Getting into a car accident is stressful enough but the fear of being at fault can make the situation overwhelming. Beyond vehicle damage, accidents often lead to serious injuries and mounting medical expenses. With distracted driving on the rise from cell phone use to grabbing a quick coffee behind the wheel auto accidents account for tens of thousands of deaths every year.
When it feels like you may be at fault, you might wonder if you still have any legal options. The answer in California is often yes. That’s why it’s important to speak with an experienced Los Angeles car accident lawyer at Hillstone Law.
California Auto Accidents – Understanding Comparative Negligence
California follows a pure comparative negligence rule. This means you can pursue compensation even if you were mostly at fault for the accident.
- If you are found partially responsible, your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault.
- Example: If you were 90% at fault, you could still recover 10% of your damages.
- In multi-car collisions, each driver is responsible only for their share of the fault.
In other words, being at fault doesn’t automatically prevent you from seeking financial recovery.
How Fault is Determined in a Car Accident
Determining fault isn’t always straightforward. Insurance companies and attorneys rely on a wide range of evidence, including:
- Police reports documenting the accident scene
- Eyewitness testimony from bystanders or passengers
- Photos, videos, and accident reconstructions
- Statements from medical and emergency personnel
Even if a police report suggests you were at fault, that doesn’t mean the case is closed. At Hillstone Law, we conduct our own thorough investigations to uncover every fact that can strengthen your case.
Protecting Yourself After an Accident
If you are involved in a collision:
- Stay at the scene until law enforcement arrives
- Ensure your version of events is included in the police report
- Avoid admitting fault or making speculative statements
- Contact a Los Angeles car accident attorney as soon as possible
Note: These blog posts are created solely for the use of Hillstone Law. The information is gathered from internet research, publicly available sources, and artificial intelligence (AI) tools such as ChatGPT. While we aim to share helpful and educational content, Hillstone Law does not independently verify every detail. Some information may be incomplete, outdated, or subject to change without notice. If you believe any part of a post is inaccurate, misleading, or infringes upon copyright, please contact Hillstone Law immediately so we can review it and take appropriate action, including correction or removal.
Disclaimer: The material provided in these blogs is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice. Reading these posts does not create, and is not intended to create, an attorney-client relationship with Hillstone Law. Our intent is to share knowledge, raise awareness, and provide helpful resources to the public; however, Hillstone Law makes no warranties or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the information provided, and expressly disclaims liability for any actions taken in reliance on it. The photos used in these posts are for illustrative purposes only and do not depict actual clients, individuals, or incidents unless expressly stated. If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident, please contact Hillstone Law at (855) 691-1691. Our attorneys are available to answer your legal questions and help you understand your rights.
