See average payouts for Utah vehicle accidents, from minor to severe. Find real car accident cases similar to yours.

There are more than 18,000 injury crashes on Utah roadways per year, including 297 fatalities.¹

The average car accident settlement for a moderate injury claim in Utah is $33,308. Average payouts range from $6,772 for minor injuries to $403,329 for severe injuries.

Average Utah Car Accident Settlement Amounts

We reviewed a collection of actual car accident injury cases filed in Utah courts. Victims’ injuries ranged in severity from minor soft tissue injuries to permanent disabilities.

Average Payout by Severity of Injury
Minor Injury	$6,772
Moderate Injury	$33,308
Severe Injury	$403,329
Payout Range by Type of Accident
Rear-End Collisions	$1,852 - $325,000
Side-Impact Collisions	$9,397 - $300,000
Head-On Collisions	$115,000 - $2,020,000

The majority of cases in our analysis group involved neck and back injuries, although many victims suffered a combination of injuries. Settlements, arbitration awards, and court awards are to compensate for all the victim’s injuries, not just the most serious injury.

Head-on collisions are the least common type of vehicle accident, but often the most serious. Our group has three head-on collisions, all resulting in severe injuries.

How Accident Settlements Are Calculated

You can estimate the settlement value of a minor to moderate injury claim by adding up all the economic damages, like lost wages and medical bills, then adding one to three times that amount to cover non-economic damages, like pain and suffering.

Complicated or severe injury cases are best handled by an experienced personal injury attorney. An attorney will gather expert opinions to support a compensation demand that includes current and projected medical costs, loss of future income, and a higher allocation to compensate for the emotional distress that comes with disabling injuries.

Factors Affecting Payout Amounts

Other factors that impact injury payouts in Utah include:

• Injury Severity – Serious and permanent injuries resulting in disability, amputations, or disfigurement settle for much higher amounts than relatively minor injuries that will eventually heal.
• Shared Fault – Utah is a modified comparative fault state. You can file an injury claim against the other party so long as you are equally or less to blame for the crash than the other party. If you are more to blame, you can be barred from compensation.
• Auto Policy Limits – Utah mandates all drivers to carry insurance no less than $25,000 per person and $65,000 per accident bodily injury liability, and $15,000 property damage liability, or the driver may carry a single-limit policy for $80,000. The $25,000 minimum limit may not be enough to cover severe injury claims.
• Uninsured Motorist Coverage – Utah requires insurance carriers to offer uninsured motorist coverage (UM) and underinsured motorist coverage (UIM) equal to the policy’s liability limits. The policyholder has the right to reject UI and UIM coverage. Drivers who purchase UM and UIM insurance will have recourse for serious injuries caused by a hit-and-run, or someone with no insurance or not enough insurance.
• Multiple Claimants – The per-accident liability coverage carried by the at-fault driver may not be enough to go around when multiple victims are seriously injured.
• Venue and Jurisdiction – Some venues have a history of large jury awards issued to injured car accident victims. The insurance company will often offer more to settle your claim to keep it out of courts with sympathetic juries.
• Punitive Damages: Punitive damages can only be awarded by a judge or jury in a court trial when the accident is the result of willful malicious conduct or reckless indifference to the rights of others. Utah’s punitive damage law allows the first $50,000 to go to the plaintiff, any amount over that must be shared equally with the state. The limits do not apply if the person was injured by someone who was driving under the influence.

Frequently Asked Questions

Minor Injury Case Examples

Minor injuries from a car accident will include some scrapes, minor cuts, bumps and bruises. There may be muscle sprains or strains with a few days of stiffness. Most minor injury victims are back to normal within a month, and only miss a few days to a week of work.

