minor
Type of Accident: Rear-end Collision
Award/Settlement Amount: $9,500
Case Summary: Plaintiff alleged that Defendant negligently rear-ended Plaintiff’s vehicle at an intersection by failing to yield the right-of-way. Plaintiff claimed he suffered head, neck, and back injuries requiring physical therapy. Plaintiff sued Defendant, seeking to recover damages for physical pain, mental anguish, temporary and permanent disability, medical expenses, lost income and diminished earning capacity. Plaintiff also filed a negligent entrustment claim against the owner of the vehicle operated by Defendant at the time of the accident. However, an inspection of Defendant’s driving record showed that the owner of the vehicle had no reason to suspect that Defendant would be a reckless driver, so the vehicle owner was dismissed from the case. Plaintiff was awarded $9,500.
Location: Jefferson County, Alabama
Case Name and Docket Number: Smith v. Myrick, CV-05-0088

Intersection Collision with General Soft Tissue Injuries

Type of Injury: General Soft tissue injuries
Severity Rating: Minor
Type of Accident: Intersection Collision
Award/Settlement Amount: $15,000
Case Summary: Plaintiff was operating her vehicle, with her minor son riding as a passenger. Plaintiff claimed that while at an intersection, Defendant negligently allowed her vehicle to collide with Plaintiffs’ vehicle. Plaintiffs claimed that the minor sustained soft tissue injuries requiring chiropractic treatment. Defendant admitted liability at trial. Plaintiffs received $15,000 in compensatory damages from a bench verdict.
Location: Etowah County, Alabama
Case Name and Docket Number: Horton v. Edminister, CV-07-344

Rollover Accident with General Cuts and Bruises

Type of Injury: General Cuts and bruises
Severity Rating: Minor
Type of Accident: Motor Vehicle Rollover Accident
Award/Settlement Amount: $8,000
Case Summary: Plaintiff, a minor, was a passenger in a vehicle owned and operated by Defendant. Plaintiff alleged that Defendant lost control of his vehicle, causing it to leave the highway and rollover. Plaintiff, through his next friend, claimed that he sustained cuts and bruises. Defendant generally denied liability and contested Plaintiffs’ claimed injuries and damages. Court awarded $8,000 for Plaintiff in compensatory damages.
Location: DeKalb County, Alabama
Case Name and Docket Number: Manis v. Slaton, CV-07-01

Left-Turn Collision with Neck, Chest, and Back Injuries

Type of Injury: Neck, chest, and back injuries
Severity Rating: Minor
Type of Accident: Left turn Collision
Award/Settlement Amount: $11,000
Case Summary: Plaintiff and Defendant were involved in a motor vehicle accident at an intersection. According to Plaintiff, Defendant attempted to turn left at the intersection and negligently failed to yield the right of way to Plaintiff’s vehicle, resulting in a collision between the two vehicles. Plaintiff said he sustained neck, chest, and back injuries and incurred medical expenses totaling $6,356 as a direct result of the accident. Defendant admitted liability. Parties settled the claim in the sum of $11,000 for Plaintiff.
Location: Jefferson County, Alabama
Case Name and Docket Number: Richardson v. Watts, CV-08-1369

Intersection Accident with Neck and Shoulder Injuries

Type of Injury: Neck and shoulder injuries
Severity Rating: Minor
Type of Accident: Intersection Collision
Award/Settlement Amount: $5,000
Case Summary: Plaintiff was stopped for traffic at a controlled intersection. Plaintiff said that he had the green light and proceeded onward when Defendant, who was operating a vehicle owned by second Defendant failed to obey the stop sign and negligently allowed the vehicle he was operating to collide with Plaintiff’s vehicle. Plaintiff said he sustained neck and shoulder injuries from the accident. In his complaint, Plaintiff sought to recover compensatory damages for medical expenses, lost wages and property damage. Plaintiff accepted Defendants’ settlement offer of $5,000 before trial.
Location: St. Clair County, Alabama
Case Name and Docket Number: Mulvehill v. Summers, CV-04-156

Rear-End Collision with Neck and Back Injuries

Type of Injury: Neck and back injuries; neck and left shoulder pain
Severity Rating: Minor
Type of Accident: Rear-end Collision
Award/Settlement Amount: $12,000
Case Summary: Plaintiff was traveling and had to stop quickly when the vehicle in front of Plaintiff’s vehicle made a sudden turn without a signal. Plaintiff alleged that Defendant was following Plaintiff’s vehicle and rear-ended Plaintiff’s vehicle. Plaintiff said she sustained neck and back injuries; neck and left shoulder pain. Plaintiff was still undergoing medical treatment for injuries resulting from this accident when she was involved in a second accident. In the second accident, Plaintiff’s vehicle was rear-ended by second Defendant. Plaintiff claimed this accident exacerbated her prior injuries. Plaintiff brought a claim against both Defendant drivers and settled the claim for $12,000 before trial.
Location: Jefferson County, Alabama
Case Name and Docket Number: Hall v. Escott, CV-05-2317

