When it comes to figuring out the average passenger settlement, it’s helpful to look at the average car accident settlement as a way to inform yourself. Most passenger settlements will be in line with that of the average auto accident, which uses the following formula:
- Medical bills from the injuries cause by the accident
- Expected future medical expenses as a result from the injuries
- Wages lost from the inability to work due to injuries suffered as a passenger in a car accident
- Property damages
After these expenses are added, a multiplier is applied to the total expenses and that number typically ranges 1-5 in regards to pain and suffering. On the scale, 1 represents minimal pain with a quick recovery and no lingering injuries. And 5 represents maximum pain with ongoing injury related issues. Most average settlements will have a pain & suffering multiplier of 2 or 3, usually the 4-5 multiples are only used in car accidents with serious, lifelong injuries, disfigurement, or death.