Rear-End Crash With Soft-Tissue Neck Injuries, Headaches

Type of Injury: Neck and back injuries; headaches
Severity Rating: Minor
Type of Accident: Rear-End
Award/Settlement Amount: $10,361
Case Summary: Plaintiff was rear-ended by the Defendant. Plaintiff suffered neck and back injuries with headaches. She was treated with chiropractic manipulations and physical therapy. Defendant claimed the impact was minor with only minor property damage to the vehicles. Defendant argued Plaintiff had pre-existing problems of a similar nature with chiropractic treatments. She was also involved in a second motor vehicle accident which temporarily aggravated her condition. Defendant further argued Plaintiff received excessive manipulations and its expert claimed Plaintiff should have received 2-4 weeks of physical therapy, followed by a home exercise program. This case was arbitrated. Arbitrator awarded Plaintiff $6,361 in medical bills and $4,000 in general damages.
Location: Salt Lake, Utah
Case Name and Docket Number: Burdett v. Mancilla, 70909147

Left Turn Collision with Soft-Tissue Neck and Back Injuries

Type of Injury: Soft tissue neck and back injuries
Severity Rating: Minor
Type of Accident: Side-Impact
Award/Settlement Amount: $9,397
Case Summary: The intersection accident occurred when defendant attempted a left turn in front of plaintiff’s oncoming vehicle. Plaintiff suffered soft tissue injuries to his neck and back. Plaintiff contended that he had the right of way and that defendant failed to yield. Defendant admitted liability but disputed the nature and extent of plaintiff’s alleged injuries and damages. This case was resolved in arbitration. Plaintiff was awarded $9,396.81.
Location: Utah County, Utah
Case Name and Docket Number: Henry v. Simmons, 50403032

Rear-End on the Freeway with Neck Pain and Headaches

Type of Injury: Neck pain and headaches
Severity Rating: Minor
Type of Accident: Rear-End
Award/Settlement Amount: $10,000
Case Summary: Plaintiff was rear-ended by defendant, when he stopped during a sudden slowdown of freeway traffic. Plaintiff’s car sustained $1,300 in property damage. Plaintiff suffered neck pain and headaches. Plaintiff had a prior history of headaches. Defendant’s expert opined that Plaintiff’s injuries and medical care were not related to the motor vehicle accident. This case settled for $10,000.
Location: Davis County, Utah
Case Name and Docket Number: Ruiter v. Roberts, 990700445

Rear-Ended at Traffic Light with Neck and Back Strain

Type of Injury: Neck and back strains; thoracic pain
Severity Rating: Minor
Type of Accident: Rear-End
Award/Settlement Amount: $5,517
Case Summary: Plaintiff had stopped at a traffic light and was rear-ended by the Defendant. Plaintiff suffered neck and back injuries, with ongoing thoracic pain. Plaintiff had been involved in two prior motor vehicle accidents and had suffered whiplash injuries in both. Defendant simply denied all allegations. This case was presented to an Arbitrator who awarded the Plaintiff $5,000, plus costs of $517.
Location: Salt Lake, Utah
Case Name and Docket Number: Foote v. Swank, 100920833

Low-Speed Rear-End Crash with Neck Injury

Type of Injury: Neck injury-herniated cervical disc
Severity Rating: Minor
Type of Accident: Rear-End
Award/Settlement Amount: $1,852
Case Summary: Plaintiff and defendant were traveling towards the same direction in stop and go traffic when defendant rear-ended plaintiff. Plaintiff claimed she suffered herniated cervical disc as a result of the accident. Defendant admitted liability but contented that this low-speed rear-end collision could not have caused any injuries to plaintiff. Jury found for plaintiff in the amount of $1,852.
Location: Utah County, Utah
Case Name and Docket Number: Cheryl v. Barry, 400097

Aggressive Driver Causes Rear-End Collision with Back and Neck Injuries

Type of Injury: Back & neck injuries
Severity Rating: Minor
Type of Accident: Rear-End
Award/Settlement Amount: $8,500
Case Summary: Defendant driver ran Plaintiff’s driver off the road leaving the scene. Plaintiff followed to get license number and was rear-ended by the Defendant’s vehicle at an intersection. Plaintiff claimed he suffered back & neck injuries. Defendant denied all allegations. Jury found for plaintiff in the amount of $8,500.
Location: Utah County, Utah
Case Name and Docket Number: Green v. Chojnacki, 60910364

Passenger Neck Injury from Flying Debris

Type of Injury: Disc fragment in neck
Severity Rating: Minor
Type of Accident: Debris
Award/Settlement Amount: $8,388
Case Summary: Plaintiff claimed that defendant over corrected to the left lane after veering off the road causing an oncoming vehicle, in which plaintiff rode as a passenger to be struck by flying debris and concussion of wind. Plaintiff claimed she suffered disc fragment in neck. Jury found that defendant was 90% at fault for the accident and plaintiff 10% at fault, for riding with her window rolled down and sticking her head out of the window. Jury awarded plaintiff $8,388 following fault apportionment.
Location: Salt Lake, Utah
Case Name and Docket Number: Hawthorne v. Escamilla, 40919151

