See awards and settlement payouts made to Washington car accident victims. Find cases similar to yours.

Nearly 3,000 people are injured and 670 are killed on Washington roadways each year.¹ If you or a loved one are injured in a crash, you are entitled to pursue compensation.

The average car accident settlement for a moderate injury claim in Washington is $25,181. Average payouts range from $6,827 for minor injuries to $489,887 for severe injuries.

Average Washington Car Accident Settlement Amounts

We analyzed a group of lawsuits filed in Washington by plaintiffs injured in vehicle accidents. Each plaintiff received an arbitration award, a jury award, or settled their case before trial.

Average Payout by Severity of Injury
Minor Injury	$6,827
Moderate Injury	$25,181
Severe Injury	$489,887
Payout Range by Severity of Injury
Minor Injury	$1,090 - $15,000
Moderate Injury	$15,850 - $43,063
Severe Injury	$75,000 - $2,700,000

Types of Motor Vehicle Accidents

Side-impact collisions, including sideswipe and broadside impacts, are the most common type of traffic accidents nationwide, followed by rear-end collisions.²

Average Side-Impact Collision Settlements
Minor Injury	$7,523
Moderate Injury	$27,492
Severe Injury	$874,689
Average Rear-End Accident Settlements
Minor Injury	$6,614
Moderate Injury	$24,104
Severe Injury	$366,372

Types of Car Accident Injuries

Our Washington case group includes injuries ranging from mild soft-tissue sprains to complex fractures and lacerated internal organs. Neck and back injuries are the most common injuries from all kinds of vehicle accidents, followed by brain injuries.

Victims of serious accidents often suffer multiple injuries, including bone fractures, brain trauma, and punctured lungs. Payouts are intended to compensate for all the victim’s injuries, not just the most severe injury. Most accident victims can expect to settle in the moderate payout range.

Average Neck and Back Injury Settlements
Minor Injury	$6,627
Moderate Injury	$25,181
Severe Injury	$489,887
Average Head Injury Settlements
Minor Injury	$1,000
Moderate Injury	$25,160
Severe Injury	$981,340

How Car Accident Settlements Are Calculated

Washington is a traditional fault or “tort” state. Insurance companies are required to offer Personal Injury Protection (PIP) in the state, but Washington policyholders can reject the coverage. An accident victim has the right to file a claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance company or file a lawsuit directly against the driver.

If you’ve fully recovered from minor injuries, you may decide to handle an insurance claim on your own. For more serious or complicated cases, you’ll need a personal injury attorney to get maximum compensation.

An attorney will gather evidence to support a claim for all your current and future economic damages, like medical care and lost earning capacity. Your attorney will also pursue non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering and loss of consortium.

Using the “Multiple Method” for Minor Claims

The multiple method is an easy way to estimate the value of minor to moderate injury claims. Start by totaling your medical bills, out-of-pocket costs, and lost wages. Then add one to three times that amount to account for your pain and suffering.

A multiple of one is reasonable when you quickly recovered from your injuries with only a few days of discomfort. You can justify a multiple of two or three when your injuries had a bigger impact on your life. For instance, when you had to hire helpers to shovel snow and walk your dog for two months because of your broken leg.

Other factors that influence injury payouts in Washington:

• Shared Fault – Washington is a pure comparative fault state. This means you can seek compensation from the other driver even if you are mostly at fault for the accident.
• Auto Policy Limits – Vehicle owners in Washington must carry insurance liability limits of at least $25,000 per person/$50,000 per accident for bodily injury, and $10,000 for property damage.
• Multiple Claimants – When multiple people are badly injured in the same collision, there might not be enough insurance money to fully compensate all injured victims.
• Uninsured/Underinsured Coverage – Auto insurance companies operating in Washington are obligated to offer uninsured (UM) and underinsured (UIM) motorist coverage equal to the policy liability limits. The policyholder may reject UM/UIM in writing.
• Commercial Policies – Insurance for commercial vehicles carries much higher liability limits than personal auto policies. This can mean higher payouts for very serious injuries.
• Punitive Damages – Car accident victims in Washington state are not allowed to seek punitive damages from the at-fault party.

Frequently Asked Questions

Minor Injury Case Examples

Most minor car accident victims are fully recovered within a few weeks. Some may be stiff and sore for the first few days, and stay home from work. The most common minor injuries include soft-tissue bumps, bruises, sprains, and strains.

Expert Doctor Back Injury Testimony Swayed Jury

Type of Injury: Back injury-Aggravated Disc Damage, Spinal Stenosis and Cervical/Lumbar Strain
Type of Accident: Rear-end
Award/Settlement Amount: $1,090
Case Summary: Plaintiff was driving a vehicle and had come to a complete stop for traffic when her vehicle was rear-ended by a vehicle operated by defendant. Plaintiff claimed she sustained lumbar radiculopathy, cervical spondylolisthesis and stenosis, cerebrovascular symptoms, cervical and lumbar sprains, and eventually underwent an L3-5 laminectomy and fusion, as a result of a motor vehicle accident. The plaintiff contended the defendant’s negligence proximately caused her injuries and damages. The defendant admitted liability but vigorously disputed causation. Jury awarded plaintiff $1,090 in damages. The award was influenced by testimony from an expert doctor, who testified for the defense that plaintiff had a history of spinal injuries and previous spinal fusion surgery.
Location: Pierce County, Washington
Case Name and Docket Number: Froehling v. Tysdal, 2015-2-05371-5

Small Award for Low-Impact Multi-Car Collision

Type of Injury: Neck and low-back sprain/strain, headaches.
Type of Accident: Rear-end
Award/Settlement Amount: $1,850
Case Summary: Plaintiff and defendant were involved in a three-vehicle chain reaction rear-end accident. Plaintiff contended that the defendant was the rear vehicle in this motor vehicle accident, forcing the middle car into the rear bumper of plaintiff’s vehicle. The collision caused a minor impact to plaintiff’s vehicle. Plaintiff claimed he sustained neck and low-back sprain/strain and headaches. Plaintiff further argued that his low back pain resolved, but he had ongoing neck pain and headaches. Defendant admitted liability but disputed the extent of plaintiff’s claimed injuries and damages. Plaintiff had asked the asked jury for $12,000 in damages. Jury returned a plaintiff verdict and awarded him $1,850 in damages.
Location: King County, Washington
Case Name and Docket Number: Ignacio v. Mariott, 00-2-11087-1SEA

