If I was injured in a car crash and suffered permanent soft tissue damage, what size of settlement should I ask for?

Hello. You need to confer with a private attorney and the attorney can advice you. There are many, many considerations in such a situation. A website such as this provides only general information, not the detailed legal advice of which you are in need. An attorney acting for your interest can advocate for your best interest and negotiate for the optimal result and outcome. Some attorneys are available seven days for emergency legal needs. Many attorneys will confer initially at no charge. Then, if legal work is performed, some attorneys will provide a reduced fee for financial hardship. Some attorneys may also assist you in limited scope manner to conserve legal costs. All the best.

There are a number of potential variables here, any or all of which could affect the reasonable value of a settlement.  Assuming that your injuries were fairly serious and/or the permanent damage is significant, this is not a job for amateurs - you should immediately see a local attorney who can help you sort out the variables and determine what amounts are reasonable to seek in settlement and/or trial.  You should NOT sign anything or otherwise deal with the other driver or his/her insurance company without having previously thoroughly reviewed the matter with an experienced attorney.