Neck Injuries Challenged After Rear-End Collision

Type of Injury: Neck injury- disc herniation
Severity Rating: Minor
Type of Accident: Rear-End
Award/Settlement Amount: $3,000
Case Summary: Plaintiff was slowing to make a right turn into a private driveway when defendant rear-ended her vehicle. Plaintiff claimed she suffered herniated disc requiring cervical fusion surgery. Defendant admitted liability for the accident but contended that plaintiff was exaggerating the extent of her injuries. Defendant further noted that there were gaps in plaintiff’s treatment and argued that the need for fusion surgery was not proximately related to this motor vehicle accident. Jury found for plaintiff in the amount of $3,000.
Location: Weber County, Utah
Case Name and Docket Number: Finley v. Stuart, 30902503

Low-Impact Rear-End Accident with Soft Tissue Injuries

Type of Injury: Soft tissue neck and back injuries
Severity Rating: Minor
Type of Accident: Rear-End
Award/Settlement Amount: $4,500
Case Summary: Plaintiff was stopped at a stop sign when defendant rear-ended her vehicle. The Court granted plaintiff’s Motion for Summary Judgment on the issue of liability and the trial proceeded on the issues of proximate cause and/or damages. Plaintiff claimed that she suffered soft tissue neck and back injuries as a direct result of the accident. Defendant contended that he was traveling less than 5 m.p.h. at the time of impact; the property damage to both vehicles was limited to a few small scratches; that plaintiff’s injuries were not proximately related to the collision; that any pain or disability was related to prior and/or subsequent motor vehicle accidents; and that plaintiff was exaggerating the extent of her injuries. Jury awarded plaintiff $4,500.
Location: Salt Lake, Utah
Case Name and Docket Number: Quigley v. Morris, 980904842

Three-Car Rear-End Crash with Neck and Lower Back Injuries

Type of Injury: Neck and Back injuries-Soft tissue injuries to cervical and lumbar spine
Severity Rating: Minor
Type of Accident: Rear-End
Award/Settlement Amount: $6,202
Case Summary: Plaintiff was traveling when defendant driver rear-ended her vehicle, forcing it into a third party’s vehicle. Defendant driver subsequently left the scene without stopping. Plaintiff alleged that defendant was negligent in rear-ending her vehicle, in failing to maintain an assured clear distance ahead and in fleeing the scene of the accident. Plaintiff further alleged that she suffered soft tissue injuries to cervical and lumbar spine as a direct result of the accident. Defendants contended that: plaintiff rear-ended the vehicle in front of her; that defendant driver brought the vehicle to a stop without striking plaintiff’s vehicle; and that plaintiff did not appear to be injured at the scene and, therefore, defendant driver had no reason to remain on the scene. Jury awarded plaintiff $6,202.
Location: Salt Lake, Utah
Case Name and Docket Number: Hodges v. Innovative Doors Systems LC., 970901197

Moderate Injury Case Examples

Moderate car accident injuries are more painful and may take weeks or months to heal. Moderate injuries may include simple fractures, bulging or herniated discs, brain concussions, and extensive soft-tissue injuries.

Some types of moderate injuries may have partial permanent effects. Victims may be out of work for a few months, depending on the physical requirements of their employment.

Broadside Collision with Head Injury, Neck and Back Pain

Type of Injury: Head injury-laceration near the temple resulting in cognitive and motor deficits; Others-neck pain, back pain, and headaches
Severity Rating: Moderate
Type of Accident: Side-Impact
Award/Settlement Amount: $16,302
Case Summary: Defendant ran a red light and broadsided Plaintiff’s vehicle, pushing it into a third vehicle. Plaintiff suffered a 4 cm laceration near his temple, and alleged cognitive and motor deficits following the accident. He also suffered neck pain, back pain, and headaches. Defendant admitted liability. The defense however, claimed that Plaintiff’s cognitive/motor deficits were anxiety-related, not due to the motor vehicle accident. The jury returned with its verdict in which Defendant was found at fault. The jury awarded plaintiff $16,302 in damages.
Location: Salt Lake, Utah
Case Name and Docket Number: Laguna v. Stevens, 980907685