Intersection Collision with Knee Injuries and Headaches

Type of Injury: Left knee injuries; Other-headaches
Severity Rating: Minor
Type of Accident: Intersection Collision
Award/Settlement Amount: $10,000
Case Summary: Plaintiff was traveling West at approximately 25 miles per hour. As she approached an intersection, Plaintiff and Defendant’s vehicle collided. Plaintiff claimed that the stop sign which should have been at the intersection was on the ground and had been knocked down. There was a tree or bush interfering with her view as she entered the intersection. Plaintiff claimed she sustained injuries to her left knee and suffered from headaches. Plaintiff contended that Defendants were on notice of the fact that the stop sign at the intersection had been knocked down prior to the accident and failed to replace the sign. Jury awarded Plaintiff $10,000 in damages.
Location: Jefferson County, Alabama
Case Name and Docket Number: Perry v. Joseph, CV-08-1371

Rear-End Accident with Back, Neck, and Head Injuries

Type of Injury: Back, neck, and head injuries.
Severity Rating: Minor
Type of Accident: Rear-end Collisions
Award/Settlement Amount: $6,500
Case Summary: Plaintiff was involved in two separate motor vehicle accidents. In the first accident, Plaintiff, while in the line and scope of her employment with Defendant 1, claimed that the vehicle she was operating was struck from behind by a vehicle being operated by Defendant 2. The second accident occurred two months after the first. In this accident, Plaintiff again was in the line and scope of her employment with Defendant 1 when she was struck from behind by another vehicle, being operated by Defendant 3. Plaintiff claimed that the combined effect of the two accidents caused her to suffer back, neck, and head injuries. Defendants admitted liability. The parties resolved the case for $6,500 in favor of Plaintiff before trial.
Location: Elmore County, Alabama
Case Name and Docket Number: Luster v. Kelly, CV-06-196

Passenger Accident with Head and Face Injuries

Type of Injury: Face, head, and neck injuries
Severity Rating: Minor
Type of Accident: Intersection Collision/Passenger
Award/Settlement Amount: $11,000
Case Summary: Plaintiff was driving her vehicle with her minor son riding as a passenger. Defendant was driving his vehicle on a street that intersected the street Plaintiffs were on. Plaintiff claimed that Defendant negligently collided with Plaintiffs’ vehicle at the intersection. According to Plaintiff, Defendant failed to yield the right-of-way to Plaintiffs’ vehicle. Plaintiff said that she suffered injuries to her head while her son suffered face, head, and neck injuries. Defendant generally denied liability and contested the damages claimed by Plaintiffs. The Judge awarded $11,000 to Plaintiffs in a bench trial.
Location: Madison County, Alabama
Case Name and Docket Number: Childers v. Privett, CV-06-757

Rear-End Collision with General Soft Tissue Injuries

Type of Injury: General Soft tissue injuries
Severity Rating: Minor
Type of Accident: Rear-end Collision
Award/Settlement Amount: $9,000
Case Summary: Plaintiff, a minor, was a passenger in a vehicle being operated by her father when they were involved in a motor vehicle accident at an intersection. Plaintiff claimed that Defendant negligently allowed his vehicle to rear-end Plaintiff’s vehicle. Defendant was arrested at the scene for driving while intoxicated. Plaintiff sustained soft tissue injuries from the accident. Plaintiff driver, both individually and as the father and next friend of the minor, filed suit against Defendant for negligence. Defendant admitted liability. The Judge approved a settlement in favor of the minor for $9,000.
Location: Madison County, Alabama
Case Name and Docket Number: Lanier v. Duncan, CV-07-900603

Moderate Injury Case Examples

Moderate injuries may include more significant or extensive soft tissue injuries, a simple fracture, moderate concussions, and sprains or strains that take longer to heal. The victim may be out of work for an extended period of time.

Rear-End Collision by Company Truck with Neck and Back Injuries

Type of Injury: Neck, back, and leg pain.
Severity Rating: Moderate
Type of Accident: Rear-end Collision
Award/Settlement Amount: $95,000
Case Summary: Defendant Driver was operating a log-filled eighteen-wheeler while acting in the course and scope of his employment with Defendant Employer. Plaintiff alleged that Defendant Driver negligently rear-ended Plaintiff’s vehicle while she was stopped to turn with her left turn signal on. Plaintiff suffered neck, back, and leg pain. Plaintiff further claimed that Defendant Driver had a history of armed robbery, four motor vehicle accidents, and at least three moving violations prior to his employment by Defendant Employer. Plaintiff contended that Defendant Employer was negligent for the wanton hiring and retention of an incompetent driver. Defendants contended that Plaintiff had pre-existing neck and back conditions and was not badly injured as a result of the rear-end collision. Plaintiff accepted $95,000 to settle her injury case before trial.
Location: Fayette County, Alabama
Case Name and Docket Number: Miller v. Morrison Logging, Inc., CV-07-026