Jury Award Less than Half of Offer Declined Before Trial

Type of Injury: Shoulder injuries-posterior labral tear and inflammation
Type of Accident: Side-Impact
Award/Settlement Amount: $3,000
Case Summary: Defendant, driving in a lane adjacent to the plaintiff’s lane of travel, attempted to change lanes to the left and pulled in front of the plaintiff’s vehicle, causing a collision. Plaintiff claimed she suffered right shoulder labral tear and inflammation, for which she had arthroscopic synovectomy surgery. Defendant stipulated to liability but disputed plaintiff’s claimed injuries, contending that her labral tear was the result of a subsequent motor vehicle accident. Jurors returned a $3,000 verdict in favor of the plaintiff. However, as the award was less than the defendant’s $6,846 offer of judgment which had been rejected earlier by plaintiff, defendant sought costs and fees. Plaintiff’s award was reduced by $200 for defense statutory attorney fees.
Location: King County, Washington
Case Name and Docket Number: Slenning v. Parsons, 2015-2-08593-0

Plaintiff Award for Preexisting Cervical Spine Defect

Type of Injury: Back injury-Cervical Strain; Other-ligament damage in the neck
Type of Accident: Rear-end
Award/Settlement Amount: $3,776
Case Summary: Defendant was driving south directly behind the plaintiff who was slowing for traffic, when defendant collided with the rear of the plaintiff’s vehicle once it had stopped. Plaintiff claimed he suffered ligament damage in his neck and a grade II cervical sprain/strain for which he had chiropractic treatment. Plaintiff contended defendant failed to drive attentively, keep a careful lookout, and obey all relevant rules of the road. Defendant disputed the plaintiff’s claims, contending plaintiff had a symptomatic, congenital defect in his cervical spine that had caused pain throughout his life and that he previously had been sporadically treated for injuries consistent with a minor cervical/lumbar sprain/strain. Jury returned a verdict in favor of plaintiff.
Location: Snohomish County, Washington
Case Name and Docket Number: Wilson v. Hunt, 2014-2-02522-8

Teen Rear-Ended in High School Parking Lot

Type of Injury: Neck and back soft tissue injuries
Type of Accident: Rear-end
Award/Settlement Amount: $4,186
Case Summary: Plaintiff, aged 17, contended that she was driving in the parking lot of a High School when her vehicle was rear-ended by Defendant. Plaintiff claimed that she sustained soft tissue injuries to her neck and back and was treated for approximately 3 months. Plaintiff was employed at a movie theatre and claimed $3,831 in past medicals and $ 483 in lost wage. Defendant vigorously disputed the causation of plaintiff’s injuries, contending that plaintiff was involved in a motor vehicle accident eight months before this accident. Defendant maintained that majority of Plaintiff’s treatment was related to injuries from her previous accident. The jury awarded plaintiff $4,186 in damages.
Location: Benton County, Washington
Case Name and Docket Number: Train v. Hall, 05-2-00691-6

Jury Award for Injuries Caused by Two Accidents

Type of Injury: Back injury-Cervical / Lumbar Strain
Type of Accident: Side-Impact
Award/Settlement Amount: $4,195
Case Summary: Plaintiff was involved in two motor vehicles accidents. In the first, the northbound vehicle in which plaintiff was a passenger, was struck broadside by defendant’s westbound vehicle at a controlled intersection. In the second, plaintiff was operating his mother’s southbound vehicle when it was struck broadside by co-defendant’s vehicle at an intersection. Plaintiff suffered cervical and lumbar strains. Plaintiff contended that the defendants operated their vehicles in a negligent manner, failed to keep a proper lookout, failed to observe posted traffic signals and stop signs, and failed to yield the right-of-way. Defendants denied liability and disputed the extent of the plaintiff’s injuries. Jury returned a plaintiff verdict.
Location: King County, Washington
Case Name and Docket Number: Dundon v. Sharifi, 04-2-35336-0

Mild Closed Head and Soft-Tissue Injuries

Type of Injury: Soft tissue injuries to neck and upper back; shoulder injury; Short-term closed head injury.
Type of Accident: Rear-end
Award/Settlement Amount: $4,250
Case Summary: Plaintiff contended she was struck by defendant in a rear-end impact, where defendant struck the middle car which was forced into plaintiff’s vehicle. Plaintiff claimed she sustained soft tissue injuries to neck and upper back and shoulder injury. Plaintiff also claimed she suffered a bump on the back of her head causing a mild, short-term closed head injury. Plaintiff complained of residual neck problems which were limiting her activities. The occupant of the middle car was taken away by ambulance. This was a trial de novo from an arbitration where plaintiff had been awarded $12,000 by an Arbitrator. Jury awarded plaintiff $4,250 in damages.
Location: Kitsap County, Washington
Case Name and Docket Number: Bevelhmier v. Putnam, 99-2-03147-6

Defendant Liable for Backing Into Plaintiff’s Vehicle

Type of Injury: Neck and Back Injuries-Cervical and lumbosacral spasms; mid-thoracic sprain/strain; Headaches
Type of Accident: Rear-end
Award/Settlement Amount: $5,384
Case Summary: Plaintiff contended that the defendant, who was driving his vehicle was slowly backing up, when he backed into plaintiff’s vehicle. Plaintiff claimed he was leaving a gas station at the time of the motor vehicle accident. Plaintiff sustained cervical and lumbosacral spasms, mid-thoracic strain, muscle tension and headaches, which resolved after two months of treatment. Defendant vigorously disputed liability and causation. Defendant argued that plaintiff had been in a rear-end collision, three days before this accident and that the plaintiff’s injuries. Defendant further contended that the present accident was a minor collision hence plaintiff’s injuries were proximately caused by the rear-end collision. Arbitrator awarded plaintiff $5,384 in damages.
Location: King County, Washington
Case Name and Docket Number: Pipenko v. Gaskill, 02-2-33901-0SEA

