Fault & Liability in Car Accidents in CA

California follows pure comparative negligence, so a crash victim who shares part of the blame still recovers, minus their own percentage of fault. This guide covers how the rule works and the state-specific exceptions that can limit or bar recovery.

California is a fault-based (tort) state, not a no-fault state, and it applies pure comparative negligence. Here are the exact rules, coverage minimums, and deadlines that decide who pays after a California crash.