Pedestrian Struck by Car with Concussion and Body Injuries

Type of Injury: Head injuries-scalp lacerations; others-abrasions above right elbow to right hand, left side, and to right side of face; cerebral concussion with simple amnesia; hip and shoulder pain; trauma.
Severity Rating: Moderate
Type of Accident: Pedestrian
Award/Settlement Amount: $55,576
Case Summary: Plaintiff, a member of a Volunteer Fire Department, responded to a motor vehicle accident. At the scene of the accident, Plaintiff engaged in traffic control to assist and protect the other firefighters as they provided emergency medical services to the accident victims. At the scene, a Volunteer Fire Department vehicle had its “wig-wag” and strobe lights on. Defendant Driver, operating a vehicle owned by Co-Defendant, approached the scene at a rate of speed that exceeded safe speed recommendations and struck Plaintiff. The Plaintiff sustained scalp lacerations and abrasions to his right arm extending from above the elbow to his hand, among other injuries. Plaintiff and Defendant Driver settled for $2,000. The court awarded Plaintiff $53,576 in a default judgment against C0-Defendant.
Location: Elmore County, Alabama
Case Name and Docket Number: Albright v. Cobb, CV-00-328

Read-End Collision with Back Injuries and Cervical Fracture

Type of Injury: Plaintiff 1-Back injury-Soft tissue injury to cervical area; Plaintiff 2-Back injury-Fractured cervical vertebrae
Severity Rating: Moderate
Type of Accident: Rear-end Collision
Award/Settlement Amount: $18,000 (highest award among two injured Plaintiffs)
Case Summary: Plaintiff 1 was traveling with a disabled motor vehicle in tow. Plaintiff 2 was a passenger in the disabled vehicle. Defendant rear-end the disabled vehicle being towed. The towed vehicle then collided with the vehicle Plaintiff 1 was driving. Plaintiff 1 claimed he sustained soft tissue injury to the cervical area while Plaintiff 2 claimed he suffered fractured cervical vertebrae. Defendant argued that Plaintiffs were towing a vehicle with inadequate lighting and signage in heavy traffic. Defendant also claimed that Plaintiff 1 was traveling at a dangerously low speed and that Plaintiff 2 was intoxicated at the time of collision. Jury returned a verdict in favor of both Plaintiffs, awarding $18,000 to Plaintiff 1, and $13,000 to Plaintiff 2 for a total against Defendant of $31,000.
Location: Houston County, Alabama
Case Name and Docket Number: Williams, Jr. v. Sherman, CV 2005-196/CV 2005-200

Rear-End Collision with Fractured Hand

Type of Injury: Fractured hand
Severity Rating: Moderate
Type of Accident: Rear-end Collision
Award/Settlement Amount: $18,971.50
Case Summary: Defendant was traveling below the posted speed limit in the inside northbound lane. Plaintiff was traveling in the outside northbound lane when a vehicle stopped in front of Defendant, and he swerved to avoid it. Defendant’s vehicle collided with Plaintiff’s vehicle, which caused her vehicle to leave the road and strike a tree. Plaintiff claimed she fractured her hand in the accident. Plaintiff testified that she did not believe Defendant intentionally caused the accident, and that he was operating under a sudden emergency and could not avoid the collision. Plaintiff was awarded $17,500 plus accrued costs of $1,471.50 in a bench verdict.
Location: Lee County, Alabama
Case Name and Docket Number: Green v. Davis, CV-07-148

Rear-End Accident by Company Vehicle Injures Unrestrained Minor

Type of Injury: Head injury-Facial, left eye; other-right hand injuries
Severity Rating: Moderate
Type of Accident: Rear-end Collision/Passenger
Award/Settlement Amount: $25,000
Case Summary: Plaintiff, a minor, was a passenger in a vehicle operated by her stepfather. Plaintiffs alleged that Defendant Driver, while operating Co-Defendant Employer’s vehicle, cut in front of Plaintiffs’ vehicle. Plaintiff was unable to stop in time and rear-ended Defendant’s vehicle. The minor was not wearing a seat belt at the time of the collision. The minor had a cast on her left arm from a prior injury, and she raised it upon impact to protect herself. The airbag deployed, pushing the minor’s left arm into the left side of her face, injuring her left eye. The parties agreed to settle the claim for $25,000.
Location: Jefferson County, Alabama
Case Name and Docket Number: Smith v. Abbruzzo, CV-07-0310

Left Turn Collision with Broken Nose and Facial Laceration

Type of Injury: Head injury-broken nose and laceration above the lip
Severity Rating: Moderate
Type of Accident: Left Turn Collision
Award/Settlement Amount: $48,500
Case Summary: Plaintiff was involved in a motor vehicle accident that occurred at an intersection. Plaintiff claimed that Defendant made a left turn in front of Plaintiff’s vehicle, resulting in a collision. Plaintiff claimed the force of the impact caused him to smash his face against the steering wheel. As a result, he suffered a broken nose and a laceration above the lip. Plaintiff had surgery to repair the nose fracture. He claimed $4,200 in medical expenses and $500 in lost wages. Defendant admitted liability at trial. Jury returned a $48,500 verdict for Plaintiff.
Location: Jefferson County, Alabama
Case Name and Docket Number: Harris v. Murer, CV-99-6843

