If you’ve been injured in a car accident in California, understanding the types of damages in an auto accident claim is essential. Most victims can recover two major categories of compensation: property damage and bodily injury damages. Each plays an important role in the value of your personal injury claim and how much you may ultimately receive.
This guide explains what each category includes, why insurance limits matter, and what obstacles you may face when pursuing compensation.
Property damage refers to harm done to your vehicle or anything inside it during the accident. The insurance company typically assesses your vehicle and decides whether:
The car can be repaired, or
It is a total loss (in which case you may receive the vehicle’s fair market value)
Repairs to your vehicle
Replacement value if the car is totaled
Rental car reimbursement
Towing and storage fees
Replacement for damaged personal items (phones, car seats, etc.)
Your settlement depends on the insurance policy, the severity of the damage, and how effectively the claim is documented.
Bodily injury damages cover the physical and emotional harm caused by the accident. These damages go beyond medical costs and may include:
Emergency room visits, X-rays, and surgeries
Physical therapy, chiropractic care, or specialist treatment
Prescription medications and medical devices
Travel costs to medical appointments
In-home assistance if you cannot perform daily tasks
Lost wages and future earning capacity
Pain and suffering
Emotional distress
Loss of enjoyment of life
Permanent disability or impairment
Each case is unique, and the specific damages you receive depend on your injuries, medical documentation, and the strength of your legal claim.
Not always. Several factors can limit how much compensation you receive.
Insurance pays only up to the policy’s stated limit.
For example:
The at-fault driver has only $5,000 in property damage coverage
Your vehicle sustained $10,000 in damage
To recover the remaining $5,000, you may need to sue the driver personally—but if they lack assets, recovery may be unrealistic. Similarly, low bodily injury limits often fail to cover severe injuries.
Insurance companies may deny or reduce claims if you fail to document:
Medical treatment
Diagnosis and prognosis
Follow-through with prescribed care
Injury progression or symptoms
Poor documentation gives insurers room to argue that your injuries are unrelated, exaggerated, or no longer medically significant.
Not necessarily. While severe injuries generally increase the value of a claim, your settlement depends heavily on:
The at-fault driver’s insurance limits
Whether additional defendants can be identified
Whether you have uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage
Strength of the evidence supporting your damages
Your attorney’s negotiation strategy
If your medical bills exceed the other party’s coverage, you may have to explore personal lawsuits or additional insurance sources.
Most personal injury cases settle before a lawsuit is filed. During this stage, your attorney gathers medical records, negotiates with insurance companies, and builds your claim as if it may eventually go to trial.
If pre-litigation negotiations fail, your attorney may file a lawsuit. A judge or jury will then determine fault and damages.
Cases can return to settlement discussions at any point—even during trial.
Sometimes. Insurance companies may attempt to use a history of accidents or claims to challenge your credibility or argue comparative fault.
However, if the past incidents were legitimate and unrelated, they should not prevent you from recovering compensation. Still, if you have a complicated driving history, consulting an attorney is critical.
Yes. Insurance companies may hire investigators to observe the injured person to look for signs of fraudulent injury claims. They may review:
Your daily activities
Social media posts
Interactions with others
This is why it’s important to be completely honest with your doctor and your attorney. Never exaggerate or minimize symptoms.
Common reasons include:
Insurers claim that low property damage means the impact wasn’t strong enough to cause injury—an argument often used to undervalue medical claims.
If you delay treatment or miss appointments, insurers may argue that your injuries were not caused by the accident or are not serious.
Understanding the types of damages in an auto accident claim can help you avoid pitfalls and maximize your compensation. Every case is different, and the insurance process can be complex—especially when policy limits are low or adjusters push back.
If you need help navigating your car accident claim, contact Colvin Accident Lawyers at (661) 616-1177 for a free consultation. Our team can help you understand your rights, strengthen your claim, and pursue the compensation you deserve.
Free Case Evaluation