If you’ve been in a car accident and started Googling what your case might be worth, you’ve probably seen a little bit of everything:
- “Average” settlement charts
- Online calculators with four easy questions
- TikTok and Reels showing people grinning with a giant $60,000 payout from their insurance
Let’s get real:
Your case value isn’t something you can figure out with a quick quiz or a viral video. Every accident, every injury, and every outcome is different.
Same Crash, Different Injuries
Two people in the same car, same accident—one walks away feeling fine, the other ends up needing surgery.
So, do they both get the same settlement?
Definitely not.
The person with more serious injuries will likely have:
- Higher medical bills
- Time away from work
- Ongoing pain and suffering
All of that adds to the value of a case. But if someone barely needed care at all, they’re not walking away with a big payout—no matter what social media says.
What Most People Don’t Know About Utah’s Laws
In Utah, if your medical expenses don’t go over $3,000, you don’t even qualify for a personal injury settlement beyond your Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage.
That means:
- No compensation for pain and suffering
- No money beyond what PIP pays for treatment
- Just enough to get you through a short recovery
No attorney, no marketing company, and no TikTok star can change that. It’s the law.
There are only a few exceptions to this $3000 threshold. They are if you suffer specific serious injuries, including Permanent disability, Permanent impairment, Fractured bones, Disfigurement, or Dismemberment. (Also not pictured in TikTok commercials 😉)
So… What About That $60K Check on Instagram?
Here’s the likely reality behind that “$60K payout” story:
- That person had real injuries
- They probably received months of chiropractic care, possibly more
- Medical bills alone were likely $25K–$30K
- They may have missed work and needed help at home
- And that $60,000? That’s before any bills or attorney fees are paid
The amount that actually ends up in their pocket? Way less. And keep in mind—they didn’t just go through a fender bender and collect a check. They went through a tough recovery.
Let’s Talk Insurance Limits
Here’s something else most people don’t realize:
If the person who hit you only has Utah’s minimum coverage (which is $30,000), and your bills are already $25K–$30K, there’s not much left—if anything.
That’s when your own underinsured motorist coverage can kick in.
But navigating that? You’re going to need a good personal injury attorney who knows what they’re doing.
Don’t Fall for the Social Media Hype
Most of the big settlement stories you see online are part of marketing funnels—meant to grab your attention and sell your info to law firms. They’re not telling you the whole story, and they’re definitely not giving you legal advice.
What You Should Do
- Start with the right care. See a doctor who is certified in motor vehicle occupant injuries and get the treatment that you need to recover from your injuries fully.
- Document everything. Missed work, symptoms, out-of-pocket expenses—it all matters.
- Talk to a local personal injury attorney who understands the law and will give you honest expectations, not false promises.
Because at the end of the day, it’s not just about chasing a check—it’s about protecting your number one asset, your health, your rights, and your future.
Thinking about starting a case or not sure what to do next?
Reach out to an Axcess Accident Center today. We will help get you started on your path to recovery and refer you to a trusted attorney to help make sure your case is handled and all you have to do is get better!