Side Impact Collision with Soft Tissue Injuries

Type of Injury: General Soft tissue injuries
Severity Rating: Moderate
Type of Accident: T-bone Collision/Passenger
Award/Settlement Amount: $40,000
Case Summary: Plaintiffs alleged that Defendant negligently t-boned Plaintiff’s vehicle in which minor Plaintiff was a passenger. Plaintiffs claimed that Defendant failed to yield the right-of-way. Plaintiffs claimed that Defendant’s failure to maintain a proper lookout, careless and reckless operation of his vehicle was the proximate cause of the minor’s soft tissue injuries. Defendant admitted liability for causing this accident and agreed to settle Plaintiffs’ claims for $40,000. The settlement offer was accepted by the Plaintiffs.
Location: Madison County, Alabama
Case Name and Docket Number: Gwathney v Valentine, CV-06-1981

Vehicle/Bicycle Collision with Head Trauma and Friction Burns

Type of Injury: Head trauma; Others-general abrasions; friction burns to torso
Severity Rating: Moderate
Type of Accident: Motor Vehicle /Bicycle Collision
Award/Settlement Amount: $16,500
Case Summary: Defendant was operating her vehicle at an intersection. Defendant said that as she went through a stop sign, minor Plaintiff traveled through the stop sign on his bicycle and into her lane of travel. Defendant was unable to stop in time to avoid a collision. Plaintiff suffered head trauma, abrasions, friction burns to torso, and atrophy of his right eye. He received treatment at the scene from Fire & Rescue paramedics and was taken to the children’s hospital for further care. Plaintiff’s medical expenses totaled $3,937.12. The case settled for $16,500 in favor of Plaintiff.
Location: Jefferson County, Alabama
Case Name and Docket Number: Pinkard v. Johnson, CV-05-1435

Intersection Collision with Broken Tooth and Soft Tissue Injuries

Type of Injury: Head injury-broken tooth; Other-general soft tissue injuries.
Severity Rating: Moderate
Type of Accident: Intersection Collision
Award/Settlement Amount: $60,000
Case Summary: Plaintiff and Defendant were operating their respective vehicles near an intersection. Plaintiff alleged that Defendant Driver negligently allowed his vehicle to collide with her vehicle. Plaintiff also claimed that Co-Defendant negligently entrusted his vehicle to his son, Defendant Driver. Plaintiff claimed he suffered a broken tooth and soft tissue injuries. Defendants generally denied all allegations. Court awarded Plaintiff $60,000 in damages. Per Plaintiff’s Counsel, Defendants filed a Motion for new trial based on mention of an insurance company and settlement efforts in opening and closing statements. However, the motion was denied and case was closed.
Location: Marengo County, Alabama
Case Name and Docket Number: Smith v. Cox, CV-04-151

Pedestrian Collision with Broken Leg and Soft Tissue Injuries to Minor

Type of Injury: Fractured leg and general soft tissue injuries
Severity Rating: Moderate
Type of Accident: Pedestrian
Award/Settlement Amount: $20,000
Case Summary: Plaintiff, a minor, claimed (through her mother as her next friend) that minor Plaintiff was leaving a store and walking through the parking lot to her vehicle when she was struck by Defendant’s vehicle. Plaintiffs claimed that the minor sustained a fractured leg for which there was no surgery required as well as soft tissue injuries. Parties agreed to settle the case for $20,000 before trial.
Location: Montgomery County, Alabama
Case Name and Docket Number: Gillum v. Cole, CV-05-200

Side Impact Collision with Soft Tissue Injuries

Type of Injury: General Soft tissue injuries
Severity Rating: Moderate
Type of Accident: Left turn Collision/Side impact
Award/Settlement Amount: $25,000
Case Summary: Plaintiff alleged that she was traveling east when Defendant, who was also traveling on the same road, attempted to make a left turn onto a private drive and struck the driver side of Plaintiff’s vehicle. Plaintiff claimed she suffered soft tissue injuries and emotional distress. Defendant admitted liability at trial. Plaintiff received $25,000 in compensatory damages from a bench verdict.
Location: Montgomery County, Alabama
Case Name and Docket Number: Poole v. Boleware, CV-03-628

Rear-End Collision with Soft Tissue Injuries

Type of Injury: General Soft tissue injuries
Severity Rating: Moderate
Type of Accident: Rear-end Collision
Award/Settlement Amount: $45,000
Case Summary: Plaintiff was operating his vehicle while his minor daughter rode as a passenger. Plaintiffs’ vehicle was rear-ended by a vehicle operated by Defendant. As a result of the collision, Plaintiffs sought compensatory damages for soft tissue injuries, physical pain, mental anguish and medical expenses. Defendant denied liability but his liability carrier, also enjoined in the suit, settled the claim for $45,000 in favor of Plaintiffs before trial.
Location: Baldwin County, Alabama
Case Name and Docket Number: Lewis v. Geico Insurance, CV-06-1316