Rear-End Crash with Neck, Back and Shoulder Injury

Type of Injury: Headaches, neck and back pain, and shoulder injury
Severity Rating: Moderate
Type of Accident: Rear-End
Award/Settlement Amount: $22,566
Case Summary: Plaintiff’s vehicle was rear-ended by Defendant. Plaintiff suffered headaches, neck and back pain, and shoulder symptoms leading to shoulder surgery. Defendant claimed the impact was at a speed of 5 mph or less and caused minimal damage to the two vehicles. Plaintiff’s symptoms were aggravated when she fell down four stairs sometime after the motor vehicle accident. Jury ruled that Defendant’s admitted negligence was a proximate cause of Plaintiff’s injuries. The jury found that Plaintiff had suffered no permanent impairment or disability as a result of the accident. The jury awarded Plaintiff $22,566.48 for past medical expenses. They awarded nothing for future medical bills and nothing for general damages.
Location: Utah County, Utah
Case Name and Docket Number: D’Agostini v. Parmley, 403092

Rear-End Crash with Soft-Tissue Injuries to Neck, Shoulder, and Arm

Type of Injury: Neck, shoulder, arm injuries
Severity Rating: Moderate
Type of Accident: Rear-End
Award/Settlement Amount: $12,260
Case Summary: Plaintiff was traveling southbound. He stopped behind traffic and was rear-ended by defendant, who was then rear-ended by co-defendant. This was the second motor vehicle accident that Plaintiff was involved in over a period of only a few months. Plaintiff claimed he suffered neck, shoulder and arm injuries. Co-defendant denied that defendant was pushed into Plaintiff a second time. He filed a motion for summary judgment which the Plaintiff did not oppose. Defendant admitted liability, and a trial on damages only took place. The jury awarded Plaintiff $2,260 in medical bills, and $10,000 in general damages, for a total verdict of $12,260.
Location: Salt Lake, Utah
Case Name and Docket Number: Mendel v. Corbett, 20900488

T-Bone Crash from Running Red Light with Neck, Back, Head Injuries

Type of Injury: Neck and back pain, headaches, and numbness and tingling in his left arm and left leg/foot.
Severity Rating: Moderate
Type of Accident: Side-Impact
Award/Settlement Amount: $17,633
Case Summary: Plaintiff was involved in a motor vehicle accident with Defendant. The accident occurred at an intersection when defendant failed to obey a red light traffic signal and struck plaintiff’s vehicle on the passenger’s side. Plaintiff said he suffered neck and back pain, headaches, and numbness and tingling in his left arm and left leg/foot. Defendant admitted liability but disputed plaintiff’s claimed injuries and damages. This case was resolved through binding arbitration. Arbitrator awarded Plaintiff medical bills of $7,633, and general damages of $10,000.
Location: Utah County, Utah
Case Name and Docket Number: Andersen v. Kerr, 30400271

Side-Impact Crash with Lumbar Injuries Requiring Surgery

Type of Injury: Back injury-L4 and L5 nerve root impingement with Vertebra Injury
Severity Rating: Moderate
Type of Accident: Side-Impact
Award/Settlement Amount: $50,000
Case Summary: Plaintiff was a passenger in a southbound minivan. As the minivan proceeded through a green light, it collided with a northbound vehicle turning left at an intersection, driven by defendant. Plaintiff claimed she suffered permanent injury to her lumbar spine including grade 3 spondylolisthesis and L4 and L5 nerve root impingement, requiring future L5-S1 interbody fusion. Plaintiff contended that the defendant’s negligence resulted in her personal injuries, physical pain, future medical expenses and non-economic damages. Defendant denied liability and disputed that the plaintiff suffered an acute injury to her lumbar spine in this accident, noting that the impact was minor and she was involved in a prior motor vehicle accident that resulted in low back pain. Parties settled the case for $50,000 prior to trial.
Location: Davis County, Utah
Case Name and Docket Number: Earl v. Miller, 80700665

