People are often surprised when a low-speed crash resolves for a large amount. Can a lawyer really reach $100,000 on a case with “minor” damage? Sometimes, yes. It depends on injuries, medical care, documentation, policy limits, and defense risk. Below is a plain-English guide to what moves value up or down.

What actually drives settlement value

• Injury story: Pain that starts right away and is documented. Headaches, neck pain, back pain, radiating pain, numbness, or weakness should be recorded in every visit.
• Medical care: ER or urgent care, primary care, physical therapy, chiropractic, imaging, pain management, and specialist consults. Consistent care shows real injury.
• Objective findings: Positive exam findings, diagnostic tests, and clear treatment recommendations.
• Policy limits: The at-fault driver’s liability limit can cap recovery. Umbrella policies and your underinsured motorist coverage may help in some cases.
• Liability and venue: Clear fault and a jury pool known to respect injury claims increase leverage.
• Defense risk: The higher the risk for the insurer at trial, the more they pay to avoid it.

Minor impact vs. major impact

Minor impact

• Little to no visible vehicle damage.
• Soft-tissue injuries are common.
• Value rises with documented symptoms, clean timeline, and medical opinions that connect the injury to the crash.
• Expect defenses like “no damage, no injury” and “you should have healed by now.”

Major impact

• Airbag deployment, crush damage, or a totaled car.
• Fractures, disc herniations, nerve findings, surgery, or injections.
• Higher specials, stronger medical proof, and higher risk for the defense.
• Six figures is more common when injuries are well-documented and there is enough insurance.

Why your MRI can matter in soft-tissue cases

• What it can show: Disc bulges, herniations, annular tears, edema, and nerve compression that match your symptoms.
• Context is everything: Many adults have degenerative findings even without pain. Your doctor’s job is to correlate the MRI with your exam and your timeline.
• When it is powerful: New findings after the crash, neuro signs on exam, or a pain pattern that lines up with the level of the spine involved.

Headaches and dizziness: report them early

• Tell every provider about headaches, dizziness, light sensitivity, memory issues, or concentration problems as soon as they appear.
• Early reporting supports a possible mild traumatic brain injury or post-concussive syndrome.
• Late reporting gives the defense an easy attack: “If it was real, you would have said so right away.”

Gaps in treatment can sink value

• A “gap” is a stretch with no medical visits.
• Insurers argue that a long gap breaks the chain of causation or shows you got better.
• If you must miss care, email the provider and explain why. Keep the paper trail.

Common defense arguments and how your lawyer answers

• Low property damage: We point to peer-reviewed research and your medical records. People get hurt in low-speed crashes, especially with awkward body positions.
• Pre-existing or degenerative findings: Your timeline matters. If you were pain-free before the crash and symptomatic after, the crash aggravated the condition.
• Delay in care: We explain access issues, work demands, or child-care needs, but tighten the schedule going forward.
• Symptom exaggeration: Consistent, ordinary, credible records beat this. So does normal life activity that still shows struggle.

How six-figure cases are often built: two simple examples

Example A: “Minor” visible damage, strong soft-tissue case

• ER visit and meds: $2,400
• 10 weeks of PT and chiro: $3,600
• MRI cervical and lumbar: $1,200
• Pain management consult and one epidural: $8,000
• Ortho consult and future care estimate: $6,000
• Wage loss (3 months partial): $12,000
• Subtotal (economic losses): $2,400 + $3,600 + $1,200 + $8,000 + $6,000 + $12,000 = $33,200
• Pain and suffering needed to reach $100,000: $100,000 − $33,200 = $66,800

If liability is clear, records are clean, symptoms match the MRI, and policy limits allow it, this can land at or near $100,000.

Example B: Clear major impact, higher medicals

• Hospital and imaging: $9,500
• PT and home exercise: $4,500
• Two epidural injections: $16,000
• Wage loss (time off + missed overtime): $18,000
• Future care set-aside: $12,000
• Subtotal: $9,500 + $4,500 + $16,000 + $18,000 + $12,000 = $60,000
• A reasonable pain and suffering figure could push the total well above $100,000, subject to available insurance.

These are examples, not promises. Every case turns on its own facts and insurance limits.

Typical timeline from crash to settlement

• Week 0–1: Report collision. Get evaluated. Start conservative care.
• Weeks 2–8: PT or chiropractic. Primary care follow-up.
• Month 2–3: Imaging if symptoms persist or worsen.
• Month 3–5: Pain management or specialist consult if needed.
• Demand phase: Comprehensive demand with records, billing, and proof of wage loss.
• Negotiation or lawsuit: If the offer is unfair, file suit. Depositions and expert work increase defense risk and leverage.

(Timelines vary. Evidence quality and insurer behavior drive speed.)

How a lawyer adds real value

• Builds a clean medical record: No gaps. Clear symptom tracking. Proper referrals and imaging.
• Protects you from traps: Recorded statements, lowball quick checks, broad medical authorizations.
• Presents the case the right way: Liability proof, medical proof, wage loss, and human impact in a single, tight package.
• Finds more coverage: Umbrella policies, employer liability, rideshare policies, and your underinsured motorist benefits.
• Negotiates liens: Health plans and providers often reduce balances, which increases your net.

What to do after a crash (short checklist)

1. Get medical care the same day if you can.
2. Report all symptoms, including headaches and dizziness.
3. Follow your treatment plan. No missed visits if possible.
4. Keep a simple pain and activity journal.
5. Do not sign broad releases or give a recorded statement without counsel.
6. Talk to a lawyer early to protect coverage and evidence.

Service Areas

We resolve car accident claims across Chatsworth, Woodland Hills, Porter Ranch, Simi Valley, and Los Angeles. Start here: Car Accident in Chatsworth.

Quick FAQs

Is $100,000 realistic for a “minor” crash?

Sometimes. It depends on injuries, treatment, records, and available insurance. Objective findings plus a clean timeline can support a six-figure result.

Do I need an MRI?

If symptoms persist or you have red flags, your doctor may order one. The MRI must match your exam and symptoms to carry weight.

Do small gaps matter?

Yes. Gaps invite the defense to argue the crash did not cause your ongoing pain. Keep care consistent or document any pause.

What about headaches and dizziness?

Report them early. It supports a mild TBI or cervical strain diagnosis and avoids a “late-reporting” attack.