Rear-End Collision with Back and Neck Injuries

Type of Injury: Back injury-Cervical strain
Severity Rating: Moderate
Type of Accident: Rear-end Collision
Award/Settlement Amount: $60,000
Case Summary: Plaintiff was traveling north. Defendant Driver 1 was also traveling north on the same road and was racing another vehicle. Defendant Driver 1 passed Plaintiff on the left and, as that lane ended, Defendant Driver 1’s vehicle skidded across traffic before entering the median and overturning. Plaintiff was forced to slam on her brakes to avoid colliding with Defendant Driver 1’s vehicle as it slid across the highway. Defendant Driver 2, operating a tractor-trailer owned by Defendant 3, was directly behind Plaintiff’s vehicle at the time. When Plaintiff applied her brakes to avoid hitting Defendant Driver 1, Defendant Driver 2 was unable to stop in time and rear-ended Plaintiff’s vehicle. Plaintiff suffered Cervical strain from the accident. Defendant Driver 2 and Defendant 3 denied liability and cross-claimed against Defendant Driver 1. The Court returned a verdict of $60,000 in favor of Plaintiff’s verdict against Defendant Driver 1. The cross-claim also succeeded.
Location: Jefferson County, Alabama
Case Name and Docket Number: Chappell v. Clark, CV-03-5814

Rear-End Hit and Run with Neck and Back Injuries

Type of Injury: Plainitff1-General Neck and back injuries; Plaintiff 2-Soft tissue injuries to neck and back
Severity Rating: Moderate
Type of Accident: Rear-end Collision
Award/Settlement Amount: $30,000 (highest amount awarded to one of three injured Plaintiffs)
Case Summary: Plaintiffs alleged that Defendant negligently allowed his vehicle to rear-end Plaintiffs’ vehicle multiple times. At the time of the accident, Plaintiff 1 was operating the vehicle with Plaintiff 2, a minor, and Plaintiff 3 as passengers. Plaintiffs made note of Defendant’s tag number as he fled the scene. Defendant failed to stop but was involved in another motor vehicle accident about one hour later, where he was arrested for driving under the influence. Plaintiff 1 said he suffered neck and back injuries. Plaintiff 3 sustained soft tissue injuries to his neck and back. Defendant admitted liability but argued that Plaintiff 1’s treating physicians recorded degenerative findings in his diagnosis. Plaintiff 1  was awarded $5,000 in compensatory damages and $25,000 in punitive damages; Plaintiff 2 and Plaintiff 3 were each awarded $5,000; for a total of $40,000 against Defendant.
Location: Montgomery County, Alabama
Case Name and Docket Number: Hill v. Peruzzi, CV-06-3046

Rear-End Collision with Soft Tissue Injuries

Type of Injury: General Soft tissue injuries
Severity Rating: Moderate
Type of Accident: Rear-end Collision
Award/Settlement Amount: $17,000
Case Summary: Plaintiff alleged that he was attempting to make a left turn when Defendant Driver, an employee of Defendant 2, rear-ended Plaintiff’s vehicle. Plaintiff claimed he suffered soft tissue injuries from the accident. Defendant Driver admitted liability and the case proceeded to trial on the issue of damages. The court entered a judgment in the sum of $17,000 for Plaintiff.
Location: Madison County, Alabama
Case Name and Docket Number: Goldberg v. Sims Lawn Maintenance, CV-06-1340

Severe Injury Case Examples

Severe car accident injuries include traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, multiple fractures, and internal injuries. Severe injuries can be life-threatening and permanently disabling.

Left Turn Collision with Back Injury and Fractured Spine

Type of Injury: Back injury-Fractured thoracic spine; injuries to cervical spine; shoulder pain
Severity Rating: Severe
Type of Accident: Left turn Collision/Truck
Award/Settlement Amount: $137,009
Case Summary: Plaintiff and Defendant were operating their respective automobiles on intersecting streets. Plaintiff claimed that Defendant’s truck made a left turn in front of Plaintiff’s vehicle, causing a collision. Plaintiff fractured his thoracic spine; injured his cervical spine and suffered from pain in both shoulders. In their petition for settlement, the parties stated that Plaintiff’s treating doctor performed a fusion at C4-C5 and C5-C6. He found Plaintiff to be at maximum medical improvement two years following the accident and released him to return to work with a 10% impairment to the whole person and with no work restrictions. Defendant paid temporary total disability benefits of $16,792 and $120,217 in medical expenses.
Location: Jefferson County, Alabama
Case Name and Docket Number: Blackmon v. Cedar Creek, LLC, CV-2019-901460

