Explore average settlements and court awards for rear-end car accidents in Utah. Find real case examples similar to yours.

Rear-end collisions are the most common type of accident in the United States, accounting for 29 percent of all car crashes.

The average settlement for a moderate rear-end collision in Utah is $28,940. Actual payout amounts ranged from $1,852 for minor soft-tissue injuries to $325,000 for severe injuries.

Average Payouts for Utah Rear-End Collisions

To get the amounts listed below, we analyzed a group of real Utah rear-end accident cases. Our group only included cases that resulted in a payout to the injury victim.

Average Payout by Severity of Injury
Minor Injury	$6,242
Moderate Injury	$28,940
Severe Injury	$228,500
Payout Range by Type of Injury
Neck and Back Injuries	$1,852 - $325,000
Head Injuries	$10,000 - $325,000

Factors Affecting Utah Rear-End Settlement Amounts

The extent and severity of injuries is the primary factor in the amount of compensation. Medical bills, lost income, out-of-pocket expenses, and an amount for the victim’s pain and suffering are included in settlement calculations.

Other factors that impact injury payouts in Utah include:

• Injury Severity – Serious and permanent injuries settle for much higher amounts than minor soft-tissue injuries.
• Shared Fault – Utah is a modified comparative fault state. You can file an injury claim against the other party so long as you are less to blame for the crash than the other party. If you are equally or more to blame, you won’t be eligible for 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 a source of compensation for injuries caused by a hit-and-run, 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 – Adjusters know which court jurisdictions have a history of large jury awards issued to injured car accident victims. The at-fault driver’s insurance company may offer more to settle your claim to keep it out of court.
• Punitive Damages: Punitive damages can only be awarded by a judge or jury in a court trial. 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 of alcohol or drugs.

Minor Injury Case Examples

Minor injuries from a rear-end accident will typically involve some soft-tissue sprains or strains with a few days of stiffness. Most minor injury victims are back to normal within a week or two, and only miss a few days to a week of work.

Chiropractic Treatments Challenged for Neck and Back Injuries

Type of Injury: Neck and back injuries; headaches
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

Jury Favors Plaintiff Neck Injury claims

Type of Injury: Neck pain and headaches
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

Victim with Prior Injury History Wins Award

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

Disputed Disc Injuries After Low-Speed Crash

Type of Injury: Neck injury-herniated cervical disc
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

Jury Awards Neck and Back Injury Damages

Type of Injury: Back & neck injuries
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

Herniated Disc Surgery Challenged as Exaggerated

Type of Injury: Neck injury- disc herniation
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

Soft Tissue Injuries Disputed After Low-Speed Impact

Type of Injury: Soft tissue neck and back injuries
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
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 rear-end accident injuries are more painful and may take weeks or months to heal. Moderate injuries may include 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.

Slip and Fall Aggravates Rear-End Accident Injuries

Type of Injury: Headaches, neck and back pain, and shoulder injury
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

Injuries to Neck, Shoulder, and Arm from Three-Car Crash

Type of Injury: Neck, shoulder, arm injuries
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

Head and Neck Injury Award Reduced for Shared Fault

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

Jury Finds for Victim 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

Severe Injury Case Examples

Severe rear-end accidents often result in multiple injuries with residual impairment. 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.

Jury Favors Victim After Impairment Dispute

Type of Injury: Back injury-3 herniated discs in cervical spine; closed head injury
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

Victim Prevails After Defendant Challenges Extent of Injuries

Type of Injury: Neck pain, tremor or shaking in hands and head
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

Methodology

We researched and analyzed real Utah rear-end accident cases.  Many cases were settled out of court, some cases went to arbitration, and some cases went to trial and won a monetary award. Our group of cases did not include wrongful death claims, or cases that were lost at arbitration or trial.

Averages are calculated by adding all the payouts in a group of cases and dividing the total by the number of cases in the group. In cases with more than one plaintiff, we used the highest settlement awarded to one victim to represent the payoff for that case.