Passenger Suffers Shoulder Injury in Side-Impact Collision

Type of Injury: Shoulder injury-torn rotator cuff
Severity Rating: Moderate
Type of Accident: Side-Impact
Award/Settlement Amount: $13,000
Case Summary: Plaintiff was a passenger in a vehicle being operated by defendant. Plaintiff claimed that defendant negligently performed a u-turn while passing another vehicle and caused a broadside collision with a third vehicle. Plaintiff, 86 years, claimed she suffered torn rotator cuff requiring surgery. Defendant admitted to the collision but claimed that plaintiff’s shoulder injury was pre-existing or caused by degenerative changes due to her old age. However, the case settled for $13,000.
Location: Salt Lake, Utah
Case Name and Docket Number: Turman v. Pedersen, 20901851

Rear-End Crash with Head and Facial Injuries

Type of Injury: Head injury-Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Disorder, facial pain and headaches
Severity Rating: Moderate
Type of Accident: Rear-End
Award/Settlement Amount: $63,432
Case Summary: Plaintiff claimed defendant negligently rear-ended plaintiff’s vehicle at an intersection. Plaintiff claimed he suffered Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Disorder, facial pain and headaches as a result of the accident. The defendant denied liability and contended, as affirmative defense, a third party caused plaintiff’s injuries in a motor vehicle accident. Jurors found for the plaintiff and awarded him $63,432 in damages.
Location: Utah County, Utah
Case Name and Docket Number: Chatterton v. Walker, 940400027

Shared Fault Rear-End Crash with Head, Neck, and Back Injuries

Type of Injury: Soft tissue neck & back injuries with closed head injury
Severity Rating: Moderate
Type of Accident: Rear-End
Award/Settlement Amount: $17,500
Case Summary: While making a lane change, Plaintiff was rear-ended by Defendant’s vehicle. Plaintiff claimed soft tissue neck and back injuries with closed head injury. Defendant vigorously contested liability claiming that plaintiff was negligent hence responsible for the accident and any injuries or damages he might have suffered. Jury determined that plaintiff was 20% at fault for the collision and defendant 80% at fault. Jury awarded plaintiff $17,500 following fault apportionment.
Location: Utah County, Utah
Case Name and Docket Number: Guzman v. Boyer, 50100177

Side-Impact Crash with Cervical Disc Injuries

Type of Injury: Neck injury-C5-C6 disc extrusion
Severity Rating: Moderate
Type of Accident: Side-Impact
Award/Settlement Amount: $70,386
Case Summary: Plaintiff’s car was struck on the passenger’s side by a vehicle owned by defendant and operated by co-defendant, a police officer. As a result of the motor vehicle accident, plaintiff sustained a disc extrusion at C5-C6 that required treatment with cervical fusion surgery. The defendants denied liability and disputed the nature and extent of the plaintiff’s claimed injuries and damages. The case proceeded to a jury trial. The jury found that the plaintiff was not at fault for the accident. Jurors set the plaintiff’s damages at $48,886 for past medical expenses, $20,000 for noneconomic damages, and $1,500 for property damage.
Location: Washington County, Utah
Case Name and Docket Number: Vacher-Topper v. St. George City, 2009-05-00631

Intersection Crash with Persistent Knee Injury

Type of Injury: Knee injury
Severity Rating: Moderate
Type of Accident: Side-Impact
Award/Settlement Amount: $50,000
Case Summary: Plaintiff claimed defendant failed to yield the right of way to his vehicle at an intersection, causing a collision between the two vehicles. Plaintiff claimed he suffered persistent knee injury with constant pain aggravated with activity. Defendant initially denied liability. The case subsequently settled for $50,000.
Location: Weber County, Utah
Case Name and Docket Number: Cope v. Weeks, 10901307

Severe Injury Case Examples

Severe car accidents often result in multiple injuries resulting in residual impairment, or permanent scarring or disfigurement. Some severe injury victims are totally and permanently disabled. These injury victims may be out of work for months, and some are never able to return to regular employment.