Arbitration Award for Sideswipe Collision

Type of Injury: Neck, mid-back and back soft tissue injuries; Headaches
Type of Accident: Side-Impact
Award/Settlement Amount: $5,823
Case Summary: Plaintiff and defendant driver were involved in a motor vehicle accident which took place near a rise and a slight curve on a narrow country road. Both Plaintiff and defendant believed that they were traveling on their own respective sides of the road but in opposite directions at the time of the accident. Plaintiff however contended that the left front fender area of defendant’s vehicle struck his vehicle in a head-on/side-swipe collision. Plaintiff maintained that she sustained soft tissue injuries to her neck and back with intense left-sided headaches as a result of the accident. Defendant disputed liability, contending that plaintiff was contributorily negligent. An Arbitrator sided with plaintiff.
Location: Snohomish County, Washington
Case Name and Docket Number: Firnstahl v. Daily Herald, 04-2-77058-1

Chain Reaction Rear-End Accident with Moderate Damage

Type of Injury: Back injury-Lumbar and cervical strains
Type of Accident: Rear-end
Award/Settlement Amount: $7,584
Case Summary: Plaintiff was involved in a three car motor vehicle accident. A third party had stopped for traffic. Plaintiff contended that she came to a complete stop, when the defendant’s vehicle rear-ended plaintiff’s vehicle and pushed her vehicle into the rear of the third party’s vehicle. Plaintiff claimed she sustained lumbar and cervical strains. Plaintiff argues that she had no prior history of neck or back pain and that her injuries were proximately caused by this accident. Plaintiff’s vehicle sustained moderate damage, and was considered a total loss. Defendant admitted liability for rear-ending the third party vehicle but contested plaintiff’s damages. Jury awarded plaintiff $7,584 in damages.
Location: Whatcom County, Washington
Case Name and Docket Number: Lehman v. Murray, 01-2-01002-2

Arbitrator Finds Two Defendants Liable for Plaintiff’s Injuries

Type of Injury: Soft tissue neck and back injuries
Type of Accident: Rear-end
Award/Settlement Amount: $9,840
Case Summary: Plaintiff was involved in two different motor vehicle accidents. In the first accident, plaintiff contended that she was struck from the rear by the defendant at an intersection. One month later, plaintiff’s vehicle was rear-ended by Co-defendant’s vehicle at an intersection. Plaintiff claimed she sustained soft tissue neck and back injuries from each motor vehicle accident. Defendants denied liability in both accidents as well as the causation of the plaintiff’s claimed injuries. The case was resolved through Arbitration where the Arbitrator found each defendant 50% liable for the plaintiff’s injuries. Plaintiff was awarded $9,840 in damages against the defendants.
Location: Thurston County, Washington
Case Name and Docket Number: Roberts v. Stopsen, 01-2-01066-0

Jury Awards Less than Arbitration Disputed by Red-Light Runner

Type of Injury: Soft tissue neck and back injuries.
Type of Accident: Side-Impact
Award/Settlement Amount: $10,000
Case Summary: Plaintiff and defendant were involved in a motor vehicle accident. The facts of the case were disputed. According to the plaintiff, the accident occurred at a controlled intersection. Both parties claimed to have the green light. Plaintiff however contended that defendant ran a red right and T-boned plaintiff’s vehicle as his previously stopped vehicle proceeded forward after he had the green light. Plaintiff claimed he sustained Soft tissue neck and back injuries. Defendant admitted liability but disputed plaintiff’s damages. The case first went to Arbitration where plaintiff was awarded $16,462. Defendant however requested for a trial de novo. Jury awarded plaintiff $10,000 in damages.
Location: Pierce County, Washington
Case Name and Docket Number: Holman v. Jones, 97-2-11402-6

Arbitration Award to Passenger Injured in Rear-End Accident

Type of Injury: Back, Neck and Chest injury-Cervical, lumbar and thoracic injuries; Vertigo
Type of Accident: Rear-end
Award/Settlement Amount: $13,177
Case Summary: Plaintiff was a passenger in a vehicle driven by her husband. Plaintiff contended they were stopped at a red light, when their vehicle was rear-ended by defendant’s vehicle. Plaintiff claimed she sustained cervical, lumbar and thoracic injuries. Plaintiff also contended that she experienced vertigo. Defendant admitted liability for the collision but disputed the nature and extent of plaintiff’s injuries. Defendant contended that a review of plaintiff’s medical records showed that her doctors were unwilling to relate plaintiff’s claim of vertigo to the motor vehicle accident even though symptoms followed immediately after the accident. The case proceeded to Arbitration on the issue of damages, where the Plaintiff was awarded $13,177.37.
Location: Snohomish County, Washington
Case Name and Docket Number: Darrow v. Barron, 98-2-05235-8

Arbitration Award for Hip Injury from Side Impact Crash

Type of Injury: Hip injury-Contusion to left hip; Headaches.
Type of Accident: Side-Impact
Award/Settlement Amount: $13,248
Case Summary: Plaintiff was driving her vehicle on “1st Street” and was traveling through an intersection. Defendant was driving his vehicle on 2nd Street. Plaintiff contended that defendant turned left onto “1st Street” into the path of Plaintiff’s vehicle, colliding with Plaintiff’s vehicle. Plaintiff sustained a contusion to left hip and ongoing headaches. Plaintiff contended that the defendant was negligent in failing to yield the right-of-way for the Plaintiff’s vehicle, failing to maintain a proper lookout and failing to maintain proper control of his vehicle. Defendant admitted liability. The case proceeded to Arbitration on the issue of damages only. The Arbitrator awarded Plaintiff $13,248 in damages.
Location: Yakima County, Washington
Case Name and Docket Number: Pontrella v.Garza, 00-2-00097-8

Two Defendants Liable for Damages from Separate Accidents

Type of Injury: Back and Shoulder injuries-cervical, lumbar and shoulder strains
Type of Accident: Rear-end
Award/Settlement Amount: $15,000
Case Summary: Plaintiff was involved in two separate motor vehicle accidents. In the first, plaintiff’s vehicle was struck from the rear by defendant’s vehicle as plaintiff slowed for traffic. In the second, plaintiff’s vehicle collided with the rear of co-defendant’s vehicle as the co-defendant stopped to turn left on a public roadway. Plaintiff suffered cervical, lumbar and shoulder strains as a result of the two accidents. Plaintiff contended that the defendant failed to maintain an assured clear distance, and that the co-defendant made an abrupt stop, failed to signal her intent to turn, and was contributorily negligent. Defendants admitted liability but disputed the extent of the plaintiff’s injuries. Plaintiff agreed to settle for $10,000 from defendant and $5,000 from co-defendant.
Location: Spokane County, Washington
Case Name and Docket Number: Walker v. Hughes, 02-2-06623-7

Moderate Injury Case Examples

Moderate car accident injuries include more extensive soft tissue injuries, slipped or herniated discs, concussions, simple bone fractures, and whiplash. Recovery may take weeks or months, interfering with the victim’s ability to work. Some victims are left with residual impairments.

