Here we average real Oregon injury payouts made to rear-end crash victims. Explore cases with injuries similar to yours.

Rear-end collisions account for up to 29 percent of accidents throughout the United States.¹

The average settlement for a moderate rear-end collision in Oregon is $31,664. Actual payout amounts range from $1,847 for minor soft-tissue injuries to $400,000 for more serious injuries.

Average Payouts for Oregon Rear-End Collisions

The average payout amounts listed below were gathered from a group of real Oregon rear-end accident cases with a range of injuries. All cases resulted in a payout to the injury victim.

Average Payout by Severity of Injury
Minor Injury	$5,333
Moderate Injury	$31,664
Severe Injury	$197,517
Payout Range by Type of Injury
Neck and Back Injuries	$1,847 - $400,000
Head Injuries	$1,983 - $250,000

Factors Affecting Oregon Rear-End Settlement Amounts

The scope of medically-verified injuries has the largest impact on a victim’s total compensation. Car accident payouts include compensation for reasonable medical expenses, lost wages, out-of-pocket expenses, and in most cases, an added amount for pain and suffering.

Other Factors Influencing Payout Amounts

• Vehicle Damage – Insurance companies may challenge claims filed for low-impact fender benders. If there is little or no damage to the rear of the victim’s vehicle, they will push back against claims of serious injury. If there is more extensive vehicle damage, it may be easier to get compensation.
• Shared Fault – Oregon is a modified comparative negligence state. Your claim will be rejected if you are more to blame than the other driver. If you are not more to blame, your payout will be reduced according to your share of fault.
• Auto Policy Limits – Oregon requires all drivers to carry insurance of at least $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident bodily injury liability, and $20,000 property damage liability. Policies are also required to 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 coverage may not be enough to compensate for serious injuries.
• Multiple Claimants – When multiple people are badly injured in the same crash, there may be a court battle over the allocation of available insurance funds. If there’s not enough insurance coverage to go around, you may not get adequate compensation.
• Punitive Damages: Punitive damages are only awarded when a judge or jury is convinced that the at-fault driver’s actions were shockingly outrageous or malicious. Oregon has specific requirements for when these damages can be awarded.

Minor Injury Case Examples

Minor rear-end crash injuries include soft-tissue bumps, bruises, sprains, and strains. Minor injuries won’t require much medical treatment following the initial evaluation. The victim will be fully recovered in a week or two and only miss a few days of work.

Plaintiff Awarded Costs Only for Rear-End Injuries

Type of Injury: Back injury-disc protrusion at L5-S1, with annular tear, cervical, thoracic and lumbar strains, and multiple contusions
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 Rear-End Accident at Red Light

Type of Injury: Neck injury resulting in muscle spasm and headaches
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 Rear-End Accident

Type of Injury: Neck injuries
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

Couple Suffers Soft-Tissue Injuries from Rear-End Crash

Type of Injury: Neck and back injuries-soft tissue cervical and lumbar injuries
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 Settles Disputed Rear-End Crash Claim

Type of Injury: Neck, back and shoulder strain.
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

Driver Admits Rear-End Collision, Disputes Victim’s Injuries

Type of Injury: Back injuries-cervical and lumbar strain/sprain
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

Rear-End Defendant Challenges Plaintiff’s Injuries

Type of Injury: Neck and back injuries-Soft tissue cervical and lumbar injuries
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

Vehicle Damage Proves Liability for Rear-End Collision

Type of Injury: Soft tissue neck and back injuries
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

Rear-End Driver Blames Victim’s Pre-Existing Conditions

Type of Injury: Soft tissue neck and back injuries; right leg numbness
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 the 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

Inattentive Driver Liable for Rear-End Collision

Type of Injury: Soft tissue neck and back injuries-cervical and lumbar injuries with headaches
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

Moderate Injury Case Examples

Moderate injuries from rear-end crashes can include more extensive muscle, tendon, or ligament strain, slipped or herniated disks, simple fractures, and concussions. The accident victim may be out of work for several weeks or months.

Rear-End Accident Occurred in Icy Conditions

Type of Injury: Shoulder, Foot and Neck injuries
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 Argues Rear-End Accident Only a Bump

Type of Injury: Back injuries-cervical and lumbar strains
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

At-Fault Rear-End Driver Failed to Appear at Trial

Type of Injury: Back injury-herniated disc at C3-4
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

Arbitration Award After Chain Rear-End Collision

Type of Injury: Bruising from lower ribs to hip; neck and low-back injuries
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 Injured in Rear-End Crash

Type of Injury: Neck and back injuries-Cervical and lumbosacral strains; contusions
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

Rear-End Crash Blamed for Artificial Insemination Concerns

Type of Injury: Neck and back sprains/strains
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

Rear-End Accident Award Limited to Economic Damages

Type of Injury: Aggravation of pre-existing neck/back injuries; L4-5 disc protrusion; Headaches.
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

Plaintiff Verdict for High-Impact Rear-End Collision

Type of Injury: Soft tissue neck and upper-back injuries; headaches.
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

Severe Injury Case Examples

Severe rear-end crash victims may suffer from multiple serious injuries, including traumatic brain injuries, severe disc and spine injuries, nerve damage, and broken bones that may leave the victim with a partial or total permanent disability.

Rear-End Crash Victim 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)
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

Jury Award to Passenger Injured in Rear-End Crash

Type of Injury: Back injury-soft tissue; aggravation of preexisting back condition
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

Rear-End Injury Award Reduced by PIP Offset

Type of Injury: neck and back injuries-muscles and ligaments with radiating pain and numbness into his legs
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 Triggers Five-Vehicle Rear-End Accident

Type of Injury: Back injury-herniation at L4-L5
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

Rear-End Crash Victim Settles Case Before Trial

Type of Injury: Right knee pain; neck stiffness and pain; others-headaches, myofascial pain syndrome and cervical spondyloarthritis
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

High-Impact Rear-End Collision Case Settles Out-of-Court

Type of Injury: Head injury-traumatic brain injury, resulting in cognitive losses, including short-term memory difficulties; Soft tissue cervical and lumbar injuries.
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

Teen Passenger Permanently Injured in Rear-End Crash

Type of Injury: Permanent soft tissue injury-mechanical low back pain
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

Methodology

We analyzed a group of cases filed in Oregon courts by plaintiffs injured in rear-end vehicle collisions. Every plaintiff was compensated by an arbitration or court award, or settled the case out-of-court before trial.

The final Award/Settlement Amount reflects any reduction made after a determination of shared fault. When there were multiple plaintiffs in the case, the amount reflects the highest payout made to an individual plaintiff.

Averages are calculated by adding up the payout amounts for a group of cases, then dividing by the number of cases in the group.