Rear-End Crash with Herniated Discs and Closed Head Injury

Type of Injury: Back injury-3 herniated discs in cervical spine; closed head injury
Severity Rating: Severe
Type of Accident: Rear-End
Award/Settlement Amount: $132,000
Case Summary: Plaintiff’s vehicle was rear-ended by Defendant on a snow-slickened road at 10 mph. Plaintiff’s head impacted the rear window of the pickup he was driving. He was also diagnosed with three herniated discs in his cervical spine. His doctor gave Plaintiff a 25% impairment rating and recommended a two-level discectomy and fusion. Defendant’s expert concluded that the disc injuries were not related to the motor vehicle accident and diagnosed Plaintiff with a severe sprain/strain of the cervical spine. This case was tried by a jury which returned a verdict in Plaintiff’s favor in the amounts totaling $132,000.
Location: Salt Lake, Utah
Case Name and Docket Number: Beffort vs. Damjanovich, 13700260

High-Speed Head-On Crash with Nine Herniated Discs

Type of Injury: Nine herniated discs in the neck, mid-back and low back
Severity Rating: Severe
Type of Accident: Head-On
Award/Settlement Amount: $115,000
Case Summary: Plaintiff was stopped in rush hour traffic waiting to turn left in a two-way turning lane. Defendant, who was traveling in the opposite direction, attempted to use the turning lane to pass other traffic and collided head-on into Plaintiff at high speed. Plaintiff suffered nine herniated discs in the neck, mid-back and low back. Plaintiff had been involved in three prior motor vehicle accidents, but alleged that she had been free of any symptoms for eight years prior to this accident. The jury found Defendant 80% at fault, Plaintiff 20% at fault, and awarded plaintiff $115,000.
Location: Salt Lake, Utah
Case Name and Docket Number: Hodge v. Heisey, 990902114

Truck Collision with Brain Injury, Herniated Discs, Fractured Knee

Type of Injury: Head injury-traumatic brain injury with post traumatic concussion syndrome; a fractured knee with lacerations, and cervical and lumbar spine disc herniations
Severity Rating: Severe
Type of Accident: Side-Impact
Award/Settlement Amount: $300,000
Case Summary: Plaintiff, traveling southbound, entered a controlled intersection on a green light and was struck by a vehicle driven by defendant. Defendant was operating a truck as an agent of co-defendant, had made a left hand turn directly in front of plaintiff. Plaintiff suffered a traumatic brain injury with post traumatic concussion syndrome, a fractured knee with lacerations, and cervical and lumbar spine disc herniations. The plaintiff contended defendant made an improper turn, failed to yield the right of way, failed to keep a proper lookout, and failed to obey traffic rules. The defendants admitted liability for the accident. Plaintiff agreed to $300,000 settlement.
Location: Utah County, Utah
Case Name and Docket Number: Dawson v. National Wood Products, 70901549

Sideswipe Collision with Multiple Fractures, Pulmonary Embolism

Type of Injury: Neck injury; hand/arm injuries-multiple finger fractures, right radius and ulna fractures, a pulmonary embolism, and multiple lacerations on her fingers and knee
Severity Rating: Severe
Type of Accident: Side-Impact
Award/Settlement Amount: $189,464
Case Summary: Plaintiff said that defendant’s vehicle swerved out of lane around a curve & sideswiped her vehicle on the driver’s side. Plaintiff suffered neck injury requiring cervical fusion surgery, multiple finger fractures, right radius and ulna fractures, a pulmonary embolism, and multiple lacerations on her fingers, hand, arm and knee. The defendant denied liability and contended that the plaintiff was comparatively negligent, but the parties entered into a settlement agreement for $189,464.
Location: Salt Lake, Utah
Case Name and Docket Number: Krystal v. Edward, 40900514

Pedestrian Hit in Parking Lot with Cervical Disc Injuries

Type of Injury: Neck Injury-cervical disc injuries
Severity Rating: Severe
Type of Accident: Pedestrian
Award/Settlement Amount: $100,000
Case Summary: Plaintiff, a 43-year-old male who was mentally disabled was hit in a parking lot by vehicle being operated by defendant. The parking lot was poorly lit and defendant argued that he did not see plaintiff before the accident. Plaintiff suffered cervical disc injuries necessitating surgery. The case settled for $100,000.
Location: Salt Lake, Utah
Case Name and Docket Number: Lucero v. Cannon, 903392

