Can I Still Sue If I Was Partly at Fault in a Car Accident?

Can I Still Sue If I Was Partly at Fault in a Car Accident?

Yes, you can still sue even if you were partly at fault in a car accident in California. Thanks to California’s comparative fault law, you may be entitled to recover money for your injuries—even if you were partially responsible for the crash.

California uses a pure comparative negligence system. That means your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault, but you won’t be barred from recovering damages unless you were 100% at fault. So, if you were 30% at fault for a car crash in San Francisco and suffered $100,000 in damages, you could still recover $70,000.

How Comparative Fault Works in Real Life

Let’s say you were driving a little over the speed limit in Oakland, and another driver ran a red light and hit your car. You were hurt—maybe you suffered a herniated disc or a broken wrist. The other driver’s insurance company may argue that your speeding contributed to the crash. If a jury decides you were 20% at fault, you can still recover 80% of your losses. That includes medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

This rule applies even in serious accidents. Maybe you were rear-ended on the freeway in San Jose but didn’t have your brake lights on. Or maybe you changed lanes without signaling in Daly City, and another driver hit you while speeding. These situations are common, and being partly at fault doesn’t cancel out your right to seek justice.

Insurance Companies May Try to Blame You

Insurance companies love to point fingers. They may say your injuries were your own fault, hoping to pay you less or deny your claim entirely. That’s why it’s important to speak with a personal injury lawyer in California who can push back and make sure the blame is shared fairly.

At Anderson Franco Law, we’ve seen insurance adjusters try to blame crash victims for everything from not wearing a seatbelt to simply being on the road. We know how to investigate accidents, gather evidence, and protect your rights—especially when they try to shift the blame unfairly.

Don’t Let Fault Stop You from Getting Help

Many people assume they can’t sue if they did something wrong, even if it was small. But that’s not how it works in California. Whether your accident happened in Los Angeles, Sacramento, or right here in San Francisco, you deserve a chance to recover.

Maybe you’re dealing with neck pain, knee injuries, or back problems after a collision. You might be worried about how to pay the bills while missing work. You don’t have to figure this out alone—and you don’t have to be perfect to ask for help.

Call a California Car Accident Attorney for a Free Case Review

If you were hurt in a crash—even if you think you were partly at fault—talk to a car accident lawyer in California. You might be surprised at how much your case is still worth. At Anderson Franco Law, we offer free consultations and only get paid if we win.

We help clients throughout the San Francisco Bay Area, including San Mateo, Richmond, and Hayward. We understand how scary it is to deal with pain, insurance companies, and legal paperwork all at once. Our job is to make the process easier and fight for what you deserve.