Rear-End Collision with Neck, Back, Chest, and Head Injuries

Type of Injury: Neck, back, chest, and head injuries; others-strains and lower back pain
Severity Rating: Severe
Type of Accident: Rear-end Collision
Award/Settlement Amount: $252,330.48
Case Summary: Plaintiff was stopped on a road to make a left turn when she was rear-ended by Defendant. Plaintiff sustained neck, back, chest, and head injuries. Defendant stated that she had slowed down due to the brightness of the sun. At that point, Defendant looked down to get her sunglasses but when she looked up, she saw that Plaintiff’s vehicle was too close. Although Defendant pumped her brakes and attempted to avoid hitting Plaintiff’s vehicle by swerving to the right onto the gravel shoulder of the road, she made contact with the right rear portion of Plaintiff’s vehicle. Jury returned a $252,330.48 verdict for Plaintiff, inclusive of $602 in court costs and $1,728.48 in deposition fees.
Location: Madison County, Alabama
Case Name and Docket Number: Mcintosh v. Roberts, CV-05-1617

Sideswipe Collision with Extensive Body Bruises and Contusions

Type of Injury: Bruises and contusions to ribs, chest, shoulder, and pelvis
Severity Rating: Severe
Type of Accident: Sideswipe Collision
Award/Settlement Amount: $125,000
Case Summary: Plaintiff was a passenger in a vehicle owned by Defendant and operated by Co-Defendant Driver. Plaintiff claimed that Co-Defendant Driver made an improper lane change when Defendant’s vehicle was sideswiped by a non-party driver, who was driving in the opposite direction. Plaintiff sustained bruises and contusions to the ribs, chest, shoulder, and pelvis. Defendant denied the negligent entrustment claim, contending that he was not aware that the Co-Defendant was driving the vehicle until the officers informed him that his vehicle had been involved in an accident. The jury returned a verdict for the Plaintiff, awarding him $4,900 for lost earnings and $120,100 for medical expenses and pain and suffering.
Location: Jefferson County, Alabama
Case Name and Docket Number: Sherman vs. Johnson, CV-2:06-00100

Head-On Collision with Traumatic Brain Injuries and Lacerations

Type of Injury: Plaintiff  1-concussion and traumatic brain injury; Plaintiff 2-multiple facial and scalp lacerations; Plaintiff 3-concussion and traumatic brain injury; Others-breast hematoma from the seat belt; rib and chest contusions
Severity Rating: Severe
Type of Accident: Head-on Collision/Center line violation
Award/Settlement Amount: $265,000 total (highest amount awarded to one of three injured Plaintiffs)
Case Summary: Plaintiffs were involved in a motor vehicle accident when the vehicle they were riding was struck by a vehicle driven by Defendant’s employee. Defendant Driver was traveling north when her vehicle crossed over the median and hit two vehicles traveling south, including the Plaintiffs’ vehicle. Plaintiff 1 suffered a concussion and traumatic brain injury. Plaintiff 2 suffered multiple facial and scalp lacerations. Plaintiff 3 suffered a concussion, traumatic brain injury, and breast hematoma from the seat belt. The matter was heard by the court during a three-day bench trial. Based on the evidence presented, the judge found that Defendant Driver’s failure to control the vehicle and excessive speed caused the accident, awarding $215,000 for Plaintiff 1; $265,000 for Plaintiff 2; and $110,000 for Plaintiff 3 for total judgment against Defendant for $590,000.
Location: Montgomery County, Alabama
Case Name and Docket Number: Allen v. United States of America, CV- 2:06-0879

Single Vehicle Crash Passenger with Bilateral Leg Fractures

Type of Injury: Hip injury-Bilateral femur fractures on both legs
Severity Rating: Severe
Type of Accident: Single Vehicle Accident/Passenger
Award/Settlement Amount: $1,100,000
Case Summary:  Plaintiff was a passenger in Defendant’s vehicle at the time of the accident. Plaintiff alleged that Defendant negligently drove his vehicle off the roadway, causing the vehicle to strike a tree. Plaintiff suffered bilateral femur fractures requiring surgery on both legs. Plaintiff filed a negligence claim against Defendant. Plaintiff contended that Defendant failed to maintain proper control of his vehicle and drove at an excessive speed in the circumstances. Defendant admitted liability but vigorously contested Plaintiff’s claimed damages. The case settled for $1,100,000 in favor of Plaintiff prior to trial.
Location: Jefferson County, Alabama
Case Name and Docket Number: Shannon v. Clark, CV-07-1165

Rear-End Semi Truck Collision with Herniated Disc and Nerve Damage

Type of Injury: Back injury-Disc herniation and acute denervation injury at C7 resulting in loss of sensation, cervical pain, and radiculopathy; chronic lumbar radiculopathy
Severity Rating: Severe
Type of Accident: Rear-end Collision/Truck
Award/Settlement Amount: $760,000
Case Summary: Plaintiff was driving and encountered an accident on the road. He slowed down, without skidding or slamming on his brakes, and came to a complete stop to wait for traffic to clear. Plaintiff claimed that he had been stopped for at least five seconds when Defendant Driver, an employee of Co-Defendant, failed to stop his tractor-trailer rig and struck the rear of Plaintiff’s vehicle. Defendant Driver was traveling at approximately fifty-five miles per hour when the collision occurred. Plaintiff suffered disc herniation and acute denervation injury at C7 resulting in loss of sensation among other injuries. Plaintiff’s wife filed a loss of consortium claim. Defendants admitted liability. The case proceeded to trial on causation and damages. The jury awarded Plaintiff $760,000.
Location: Mobile County, Alabama
Case Name and Docket Number: Jorgensen v. Mickles, CV-02-1933