Head-On Collision with Fractured Skull, Subdural Hematoma

Type of Injury: Head injury-fractured skull and subdural hematoma
Severity Rating: Severe
Type of Accident: Head-On
Award/Settlement Amount: $348,500
Case Summary: Defendant crossed the center line and drove into Plaintiff’s vehicle which was traveling the opposite direction. Defendant was a 95-year-old man. Plaintiff claimed that Defendant caused the head-on collision when he blacked out from neglecting to take his medication. Further, that as a direct result of the collision, plaintiff suffered a fractured skull and subdural hematoma requiring craniotomy. Defendant contended that he was trying to make a left turn into a driveway at the time of the collision. He admitted that he failed to make a proper turn, but contended that plaintiff was contributorily negligent for driving too fast. Jury found defendant solely at fault for the accident and awarded plaintiff $348,500.
Location: Salt Lake, Utah
Case Name and Docket Number: Wayman v. Supersonic Car Wash Inc., 30900888

Left-Turn Collision with Brain Injury, Neck and Back Injuries

Type of Injury: Head injury-brain injury, tinnitus, hearing loss & vertigo; soft tissue neck and back injuries
Severity Rating: Severe
Type of Accident: Side-Impact
Award/Settlement Amount: $100,000
Case Summary: Defendant pulled away from a stop sign and made a left turn in front of plaintiff, who had the right-of-way, causing a collision between the two vehicles. Co-defendant owned the vehicle operated by defendant. Plaintiff claimed she suffered brain injury, tinnitus, hearing loss, vertigo and soft tissue neck and back injuries as a direct result of the accident. Defendants admitted liability but contended that plaintiff’s injuries were proximately related to a prior motor vehicle accident. Jury returned a plaintiff verdict in the amount of $100,000.
Location: Salt Lake, Utah
Case Name and Docket Number: Wallace v. Roth Landscaping , 970905766

Rear-End Crash with Neck Pain, Tremors in Head and Hands

Type of Injury: Neck pain, tremor or shaking in hands and head
Severity Rating: Severe
Type of Accident: Rear-End
Award/Settlement Amount: $325,000
Case Summary: Plaintiff was stopped waiting to make a left turn. Defendant was momentarily distracted and rear-ended plaintiff’s vehicle at a speed of 45 m.p.h. Plaintiff claimed neck pain, tremor or shaking in hands and head as a direct result of the accident. Plaintiff further contended that defendant driver was negligent in failing to keep a proper lookout, in failing to pay full time attention to the operation of his vehicle and in failing to stop within an assured clear distance ahead. Defendants admitted liability, but argued that plaintiff was exaggerating the extent of his injury and damages. Jury awarded plaintiff $325,000.
Location: Salt Lake, Utah
Case Name and Docket Number: Ashley v. Parish, 960700063

Head-On Collision with Traumatic Amputation of Foot

Type of Injury: amputation of foot above ankle
Severity Rating: Severe
Type of Accident: Head-On
Award/Settlement Amount: $2,020,000
Case Summary: Plaintiff and defendant were traveling in opposite directions approaching an exit ramp. Defendant crossed the center line and struck plaintiff’s vehicle head-on. The force of the impact caused plaintiff’s vehicle to careen into the exit ramp and hit the retaining wall. Defendant admitted liability and the trial proceeded on the issue(s) of proximate cause and/or damages. Plaintiff claimed he suffered severe injuries including an amputation of his left foot above the ankle as a direct result of the accident, resulting in permanent disability. Defendants did not seriously contest plaintiff’s injuries. Jury awarded plaintiff $2,020,000.
Location: Salt Lake, Utah
Case Name and Docket Number: Garrett v. Trench Shoring Service Inc., 950908053

Methodology

We analyzed a group of actual car accident injury lawsuits filed in Utah courts. Every case in our group resulted in either an insurance settlement, an arbitration award, or a court award. This group does not include wrongful death claims or cases that didn’t have a payout for the plaintiff.

Averages are calculated by adding all the payouts in a group and dividing the total by the number of cases in the group. Unusually high awards can skew the average higher.

Some cases involved more than one injured person (plaintiff) seeking compensation. In such cases, we used the highest amount awarded to one plaintiff, to avoid overstating the payout one person might expect to receive in similar circumstances.

Similarly, if a plaintiff was injured in more than one traffic accident, we used the highest award paid by one defendant.