At Reed Firm, we’ve recovered millions of dollars in compensation for our clients. But behind every case is something much more important than the dollar amount—a real person whose life was turned upside down by someone else’s negligence. What drives us isn’t just the results. It’s the people.

Every client who walks through our doors deserves individual care, attention, and a strategy tailored to their unique case. But one thing that surprises many new clients is just how much insurance coverage limits can affect the final outcome—even when the injuries are severe and the damages are clear.

The Myth of the “Million-Dollar Case”

You’ve probably seen headlines or attorney billboards touting massive verdicts and settlements. While those results are real, they’re usually tied to very specific circumstances:

• Severe, often life-altering injuries or death
• Commercial defendants or large insurance policies
• Clear, one-sided liability

Most personal injury cases don’t fit that mold. Instead, they involve standard auto policies with coverage limits ranging from $25,000 to $100,000. In Arkansas, that’s typical—even though those amounts rarely cover the full extent of someone’s medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Why Insurance Limits Set the Ceiling

Even if your claim is strong, your compensation can only go as high as the available insurance coverage—unless the at-fault party has substantial personal assets (which is rare). That’s why we often resolve cases for $25,000, $50,000, or $100,000: not because the harm wasn’t greater, but because that’s all that was available to recover.

In some cases, the at-fault driver may not have any insurance at all—or they may flee the scene. In those situations, unless you carry uninsured motorist coverage, there may be no source of compensation.

A Preventable Gap in Protection

One of the most important things you can do to protect yourself and your family is review your own auto insurance policy. Specifically, look at whether you carry:

• Uninsured Motorist (UM) Coverage
• Underinsured Motorist (UIM) Coverage

These add-ons can make all the difference if the person who hits you doesn’t have enough insurance to cover your losses—or has none at all.

What to Expect From a Personal Injury Settlement

The final value of your case will depend on two main factors:

1. The severity of your injuries—including medical bills, lost wages, and impact on your quality of life
2. The amount of available insurance coverage—from both the at-fault party and your own policy

For a deeper breakdown of how personal injury settlements are calculated—including economic and non-economic damages—read this guide on key settlement factors.

At Reed Firm, we believe in setting realistic expectations. We fight aggressively for our clients, but we never promise outcomes we can’t control. That’s why we educate clients on what factors truly shape their settlements—and why we stay transparent throughout the process.

Want to see how these principles apply in real-world cases? View some of our recent personal injury case results here.

Or if you’ve been injured and need guidance, contact us today for a free case evaluation. We’re here to help you understand your options and fight for the compensation you deserve.