What is a fair settlement amount for bodily injury claim?

Very good questions!  There is no set method used to evaluate a claim for settlement.  Insurance companies vary.  Basically, they look at the facts and the liability.  Assuming the other party was 100% at fault, then they look at the type of injury, prognosis for recovery, an dthe expenses--was the treatment reasonable and necessary?  What other expenses were there?  Any special factors involved?  Lose time at work? Then the adjuster will come up with a range based on all of this info., often taken from past jury verdicts with similar facts.  Using your example, with $4K in med. bills, if all of it was reasonable and necessary, and clear facts and liability, no special factors, soft tissue injuries with good prognosis for complete recovery, including pain and suffering, the range, depending on where you live, could be in the $10K-$15K area.  If you lost time at work, add that in.  If you had to hire a housekeeper, add that in, too.  This is a total estimate and may differ substantially for your specific facts and injuries. Hope that helps.