California comparative negligence rule
Pure comparative negligence
You can recover damages reduced by your percentage of fault, no matter how high that percentage is — even if you were 90% at fault.
This rule only matters if there is a real dispute about shared fault — for example, both drivers claim the other ran the light. If liability is clear and undisputed, this rule typically has no effect on your recovery. When fault is shared, it can significantly change what you actually collect, which is why insurers raise comparative fault early in negotiations even on borderline claims.
This is a general reference, not a determination for your specific facts — confirm how this rule applies to your claim with a licensed attorney in California.