Semi-Truck Rear-Ends Plaintiff’s Vehicle Three Times

Type of Injury: Shoulder, Neck and Back injuries-traumatic cervicothoracic acceleration with deceleration trauma, subluxation complexes, cervicogenic headache, rotator cuff strain, joint dysfunction.
Type of Accident: Rear-end
Award/Settlement Amount: $15,850
Case Summary: Plaintiff was driving her vehicle as she exited onto a Street from Northbound exit lanes. Plaintiff contended she merged into the left lane and saw a semi-truck in her rear-view mirror, the semi-truck collided into her vehicle, striking it three (3) times. Plaintiff claimed she sustained traumatic cervicothoracic acceleration with deceleration trauma with loss of motion segment integrity, Cervical and thoracic vertebral subluxation complexes, cervicogenic headache, cervical and thoracic vertebral subluxation complexes, rotator cuff strain with acromioclavicular and glenohumeral joint dysfunction as a result of the accident. Defendant admitted liability. The parties settled the for $15,850 in favor of plaintiff.
Location: King County, Washington
Case Name and Docket Number: Alderete v. Camden Transport, 09-2-04668-9SEA

Plaintiff’s Injuries Challenged in Chain Rear-End Collision

Type of Injury: Shoulder, neck and back strains; headaches
Type of Accident: Rear-end
Award/Settlement Amount: $16,407
Case Summary: This case arose out of a motor vehicle accident involving three vehicles. Plaintiff was stopped, waiting to make a left turn when another vehicle stopped behind her as defendant’s vehicle came around a large curve. Plaintiff contended that defendant applied his brakes but was unable to bring his vehicle to a stop in time to avoid a rear-end collision with the vehicle behind plaintiff, which in turn was propelled to the rear of the plaintiff’s vehicle. Plaintiff sustained shoulder, neck and back strains with headaches as a result of the accident. Defendant admitted liability but disputed the nature and extent of plaintiff’s injuries. An arbitrator returned a plaintiff verdict.
Location: King County, Washington
Case Name and Docket Number: Beier v. Smith, 03-2-33529-1SEA

Parties Settle Case with Prior Neck and Back Strains

Type of Injury: Strains/sprains of neck and back with headaches
Type of Accident: Rear-end
Award/Settlement Amount: $19,133
Case Summary: Plaintiff contended she was traveling eastbound, attempting to merge northbound when she was rear-ended by defendant’s vehicle, who failed to yield the right-of-way to plaintiff’s vehicle. Plaintiff claimed she sustained neck and back sprains/strains and headaches. Defendant admitted liability but contended that plaintiff’s injuries were complicated by two previous motor vehicle accidents and one Labor & Industry claim, all for neck and back strains/sprains. The parties however agreed to settle the case for $17,000 plus payment of statutory attorney fees and costs of $575 before the trial. The settlement award included $9,986 medicals, $149 wage loss, $9,000 in general damages.
Location: King County, Washington
Case Name and Docket Number: Neitsch v. Thiele, 00-2-28154-4SEA

Postal Worker Makes Improper Left Turn into Plaintiff’s Vehicle

Type of Injury: Back and neck injuries
Type of Accident: Side-Impact
Award/Settlement Amount: $19,500
Case Summary: Plaintiff was involved in a motor vehicle accident with defendant, an employee of co-defendant, who was operating a Postal truck. Defendant was traveling eastbound preparing to turn left onto a street. Plaintiff was traveling westbound, continuing straight through an intersection of the same Street. Plaintiff contended that defendant failed to yield, and the vehicles collided. As a result of the accident, plaintiff claimed he sustained injuries to his back and neck, lost wages, damage to his vehicle, pain and suffering and medical expenses. Defendants disputed liability. Parties later agreed to a $19,500 settlement before trial. The Judge dismissed the case with prejudice without costs.
Location: Chelan County, Washington
Case Name and Docket Number: Wilsey v. Postal Service, 2: 06-cv-00268-FVS

Award for Disputed Rear-End Injury Claims

Type of Injury: Neck, back and shoulder injuries
Type of Accident: Rear-end
Award/Settlement Amount: $20,000
Case Summary: Plaintiff was involved in a motor vehicle collision in which his Nissan truck was struck from behind by a vehicle operated by defendant. Plaintiff sustained neck, back and shoulder injuries as a result of the collision. Plaintiff claimed that defendant’s negligent driving was the cause of the collision and sought compensation for his personal injuries, pain, emotional trauma, medical expenses, loss of earnings and earning capacity. Plaintiff contended that defendant failed to keep a proper lookout and was following too closely. Defendant admitted liability for this accident but maintained that plaintiff’s injuries were only minor and fully resolved in a few weeks. Jury awarded plaintiff $20,000 in damages.
Location: King County, Washington
Case Name and Docket Number: Kim v. Garcia, 2013-2-23964-7

Compression Fracture in Spine and Various Soft-Tissue Injuries

Type of Injury: Back injury-Compression fracture at L1 and spondylosis at L4-5; Others-Pains in her mid, low and upper-back, right foot, neck and right knee; Bruises to her knees and head; and scrapes and cuts throughout her body.
Type of Accident: Side-Impact
Award/Settlement Amount: $21,500
Case Summary: Plaintiff was a passenger in Defendant’s vehicle. Defendant contended that as she approached the intersection, she saw a flashing green traffic light, and a “worker” in the intersection but did not see that person motioning for traffic to stop or go. Defendant was then hit by a City Light truck on her left side, her vehicle was spun toward a vehicle on her right side, and impacted it. Plaintiff sustained compression fracture at L1, spondylosis at L4-5 among other injuries. Plaintiff contended that the traffic light simply was “out” and that a Police Parking Enforcement Officer had motioned for Defendant to stop at the intersection, which Defendant did not do. Jury found defendant liable for this accident.
Location: King County, Washington
Case Name and Docket Number: Huang v. Wang-Lin, 00-2-04022-9SEA