Intersection Collision with Closed Head Injury

Type of Injury: Head injury-Closed head injury
Severity Rating: Severe
Type of Accident: Intersection Collision
Award/Settlement Amount: $225,000
Case Summary: Plaintiff was involved in a motor vehicle accident at an intersection that was caused by Defendant Driver, who was driving a vehicle on behalf of his employer, Co-Defendant. Plaintiff claimed he sustained a closed head injury as a result of the accident, which resulted in the need for medical care and potential future surgery. The Defendants contested Plaintiff’s claims, including challenging the reasonableness and necessity of his claimed medical expenses. A jury found for the Plaintiff and awarded him $225,000.
Location: Blount County, Alabama
Case Name and Docket Number: Vazquez v. Saint, CV-2016-900004.08

Pedestrian/Truck Accident with Ruptured Disc

Type of Injury: Back injury-Ruptured Disc at L5-S1
Severity Rating: Severe
Type of Accident: Pedestrian/Forklift Truck Accident
Award/Settlement Amount: $200,000
Case Summary: Plaintiff, a 36-year-old male, claimed he was walking outside from Defendant’s store where he was a customer, when he was struck by a forklift truck being operated by Defendant’s employee. Plaintiff claimed he suffered a disc rupture at L5-S1 that required surgery and resulted in a 15 percent impairment to the whole body. Plaintiff contended that Defendant’s employee failed to maintain a proper lookout while operating the forklift. Defendant denied liability, disputed Plaintiff’s injuries, and contended that Plaintiff had a preexisting degenerative lumbar condition and was also involved in a subsequent motor vehicle accident that may have contributed to his medical condition. The jury returned a $200,000 verdict for Plaintiff.
Location: Marion County, Alabama
Case Name and Docket Number: Reid v. Food World, CV– 96-0093

Vehicle/Bicycle Collision with Multiple Fractures in Both Legs

Type of Injury: Leg injury-Comminuted fractures of tibia and fibula in both legs
Severity Rating: Severe
Type of Accident: Motor Vehicle -Bicycle Collision
Award/Settlement Amount: $380,000
Case Summary: Plaintiff was traveling north on a bicycle when he was struck from behind by a vehicle operated by Defendant. Plaintiff claimed that he suffered comminuted fractures of his tibia and fibula in both legs as a result of the collision. The Defendant was an underinsured motorist. Parties, including Plaintiff’s auto insurance company, settled the case for $380,000 in favor of Plaintiff prior to trial.
Location: Madison County, Alabama
Case Name and Docket Number: Stevens v. Birdsong, CV-04-2667

Intersection Collision with Concussion, Leg Fractures, Facial Injuries

Type of Injury: Leg injuries-Fractured right leg and sprained left leg; Head injury-concussion, lacerations, and bruises on face and forehead
Severity Rating: Severe
Type of Accident: Intersection Collision
Award/Settlement Amount: $400,000
Case Summary: Plaintiff and Defendant were operating their respective vehicles on intersecting streets. Plaintiff alleged that Defendant negligently allowed his vehicle to collide with Plaintiff’s vehicle. Plaintiff suffered a fractured right leg, concussion, sprained left leg, and lacerations and bruises on the face and forehead. Plaintiff contended that Defendant failed to yield the right-of-way to Plaintiff’s vehicle. Defendant vigorously disputed liability and accused Plaintiff of being comparatively liable for causing the accident. The Court returned $400,000 for Plaintiff plus court costs in a bench verdict.
Location: Lauderdale County, Alabama
Case Name and Docket Number: Jones v. Mansell, CV-06-126

Head-On Collision with Ankle, Arm, and Head Injuries

Type of Injury: Ankle, arm, and head injuries; others-general bruises, contusions, and headaches
Severity Rating: Severe
Type of Accident: Head-on Collision
Award/Settlement Amount: $300,000
Case Summary: Plaintiff and Defendant were operating their respective vehicles on intersecting streets. Plaintiff claimed that Defendant, an unlicensed driver, negligently allowed his vehicle to collide head-on with Plaintiff1’s vehicle while she was stopped at the traffic light. Plaintiff alleged that Defendant was an agent or employee of Defendant 2 at the time of the accident. Plaintiff suffered injuries to his ankle, arm, and head as well as bruises, contusions, and headaches. Parties settled the case for $300,000 in favor of Plaintiff.
Location: Madison County, Alabama
Case Name and Docket Number: Cloer v. Americar Rental System, CV-04-424

