If you’ve been involved in a car crash in California, you might be wondering how fault is determined—and whether being partially at fault will affect your ability to recover damages. The answer lies in a legal concept known as comparative fault. At Pyramid Legal, we help clients understand their rights under this system and maximize the compensation they’re entitled to receive.
What Is Comparative Fault?
Comparative fault—also known as comparative negligence—is a legal principle that assigns a percentage of blame to each party involved in an accident. In California, which follows a pure comparative fault system, you can still recover damages even if you were partly (or mostly) at fault for the crash.
Example:
If you were 30% at fault and the other driver was 70% at fault, you can still recover 70% of your total damages. So, if your total damages were $100,000, you would be eligible to receive $70,000.
How Is Fault Determined in California?
Fault is determined by examining all available evidence, which may include:
Police reports
Witness statements
Photographs or video footage
Accident reconstruction
Expert testimony
Vehicle damage and road conditions
Insurance adjusters and, if needed, the court will assign fault percentages based on this information. That’s why it’s critical to document everything and work with a qualified attorney who can advocate on your behalf.
Why Comparative Fault Matters
Understanding comparative fault in car accidents is essential because:
It directly impacts how much money you can recover
Insurance companies may try to shift more blame onto you to reduce their payout
Without legal support, you may accept more responsibility than necessary
At Pyramid Legal, we push back against unfair fault assignments and work to ensure our clients are not taken advantage of by insurance companies.
Can You Still File a Claim If You Were Mostly at Fault?
Yes. Under California’s pure comparative fault rule, you can file a claim even if you were up to 99% at fault for the accident. However, your compensation will be reduced accordingly.
For instance, if you were 80% responsible for the crash and your damages totaled $50,000, you could still recover $10,000.
How Pyramid Legal Protects Your Rights
Our experienced car accident attorneys will:
Collect and analyze key evidence to establish fault accurately
Challenge any attempt by the insurance company to unfairly blame you
Negotiate aggressively to secure your full, proportional compensation
Take your case to trial if necessary to protect your interests
We understand the nuances of California’s comparative fault laws and are committed to holding negligent parties accountable—regardless of how complex your case may be.
Know Your Rights and Maximize Your Recovery
Comparative fault in car accidents doesn’t mean you’re out of options. It means you need experienced legal representation that understands how to build a strong case and reduce your assigned fault. At Pyramid Legal, we help California drivers navigate the complexities of personal injury law with clarity and confidence.
Contact us today for a free consultation—and take the first step toward protecting your rights and securing the compensation you deserve.