Arbitration Award for Injuries from Two Crashes

Type of Injury: Neck, upper and mid-back injuries; Others Knee contusions and headaches.
Type of Accident: Rear-end
Award/Settlement Amount: $23,301
Case Summary: Plaintiff’s vehicle was struck from the rear by defendant’s vehicle. 14 days later, her vehicle was rear-ended by co-defendant’s vehicle at a slightly higher speed/impact than in the first accident. Plaintiff claimed she sustained neck, upper and mid-back injuries as well as knee contusions in the first accident and aggravation of these injuries in the second accident. Plaintiff claimed that the combine effect of both accidents were the proximate cause of her injuries. Defendants conceded liability but disputed plaintiff’s claimed damages. An Arbitrator awarded plaintiff $23,301: $ 68 in medicals against defendant and $11,233 in medicals and $12,000 in general damages joint and several against both defendants.
Location: Snohomish County, Washington
Case Name and Docket Number: Staveley v. Rosenstiel, 04-2-08188-1

Pick-Up Rear-Ends Plaintiff Slowing for Animal in Road

Type of Injury: Shoulder, arm, hip & back Injuries; Cognitive Loss.
Type of Accident: Rear-end
Award/Settlement Amount: $23,359
Case Summary: Plaintiff and defendant were involved in a motor vehicle accident. Plaintiff contended that she slowed for an animal in the road when she was hit from the rear by the defendant’s pick-up truck. Plaintiff claimed she suffered back pain, headaches, memory and subjective cognitive impairment, pain and weakness in hips, thighs and shoulders. Plaintiff argued that defendant was negligent for following too closely in the circumstances, failed to maintain proper lookout maintain proper control of the pick-up truck. Defendant admitted liability but disputed the nature and extent of plaintiff’s claimed injuries. The Arbitrator found in favor of the plaintiff, awarding her $23,359 in damages.
Location: Benton County, Washington
Case Name and Docket Number: Wellington v. Rodriguez, 02-2-01262-8

Arbitration Award Reduced for Shared Negligence

Type of Injury: Back injury-Cervical strain; Other-shoulder injury
Type of Accident: Rear-end
Award/Settlement Amount: $26,236
Case Summary: The Defendant contended that plaintiff rear-ended her vehicle after she had executed a lane change and was established in her lane. Plaintiff however contended that defendant moved left, clipping her vehicle while making an improper lane change. Plaintiff complained of back and shoulder pain and was diagnosed with a cervical strain. An arbitrator determined that defendant was 85% liable for the accident. Plaintiff was awarded $ 30,867 less contributory negligence 15% = $26,236 net. The award included medicals of $6,723, $14,144 in lost wages and $10,000 in general damages.
Location: King County, Washington
Case Name and Docket Number: Moon v. Moon, 05-2-38317-8SEA

Jury Finds Two Defendants Liable for Plaintiff’s Damages

Type of Injury: Back, chest and neck injuries- cervical, thoracic and lumbar strains; headaches
Type of Accident: Rear-end
Award/Settlement Amount: $26,400
Case Summary: Plaintiff was involved in two separate motor vehicle accidents. In the first accident, plaintiff’s vehicle was struck from the rear by the male defendant’s vehicle on a public roadway. In the second accident, the vehicle in which plaintiff was a passenger was struck broadside by the male co-defendant’s vehicle at an intersection. Plaintiff claimed she suffered headaches and cervical, thoracic and lumbar strains as a result of the collisions. Plaintiff contended that the defendants operated their vehicles in a negligent manner, failed to keep a proper lookout, and failed to maintain control of their vehicles. Defendants admitted liability but disputed the nature and extent of the plaintiff’s injuries. Jury awarded plaintiff $26,400 in damages.
Location: Benton County, Washington
Case Name and Docket Number: Seaman v. Warden, 03-2-02760-7

Concussion and Chest Injuries from Head-On Collision

Type of Injury: Chest injury-Sternum & chest sprains; Back injury-Cervical and thoracic strains; Other-Concussion
Type of Accident: Head-on
Award/Settlement Amount: $26,961
Case Summary: This motor vehicle accident occurred on a Street where both north and south bound traffic have dedicated turn lanes. Defendant#1 had stopped his vehicle inside the northbound turn lane to make a left turn over the double yellow lines and across the dedicated southbound turn lane. Plaintiff contended that Defendant#2 had her wheels turned to the left and defendant#3 could not stop, rear-ending defendant#1’s vehicle. The impact forced defendant#1’s vehicle into the southbound lane where it struck Plaintiff’s vehicle in a head-on collision. Plaintiff sustained sternum and chest sprains, cervical and thoracic strains and a concussion as a result of the collision. Defendants denied liability. An arbitrator awarded plaintiff $26,961 in damages.
Location: King County, Washington
Case Name and Docket Number: Nicolai v. Stevenson, 07-2-33392-4

Plaintiff Rear-Ended by Faster Moving Vehicle

Type of Injury: Soft tissue neck and back injuries.
Type of Accident: Rear-end
Award/Settlement Amount: $27,287
Case Summary: Plaintiff was traveling outside a trade Fair while defendant was traveling behind him. Plaintiff contended that as the fair was opening, he was traveling at approximately 30 mph when his vehicle was struck from the rear by defendant’s vehicle at approximately 50 mph. Defendant was cited for reckless driving at the scene of the accident. Plaintiff sustained soft tissue neck and back injuries. Defendant admitted liability but disputed plaintiff’s claimed damages. Plaintiff however submitted a records review that opined all treatment was reasonable, necessary and related to the motor vehicle accident. The case was submitted to an Arbitrator who sided with plaintiff, awarding him $27,287 in damages.
Location: Pierce County, Washington
Case Name and Docket Number: Gooding v. Retherford, 18-2-13921-5

Arbitrator Finds in Favor of Injured Plaintiff

Type of Injury: Soft tissue neck, upper and low-back injuries; headaches.
Type of Accident: Side-Impact
Award/Settlement Amount: $29,319
Case Summary: Plaintiff was traveling westbound while Defendant was traveling southbound. Plaintiff contended that he had slowed his vehicle as he entered a non-regulated intersection but the defendant failed to slow down as she entered the intersection, striking plaintiff’s vehicle. Plaintiff sustained soft tissue injuries to his neck, upper and low-back injuries with headaches. Plaintiff argued that defendant was negligent in the operation of his vehicle by failing to keep a proper lookout and following too closely in the circumstances. Defendant admitted liability but vigorous contested the plaintiff’s claimed damages. An Arbitrator found in favor of plaintiff, awarding him $29,319, plus costs.
Location: King County, Washington
Case Name and Docket Number: Chase v. Musso-Escude, 13-2-00454-2SEA

