5 min read · Last reviewed 2026-09-01
Documented economic losses
Medical expenses already incurred, the cost of future treatment supported by a medical opinion, lost income and lost earning capacity are the measurable components.
The nature of the injury
Permanence, the need for surgery, scarring, and effects on daily activity all matter. So does whether a pre-existing condition was aggravated, which is compensable but frequently contested.
Liability and comparative negligence
Pennsylvania follows modified comparative negligence: recovery is reduced by the injured person's share of fault, and barred if that share exceeds the other party's. A disputed liability picture affects both value and timeline.
Available coverage
A commercial carrier's policy limits differ enormously from a minimum-limits personal auto policy. Underinsured motorist coverage on your own policy can also come into play.
Why online calculators mislead
Multiplier calculators ignore liability disputes, coverage limits, venue, and medical causation. No responsible source can value a claim without the records.
This guide is general legal information, not legal advice, and laws change. Talk to an attorney about your own situation.