You Might Still Have a Case Even If You’re Partially at Fault in a San Francisco Bay Area Accident

After an accident, it’s natural to wonder whether you can pursue compensation – especially if you think you might share some of the blame. Many people assume that being partially at fault means they can’t recover anything, but that’s not the case in California.

Under California’s comparative negligence law, you may still be entitled to compensation, even if you were partly responsible for what happened.

Understanding Comparative Negligence in California

California follows a pure comparative negligence system. This means that each party involved in an accident can be assigned a percentage of fault, and your compensation is adjusted based on that percentage.

For example:
If you’re found to be 30% at fault for an accident in San Francisco and your total damages are $100,000, you can still recover $70,000 (the amount reduced by your share of fault).

It’s a fair system that recognizes that accidents are often complex – and rarely one person’s fault alone.

Examples of Cases Where Partial Fault Still Matters

Even if you think you were partly to blame, it’s worth speaking with a San Francisco personal injury lawyer before assuming you don’t have a claim. Some common examples include:

• Car accidents: You might have been speeding slightly, but if the other driver was distracted or ran a red light, they could still bear most of the responsibility.
• Pedestrian accidents: Even if you crossed outside a crosswalk, drivers are still expected to exercise caution and avoid hitting pedestrians.
• Bicycle accidents: Cyclists who make a small mistake can still recover compensation if a motorist’s negligence contributed to the crash.

Why Legal Representation Can Make a Difference

Insurance companies often emphasize your share of fault to reduce their payout. An experienced personal injury attorney in San Francisco can investigate your case, gather evidence, and work to ensure that fault is distributed fairly.

A lawyer’s role is to protect your interests – whether that means negotiating a settlement or, if necessary, taking your case to court.

Don’t Wait to Take Action

In California, most personal injury claims must be filed within two years of the date of the accident. Missing this deadline can mean losing your right to pursue compensation entirely.

If you’ve been involved in an accident in San Francisco – whether as a driver, pedestrian, or cyclist – it’s important to understand your legal options as soon as possible.

Speak With a San Francisco Personal Injury Lawyer

Even if you think you share part of the blame, you may still have a strong case. The attorneys at The Abel Firm help injured people throughout San Francisco and the Bay Area hold negligent parties accountable and recover the compensation they deserve.

Contact us today to schedule a free consultation and learn more about how California’s comparative negligence law could apply to your situation.