Improper Left Turn Causes Side-Impact Collison with Rollover

Type of Injury: Back injury-cervical and lumbar strains and spinal Nerve Injury
Type of Accident: Side-Impact
Award/Settlement Amount: $39,397
Case Summary: A southbound vehicle collided with a northbound vehicle driven by defendant, as he was attempting a left turn, causing the defendant’s vehicle to overturn and collide with the front of the plaintiff’s west-facing, stopped vehicle. Plaintiff suffered cervical and lumbar strains resulting in a vasovagal syncope episode/loss of consciousness, loss of balance, dizziness and disorientation among other injuries, three days later. Plaintiff contended defendant failed to operate his vehicle in a manner that would have prevented a collision with other vehicles. Defendant admitted liability but denied the nature and extent of the plaintiff’s injuries, arguing the plaintiff suffered a whiplash Grade II cervical/neck strain but no permanent impairment. Jury returned a plaintiff verdict.
Location: Pierce County, Washington
Case Name and Docket Number: Batdorf v. Abington, 2015-2-07363-5

Rear-End Crash During Heavy Snow and Ice

Type of Injury: Back injury-cervical disc protrusion in the C4-5 and C5-6 with radiculopathy, lumbosacral sprain and diffuse posterior disc bulge; Neck injury
Type of Accident: Rear-end
Award/Settlement Amount: $43,063
Case Summary: Plaintiff and defendant were involved in a motor vehicle accident that occurred in the dark, the conditions were heavy snow with accumulated snow and ice on the roadway. Plaintiff contended that defendant was traveling too fast for the weather conditions and lost control of his vehicle as he came down a hill, striking plaintiff’s vehicle in a rear-end collision. Plaintiff sustained neck injury, cervical disc protrusion in the C4-5 and C5-6 areas with occasional radiculopathy, lumbosacral sprain among other injuries which resolved after 4 months of treatment. Defendant admitted liability but disputed plaintiff’s damages. Jury awarded plaintiff $16,700 plus attorney fees for a total of $43,063.
Location: King County, Washington
Case Name and Docket Number: Lee v. Ricciardelli, 07-2-36442-1KNT

Severe Injury Case Examples

Severe car accident injuries can include disabling neck and back trauma, internal injuries, multiple complex fractures, and brain injuries with cognitive impairments. Severe injury victims may have permanent disabilities and never be able to return to their pre-accident activities of daily living.

Spinal Stenosis, Bulging Discs, and Multiple Contusions

Type of Injury: Back & chest injuries-spinal stenosis from C4 to C7, disc bulging, cervical and thoracic strains, and multiple contusions and abrasions
Type of Accident: Rear-end
Award/Settlement Amount: $75,000
Case Summary: Plaintiff was involved in two separate motor vehicle accidents. In the first accident, the plaintiff’s vehicle was struck broadside by the female defendant’s vehicle as the defendant turned left at an intersection. In the second accident, a pickup truck in which the plaintiff was a passenger was struck from the rear by the female co-defendant’s vehicle when the plaintiff’s non-party host driver stopped for traffic. Plaintiff suffered foraminal stenosis from C4 to C7, with disc bulging, cervical and thoracic strains, and multiple contusions and abrasions. Defendants admitted liability but contended that they were faced with sudden emergencies and were unable to avoid the accidents. Plaintiff agreed to settle with both defendants for $75,000.
Location: King County, Washington
Case Name and Docket Number: Farrar v. Stevens, 02-2-29076-ISEA

Two Wrecks Lead to Disc Herniation and Laminectomy Surgery

Type of Injury: Back injury-lumbar disc herniation and strain
Type of Accident: Rear-end
Award/Settlement Amount: $112,000
Case Summary: This case involved two motor vehicle accidents. In the first, plaintiff’s vehicle was struck from the rear by the female defendant’s vehicle. In the second, plaintiff’s vehicle was struck from the rear by the male co-defendant’s vehicle. Plaintiff suffered a lumbar disc herniation and strain requiring a laminectomy surgery. Plaintiff contended that defendants were negligent, failed to keep a proper lookout and failed to maintain an assured clear distance. Defendant admitted liability but contended she was faced with a sudden emergency and was unable to avoid the collision. Co-defendant admitted liability but disputed the nature and extent of the plaintiff’s injuries. The case settled for $112,000. Plaintiff’s settlement included $50,000 from defendant and $62,000 from co-defendant.
Location: Thurston County, Washington
Case Name and Docket Number: Utley v. Lachat, 07-2-00189-9

Victim With Diffuse General Injuries from Head-On Crash

Type of Injury: General Injuries to neck, shoulders, back, legs, nose, face, right elbow, left ankle, left hand and hip
Type of Accident: Head-on
Award/Settlement Amount: $119,173
Case Summary: Plaintiff was driving eastbound and stopped for a stop light, waiting to turn left onto northbound lane. A vehicle operated by defendant made a right turn from the southbound exit ramp, crossed the center-line, and struck Plaintiff’s vehicle head-on. One year later, plaintiff said she was walking across a street in a crosswalk when a vehicle operated by co-defendant hit her. Plaintiff suffered injuries to her neck, shoulders, back, legs, nose, face, right elbow, left ankle, left hand and hip caused by the two accidents. Defendants denied liability and disputed the nature and extent of the plaintiff’s alleged injuries and damages. Jurors returned a plaintiff verdict, awarding him $30,807 from defendant and $88,366 from co-defendant.
Location: Kitsap County, Washington
Case Name and Docket Number: Skinner v. Tso, 2013-2-02449-9

Spinal Subluxation Complexes Along Entire Spine

Type of Injury: Back Injury-spinal subluxation complexes of the cervical, thoracic, and lumbosacral spine.
Type of Accident: Rear-end
Award/Settlement Amount: $121,258
Case Summary: Plaintiff was involved in two different motor vehicle accidents. In the first accident, plaintiff contended that she was struck from the rear by the defendant when the plaintiff stopped for traffic while traveling northbound on a highway. In the second accident, plaintiff was struck broadside by Co-defendant who had ran a red right. Plaintiff sustained spinal subluxation complexes of the cervical, thoracic, and lumbosacral spine as a result of the two accidents. Defendant denied liability in the first accident and contended that his view of the stopped vehicle was blocked and was unable to avoid the accident. Co-defendant admitted liability for the second collision. Jury returned a plaintiff, awarding him $121,258 in damages.
Location: King County, Washington
Case Name and Docket Number: Klewin v. Freight Corp., 00-2-10598-3

