Some insurance companies want to tie the settlement value of the claim to some multiple of the documented medical expenses and lost wages, but in reality every case is different. The settlement value of any case is based on an educated estimate of the outcome of the case after trial, verdict and judgment. Damage awards for injuries involving broken bones, surgery, burns, closed head injuries and permanent scars are generally higher than those for neck and back soft tissue injuries, even if the soft tissue injury is severe. Jury awards and settlements are higher in cases involving misconduct by the defendant, such as DWI, use of illegal drugs, racing or road rage on public streets, violation of safety regulations, hiring unqualified truck drivers and other types of grossly negligent behavior.