They Said I was ‘Partially at Fault’ in a Crash, Does That Mean I’m Out of Luck?
A rear-end collision between two vehicles stopped on a roadway, with visible smoke rising from the impact area as one driver exits their car. The image highlights how car accidents can happen suddenly and leave drivers dealing with damage, safety concerns, and immediate next steps.
Being told you’re “partially at fault” after a car accident can feel like a punch in the gut, especially when you know you weren’t the one being reckless. Whether your crash happened in Pasadena, Glendale, or Arcadia, it’s common for drivers to be assigned partial blame. But here’s the thing: partial fault doesn’t mean you can’t recover compensation. Not even close.
Let’s break down what this actually means, how it affects your case, and why getting legal help if you’ve been accused of partial fault in a crash is more important than ever.
What Is Partial Fault and Why Do Insurance Companies Love It?
California uses a rule called comparative negligence. This means multiple people can share fault in a crash and your compensation is reduced by your percentage of blame.
So, if you were found to be 20% at fault in an accident in Pasadena and had $100,000 in damages, you could still recover $80,000.
Insurance companies use this rule to minimize payouts. If they can say you were texting, speeding slightly, or “should’ve seen it coming,” they’ll try to pin some of the fault on you, even if you weren’t the primary cause.
Common Scenarios Where Partial Fault Is Claimed
If you’ve heard “you were partially at fault,” it might’ve come from one of these common scenarios:
Rear-end collisions where they say the front car “stopped suddenly”
Left-turn accidents where both drivers claim the light was green
Intersection crashes with unclear right-of-way
Lane-change accidents on the 210 or 134 through Glendale and Pasadena
It’s easy for stories to conflict, especially without clear video footage. That’s why legal support makes all the difference.
Why Legal Help Matters If You’ve Been Accused of Partial Fault
Getting legal help if you’re accused of partial fault in a crash isn’t just about arguing your case, it’s about protecting your ability to recover.
At Crowley Law PC, we’ll:
Investigate the records of the scene
Interview witnesses and gather supporting statements
Work with crash experts if needed
Push back when insurers twist your words or ignore the facts
You deserve an attorney who will fight for the full truth, not just the version that saves the insurance company money.
We’ll Fight for Your Side of the Story
Don’t let them silence your voice or paint you as the villain. Whether your crash happened in Pasadena, Arcadia, Glendale, or anywhere in Los Angeles County, we’re here to stand up for you.
We’ll help you get the medical treatment you need and the compensation you deserve.
Here to make it right, when you’ve been wronged.
And Justice for All! ⚖️
Crowley Law PC
📞 (213) 325-5248