Virginia comparative negligence rule
Pure contributory negligence
If you are found even 1% at fault for your own injury, you are generally barred from recovering anything — the strictest rule still in use.
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 Virginia.