Rear-End Collision with Back and Shoulder Injuries

Type of Injury: General Back and shoulder injuries
Severity Rating: Severe
Type of Accident: Rear-end Collision
Award/Settlement Amount: $260,000
Case Summary: Plaintiff claimed that he was traveling south on the bridge over a dam when the driver of a pick-up truck in front of him negligently allowed a two-foot metal pipe to fall off the back of his vehicle in front of Plaintiff’s vehicle. Plaintiff further claimed that when he saw the pipe, he applied his brakes in an attempt to avoid hitting the fallen pipe and was rear-ended by a vehicle operated by Defendant. Plaintiff sustained back and shoulder injuries. Defendant’s liability carrier agreed to settle the claim for $260,000 in favor of Plaintiff.
Location: Lauderdale County, Alabama
Case Name and Docket Number: Landsdell v. Embry, CV-01-656

Intersection Collision with Head and Brain Injuries, Multiple Fractures

Type of Injury: Closed head and brain injuries; Others-General numerous fractures and soft tissue injury
Severity Rating: Severe
Type of Accident: Intersection Collision
Award/Settlement Amount: $100,000
Case Summary: Plaintiff was a passenger in a non-party’s vehicle. Plaintiff claimed that Defendant was traveling west when Defendant failed to yield the right-of-way to Plaintiff’s host vehicle at an intersection, entered the non-party driver’s lane of travel and collided with Plaintiff’s host vehicle. The impact forced Plaintiff’s vehicle off the road, flipped, and landed upside down in a creek. Plaintiff claimed he sustained numerous fractures, severe head, neck, and brain injuries as well as soft tissue injuries. The case was resolved in a judgment of $100,000 for Plaintiff against Defendant.
Location: Madison County, Alabama
Case Name and Docket Number: Hopkins v. Loy, CV-07-1850

Single Vehicle Crash with Paralysis Injuries to Passenger

Type of Injury: General injuries resulting in paralysis
Severity Rating: Severe
Type of Accident: Single Vehicle Accident/Passenger
Award/Settlement Amount: $151,791,000
Case Summary: Plaintiff was a passenger in a vehicle operated by Defendant. While driving on a county road, Defendant lost control of the vehicle, which overturned, causing Plaintiff to suffer injuries that resulted in paralysis. Plaintiff brought claims of design defect and negligence against the vehicle model’s manufacturer (Defendant Manufacturer) and of negligence against Defendant Driver. With regard to the design defect claim, Plaintiff argued that the vehicle was inherently unstable and uncontrollable. Defendant Manufacturer denied the allegations. The jury found for Plaintiff on the design defect and negligence claims against both Defendants. Jurors found that the model manufacturer acted wantonly in designing the vehicle and awarded Plaintiff $51,791,000 for compensatory damages,  and $100,000,000 for punitive damages.
Location: Dallas County, Alabama
Case Name and Docket Number: Smith v. Wade, CV-2016-900273

Head-On Collision with Multiple Hip and Ankle Fractures

Type of Injury: Plaintiff 1-fractured hip; her ankle fractured in two places; Plaintiff 2-Injuries to left knee, chest, and mouth.
Severity Rating: Severe
Type of Accident: Head-on Collision
Award/Settlement Amount: $51,038.15 (highest amount awarded between two injured Plaintiffs)
Case Summary: Plaintiff 1 was traveling west with Plaintiff 2 as her front-seat passenger. Plaintiffs alleged that a Police Officer negligently allowed the police vehicle he was operating to collide head-on with Plaintiffs’ vehicle. Plaintiffs further claimed that the police officer was traveling in the wrong lane heading directly toward them, at a high rate of speed, without blue lights. Plaintiff 1 attempted to avoid the collision but was unable to do so. Police vehicle struck the front passenger side of Plaintiffs’ vehicle. Plaintiff 2 sustained severe injuries to the left knee, chest, and mouth while Plaintiff 1 suffered a fractured hip requiring surgical repair by insertion of several metal pins, and his ankle fractured in two places. Defendant denied liability. Jury awarded Plaintiffs $102,076.30.
Location: Mobile, Alabama
Case Name and Docket Number: Hudson v. City of Mobile, CV-2001-1399

Methodology

The case information and payout amounts listed above are from actual Alabama auto accident cases. We researched personal injury lawsuits filed on behalf of injured Plaintiffs, which often settle out of court before going to trial.

Some cases had more than one injured Plaintiff involved in the same car crash. For purposes of accurately analyzing settlement amounts, we used the highest settlement amount awarded to one Plaintiff in a multi-Plaintiff case.

Average settlement amounts are calculated by adding the settlement amount for each case in a particular category, then dividing by the number of cases in that category.

The categories we analyzed are:

• Accident Severity: Mild, Moderate, Severe
• Accident Type: Rear-End, Side-Impact, Head-On
• Injury Type: Back, Neck, Head

Note that to provide more realistic average car accident settlement amounts, we did not include a reported $151 million settlement in our calculations. Such immense bodily injury compensatory and punitive damage payouts are very rare, and would unreasonably inflate the averages.