This will depend on many different factors, including but not limited to:
The nature of your injuries: Your claim could be higher if you suffered serious injuries, but there are some exceptions. For instance, if your state follows the pure comparative negligence doctrine, the amount of compensation you may be able to recover will depend on your percentage of fault, not solely your injuries.
The damages: In most cases, the more damages, the higher the compensation. Generally, you can recover both economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages cover the financial losses you incurred due to the accident.
Some common examples of economic damages include:
- Medical expenses
- Cost of transportation to and from your medical appointments
- Ambulance costs
- Cost of medical equipment such as wheelchairs
- Lost wages if you were employed and could not go to work due to the chest pain
- Loss of earning potential if the injury would prevent you from earning a decent income in the future
Non-economic damages are meant to compensate you for non-monetary losses caused by the accident. Examples include:
- Emotional distress
- Post-traumatic stress disorder
- Permanent disfigurement
- Loss of enjoyment of life
Post-accident protocol: The steps you take after such an accident could make or break your claim. For example, if you take too long to visit a doctor, the defense could claim that your injuries were not that serious.
But this claim might not necessarily be true; some people genuinely fear hospitals. Also, the specific circumstances of a case could make it almost impossible for the victim to visit a doctor in a reasonable time.