Jury Award for Plaintiff Injured in Three Separate Accidents

Type of Injury: General head, neck, left arm, and shoulder injuries; dizziness, blurred vision, cognitive problems, ringing on the ears, dyslexia, fatigue, and headaches.
Type of Accident: Rear-end
Award/Settlement Amount: $125,000
Case Summary: Plaintiff was involved in three separate motor vehicle accidents. In the first, he was driving east while defendant was driving south. Defendant ignored the stop sign at an intersection and T-boned plaintiff’s vehicle. In the second, plaintiff was slowing down to merge to the right when co-defendant rear-ended him. In the last collision, plaintiff had stopped for traffic, when he was rear-ended by the 3rd named defendant. Plaintiff suffered injuries to his head, neck, experienced dizziness, blurred vision, cognitive problems, dyslexia, fatigue, and headaches. Defendants disputed liability and contested plaintiff’s alleged injuries and damages. Jurors determined that Defendant’s negligence was the proximate cause of the plaintiff’s injuries. Plaintiff was awarded $125,000 in damages.
Location: King County, Washington
Case Name and Docket Number: Boileau v. Yoo, 08-2-03736-3

Defendant Admits Liability for Parking Lot Crash

Type of Injury: Back injury-Spinal Nerve with Disc Damage
Type of Accident: Side-Impact
Award/Settlement Amount: $138,790
Case Summary: Plaintiff was driving a vehicle and was at a stop while waiting to exit a parking lot, when a vehicle operated by defendant struck a second vehicle while attempting a left turn into the parking lot, causing both his vehicle and the second vehicle to strike plaintiff’s vehicle on the driver’s side. Plaintiff suffered spinal nerve and disc injuries, for which she underwent two left L5-S1 transforaminal epidural steroid injections and eventually a fusion surgery. Plaintiff claimed the defendant operated his vehicle negligently by failing to yield the right-of-way to the second vehicle, and that the defendant’s spouse was vicariously liable for his negligent acts. Defendants admitted liability but disputed plaintiff’s claimed damages. Jury awarded plaintiff $138,790.
Location: Pierce County, Washington
Case Name and Docket Number: Sweider v. Farley, 2016-2-06053-1

Traumatic Head Injury with PTSD and General Physical Injuries

Type of Injury: Head injury-traumatic head injury; General injuries to neck, back, right shoulder, right ankle and post-traumatic stress disorder
Type of Accident: Rear-end
Award/Settlement Amount: $148,700
Case Summary: Plaintiff was riding her motorcycle in the left lane of a Street. Defendant was traveling in the center lane in the same direction. Defendant made a left turn directly in the path of plaintiff’s motorcycle, causing a collision. Eight months later, plaintiff said she was a front seat passenger in a vehicle driven by co-defendant. While attempting to make a right turn, co-defendant rear-ended the vehicle in front of him. Plaintiff claimed she sustained a traumatic head injury, injuries to her neck, back, right shoulder, right ankle, headaches, and post-traumatic stress disorder, as a result of the collisions. Defendants disputed liability and causation of plaintiff’s injuries and damages. Jurors returned a plaintiff verdict, finding both defendants were negligent but only defendant’s negligence was a proximate cause of the plaintiff’s injury.
Location: King County, Washington
Case Name and Docket Number: Tomkinson v. Madsen, 09-2-05286-7

Jury Awards Passenger for Cervical Injuries

Type of Injury: Back injury-General cervical injury
Type of Accident: Side-Impact
Award/Settlement Amount: $160,000
Case Summary: Plaintiff drove west, with his wife riding as a passenger. As they proceeded through an intersection, defendant turned left in front of them from eastbound, causing a collision. Passenger sustained cervical injury for which she later underwent anterior cervical decompression and fusion surgery. Plaintiffs also claimed their vehicle was damaged. Defendant admitted liability but disputed the nature and extent of the couple’s damages. After hearing the evidence, a jury returned a verdict in favor of the Plaintiffs. Passenger received $45,000 for past economic damages, $10,000 for future economic damages, and $105,000 for noneconomic damages. Plaintiff driver received an award of $10,000.
Location: King County, Washington
Case Name and Docket Number: Bills v. Uppal, 04-2-40682-0

Arbitration Award Despite Opposing Medical Testimony

Type of Injury: Neck injury-Discs herniation at C4-6.
Type of Accident: Rear-end
Award/Settlement Amount: $315,734
Case Summary: Plaintiff was involved in two separate motor vehicle accidents. In the first, plaintiff’s vehicle was struck from the rear by defendant. 11 months later, her vehicle was struck a glancing blow by co-defendant, who changed lanes. Plaintiff sustained aggravated neck pain and radicular symptoms in both arms and underwent an anterior cervical discectomy with fusion at C4-6. Plaintiff claimed the two accidents indivisibly combined proximately caused her injuries. However, a doctor, opined for the defense that plaintiff’s cervical and radicular complaints were due to pre-existing degeneration, that the impact from the first collision was too insignificant to cause injury, and that the second collision did not worsen her pre-existing symptoms. An Arbitrator awarded plaintiff $315,734.
Location: King County, Washington
Case Name and Docket Number: Reynolds v. American Family, 00-2-00097-8

Driver Liable for Passenger Injured When Car Flipped, Slammed Into Tree

Type of Injury: Back, neck, chest & head injuries-cervical, thoracic and lumbar strains, headaches, a closed head injury , forehead lacerations, facial lacerations and abrasions.
Type of Accident: Single-vehicle
Award/Settlement Amount: $433,000
Case Summary: Plaintiff was a passenger in a westbound vehicle operated by defendant, that was being pursued by a vehicle operated by Co-defendant. According to plaintiff, defendant lost control, overcorrected, flipped his vehicle multiple times, collided with a tree and came to rest in a ditch. Plaintiff sustained severe injuries including cervical, thoracic and lumbar strains, chest wall and abdominal contusions, chronic daily post-traumatic headaches, a closed head injury with mental slowness and visual impairments. Plaintiff claimed defendant negligently drove at a high rate of speed to avoid his pursuer, co-defendant. Defendants generally argued that the plaintiff’s injuries and damages resulted from her involvement in motor vehicle accidents with other defendants. The jury awarded the plaintiff a total of $433,000 in damages.
Location: Pierce County, Washington
Case Name and Docket Number: Hart v. Powell, 2012-2-14762-6

