1. Information We Collect

1.1 Calculator Input Data

When you use our settlement calculator, you may enter:

• Personal demographics (age, occupation, income)
• Accident details (date, location, fault percentage)
• Medical information (injuries, treatments, costs)
• Insurance information (policy limits, attorney status)

1.2 Automatically Collected Information

• Device Information: Browser type, operating system, screen resolution, device type
• Usage Data: Pages visited, time spent, click patterns, calculator features used
• Network Information: IP address (anonymized), approximate location (city/state level), ISP
• Referral Data: How you arrived at our site, search terms used

1.3 Cookies and Similar Technologies

We use the following types of cookies:

• Essential Cookies: Required for site functionality (session management, security)
• Analytics Cookies: Google Analytics with IP anonymization enabled
• Preference Cookies: Remember your cookie consent choice and calculator preferences

2. How We Use Your Information

2.1 Primary Uses

• Generate settlement estimates based on your inputs
• Improve calculator accuracy and features
• Provide customer support if you contact us
• Ensure website security and prevent fraud
• Comply with legal obligations

2.2 Analytics and Improvements

We analyze aggregated, anonymized usage data to:

• Understand which calculator features are most useful
• Identify and fix technical issues
• Optimize site performance and user experience
• Develop new features based on user patterns

3. Data Sharing and Sale

3.1 Limited Sharing Scenarios

We may share your information only in these specific circumstances:

• With Your Consent: Only when you explicitly opt-in and understand what data is being shared
• Service Providers: Trusted vendors who help operate our site (hosting, analytics) under strict confidentiality agreements
• Legal Requirements: When required by law, court order, or to protect rights and safety
• Business Transfers: In the event of a merger or acquisition, with continued privacy protections

3.2 Future Data Monetization

If we ever consider monetizing user data in the future:

• We will request explicit opt-in consent with clear explanations
• You will have full control to approve or deny any data sharing
• We will only share aggregated, anonymized data unless you specifically consent to more
• You can withdraw consent at any time
• We will provide clear value exchange and benefits for data sharing

4. Data Security

We implement multiple layers of security:

• Encryption: HTTPS/TLS for all data transmission
• Access Controls: Limited employee access with authentication requirements
• Client-Side Processing: Sensitive calculator data stays in your browser
• Regular Audits: Security assessments and updates
• Incident Response: Procedures to handle any potential breaches

5. Data Retention

Our data retention practices:

• Calculator Data: Not stored unless you opt-in; deleted from browser when you clear cache
• Analytics Data: Aggregated data retained for 26 months per Google Analytics default
• Contact Information: Retained as long as necessary to respond to your inquiry
• Legal Records: Retained as required by law or for legitimate business purposes

6. Your Rights and Choices

6.1 General Rights

You have the right to:

• Access: Request a copy of information we have about you
• Correction: Request correction of inaccurate information
• Deletion: Request deletion of your personal information
• Opt-Out: Disable analytics tracking and marketing communications
• Portability: Receive your data in a structured, machine-readable format
• Withdraw Consent: Withdraw any consent you've previously given

6.2 How to Exercise Your Rights

• Email us at contact@californiasettlementcalculator.com with your request
• Include "Privacy Rights Request" in the subject line
• Provide enough information to verify your identity
• Specify which rights you want to exercise
• We will respond within 30 days (45 days for complex requests)

7. California Privacy Rights (CCPA)

Categories of Information We Collect

Do Not Sell My Personal Information: We do not sell personal information. However, you can opt-out of any future sales by emailing contact@californiasettlementcalculator.com.

8. European Privacy Rights (GDPR)

If you are in the European Economic Area (EEA), UK, or Switzerland, you have additional rights:

Legal Basis for Processing

• Consent: For analytics cookies and marketing communications
• Legitimate Interests: For providing and improving our service
• Legal Obligations: When required by law

Additional GDPR Rights

• Right to restrict processing of your data
• Right to object to processing based on legitimate interests
• Right to lodge a complaint with a supervisory authority
• Right to withdraw consent at any time

9. Children's Privacy

Our service is not intended for children under 18. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If you are a parent and believe your child has provided us with personal information, please contact us immediately at contact@californiasettlementcalculator.com.

10. International Data Transfers

Your information may be transferred to and processed in the United States where our servers are located. By using our service, you consent to this transfer. We ensure appropriate safeguards are in place to protect your information in accordance with this privacy policy.

11. Contact Information

12. Changes to This Policy

We may update this privacy policy to reflect changes in our practices or for legal reasons. When we make changes:

• We will update the "Last updated" date at the top
• For material changes, we will provide prominent notice on our website
• We may notify you by email if you've provided it
• Your continued use after changes means you accept the updated policy

We encourage you to review this policy periodically to stay informed about how we protect your information.