How much is a broken arm or leg worth in a car accident settlement?

It depends on medical bills, surgery, time off work and permanent effects, then on your state's fault rule and the at-fault driver's insurance. Enter your numbers for a state-specific estimate.

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Broken Bone Settlement Calculator

A fracture is objective, visible on an X-ray and hard for an insurer to dispute, which makes broken bone claims more predictable than soft-tissue claims. Value depends on the bone, whether surgery or hardware was needed and how well it healed. The calculator starts at a serious injury.

All 50 states + DC
Verified 2026-11-13
Free · nothing stored

Your accident

State where the accident happened

How serious is the injury?

Minor×1.5–2Soft tissue, sprain, bruising; heals in weeksModerate×2–3Whiplash or back pain with months of therapySerious×3–4Fracture, herniated disc, concussion, surgerySevere×4–5Brain or spinal injury, permanent disability

Your costs so far

Medical billsLost wages

That's all you need for a first estimate. Rough numbers are fine.

Optional: make the estimate more accurate fault, insurance, lawyer fee

Fault and future costs

Your share of fault 0%Not at faultFully at faultExpected future treatment

Insurance

Other driver's policy limitLeave empty to assume your state's legal minimum.Your UM/UIM coverage

What comes out of it

Attorney fee 33%No lawyer45%

Case costsMedical liens to repay

Choose your state to see your estimate

What your claim may be worth
What you would actually take home
Your state's deadline to file

What raises or lowers a broken bone settlement

Type of fractureA hairline crack that heals in a cast is valued far lower than a compound or displaced fracture needing surgery.

Surgery and hardwarePlates, screws or rods add surgical costs, and removal surgery may be needed later. Include it under future treatment.

Lasting effectsReduced motion, arthritis or a limp after healing support a severe rating.

Time off workCasts and recovery often mean weeks or months away from work, especially in physical jobs.

Broken bone in no-fault states

Good news in no-fault states: any fracture counts as a serious injury in New York, Massachusetts, Kentucky and Utah; in Kansas a fracture of a weight-bearing bone or a compound, comminuted, displaced or compressed fracture counts; and in New Jersey a displaced fracture counts. That opens the door to a pain-and-suffering claim. Turn on the 'counts as serious' switch in the calculator.

No-fault states: District of Columbia, Florida, Hawaii, Kansas, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, North Dakota, Pennsylvania, Utah. Each state page lists exactly what counts as serious there.

Frequently asked questions

How much is a broken arm or leg worth in a car accident settlement?: It depends on medical bills, surgery, time off work and permanent effects, then on your state's fault rule and the at-fault driver's insurance. Enter your numbers for a state-specific estimate.
Does a broken bone let me sue in a no-fault state?: In several no-fault states it does: any fracture in New York, Massachusetts, Kentucky and Utah; a weight-bearing, compound, comminuted, displaced or compressed fracture in Kansas; and a displaced fracture in New Jersey under the limited lawsuit option. Check your state page.