Defendant Argues Plaintiff Delayed Medical Treatment After Crash

Type of Injury: Neck injury; C5-6 and C6-7 stenosis of the canal and neural foraminal stenosis.
Type of Accident: Rear-end
Award/Settlement Amount: $435,657
Case Summary: Plaintiff contended he was rear-ended by defendants in two separate motor vehicle accidents. Plaintiff claimed that her C5-6 and C6-7 stenosis of the canal and neural foraminal stenosis were directly and proximately caused by the combined effect of the two collisions. Plaintiff also claimed she experienced cervical pain and had left-sided cervical radiculopathy causing weakness and numbness in the left hand. Defendant vigorously disputed causation, claiming that prior to the first accident, plaintiff had degenerative disc disease. Defendant also claimed that plaintiff did not receive emergency aid at the scene, nor did she go to the hospital. Co-defendant admitted liability for the 2nd accident. Jury awarded plaintiff $435,657 in damages against both defendants.
Location: Pierce County, Washington
Case Name and Docket Number: Miller v. Bessinas II, 00-2-07760-8

Cervical Radiculopathy, Disc Abnormalities, Traumatic Headaches

Type of Injury: Back injuries-cervical radiculopathy and cervical radiculitis, left-sided disc osteophyte abnormalities at C5-6 and C6-7 and post-traumatic headache
Type of Accident: Rear-end
Award/Settlement Amount: $464,000
Case Summary: Plaintiff was driving southbound and came to a complete stop behind a vehicle that had stopped for a pedestrian, when his vehicle was struck from behind by a vehicle driven by defendant. Plaintiff suffered cervical radiculopathy and cervical radiculitis, left-sided disc osteophyte abnormalities at C5-6 and C6-7 and post-traumatic headache as a result of the accident. Plaintiff claimed defendant was negligent for failing to exercise reasonable care under circumstances. Defendant admitted liability for the accident but disputed the nature and extent of the plaintiff’s injuries and damages. Jurors awarded plaintiff $100,000 for past economic damages, $264,000 for future economic damages and $100,000 for past and future noneconomic damages.
Location: King County, Washington
Case Name and Docket Number: Akkerman v. Leduc, 2010-2-40446-5

Plaintiff In Four Traffic Accidents Over Three Years

Type of Injury: Back injuries-Cervical and lumbar spinal strains/sprains which eventually caused lumbar spondylolysis/spondylolisthesis
Type of Accident: Side-Impact
Award/Settlement Amount: $500,000
Case Summary: Plaintiff was involved in four motor vehicle accidents over a three-year period at different intersections. Plaintiff suffered successive cervical and lumbar spinal injuries. Plaintiff was treated conservatively until finally undergoing anterior lumbar discectomy and fusion for spondylolisthesis at the L4-5 level. That surgery was not entirely successful. She later underwent a posterior lumbar discectomy fusion at the L4-5 level. Plaintiff filed suit against all four defendant’s drivers. Defendants disputed causation. Plaintiff’s doctors could not say that any particular accident more than not likely caused plaintiff’s injuries. However, they did say that the cumulative effect of all four accidents likely caused plaintiff’s lumbar condition and eventual surgeries. Parties reached a mediation settlement for $500,000 in favor of Plaintiff.
Location: Pierce County, Washington
Case Name and Docket Number: Nelson v. Williams, 92-2-11717-1

Victim Rear-Ended by Bus Suffers Cognitive Impairment

Type of Injury: Back injury-disc herniations in neck and lower back; Cognitive impairment
Type of Accident: Rear-end
Award/Settlement Amount: $1,500,000
Case Summary: Plaintiff was driving to work when a bus owned by defendant rear-ended him after failing to see that plaintiff was stopped in traffic. Plaintiff developed neck and back pain and treated conservatively for months, but his family noticed cognitive and personality changes and he was diagnosed with a concussion. Plaintiff underwent a cervical and lumbar MRI that showed disc herniations in his neck and lower back, and had a cervical fusion and lumbar surgery. He also had a neuropsychological evaluation that showed cognitive impairment. Plaintiff sued defendant contending that the negligent driving of the employee caused the accident. Defendant initially denied liability. A mediation was held at which the parties settled the case for $1,500,000.
Location: Kitsap County, Washington
Case Name and Docket Number: Whitworth v. School District, 20-2-01492-18

Speeding Drunk Driver T-Bones ER Doc Driving Home

Type of Injury: Back injuries-Pelvic and sacral fractures. Wrist injury; right radial styloid fracture. Fractured rib; pneumothorax. Pulmonary contusion; liver, splenic and renal lacerations. Head injury; subdural and subarachnoid hematomas.
Type of Accident: Side-Impact
Award/Settlement Amount: $2,700,000
Case Summary: Plaintiff was returning home from her shift as an emergency department physician. She was proceeding eastbound. Defendant, driving his parents’ car, was traveling southbound. Defendant was intoxicated and traveling approximately 50 – 60 mph in a 30 mph zone, when he struck the driver’s-side door of Plaintiff’s vehicle, resulting in a “t-bone” collision. Plaintiff sustained pelvic fractures, requiring open surgical repair, among other injuries. Defendant was arrested at the scene and later charged with vehicular assault (a felony) and driving while under the influence. Defendants partially admitted liability, but also claimed that Plaintiff failed to yield the right-of-way as she had a stop sign. Jury returned a plaintiff verdict, awarding her $2,700,000 in damages.
Location: King County, Washington
Case Name and Docket Number: Borock v. Finney, 12-2-16454-1SEA

Methodology

We collected and analyzed a group of real Washington personal injury lawsuits filed by vehicle accident victims. All plaintiffs in the group received compensation from an arbitration decision, jury award, or by settling with the defendant before trial.

In cases with more than one plaintiff, the “Award/Settlement Amount” reflects the highest payout to an individual plaintiff.