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Virginia: shared fault rules

Whether you can still recover money if you were partly at fault for an accident, and how much your share of fault costs you.

Fault systemContributory negligence
When fault bars recoveryBarred if you are even 1% at fault
LawCase law; Va. Model Jury Instr. 6.000

Your share of fault usually reduces what you can recover by the same percentage. Insurers use this rule when negotiating, so it matters even if you never sue.

General information only, not legal, insurance or financial advice. Not affiliated with any government agency. Exceptions can apply. Confirm with the state agency, the court or a licensed professional in Virginia.

How Virginia compares

5 of 51 states and DC share this answer (Contributory negligence): Alabama, District of Columbia, Maryland, North Carolina.

Alaska: Pure comparative negligenceAKMaine: Modified comparative negligence (50% bar)MEVermont: Modified comparative negligence (51% bar)VTNew Hampshire: Modified comparative negligence (51% bar)NHWashington: Pure comparative negligenceWAIdaho: Modified comparative negligence (50% bar)IDMontana: Modified comparative negligence (51% bar)MTNorth Dakota: Modified comparative negligence (50% bar)NDMinnesota: Modified comparative negligence (51% bar)MNIllinois: Modified comparative negligence (51% bar)ILWisconsin: Modified comparative negligence (51% bar)WIMichigan: Modified comparative negligence (51% bar)MINew York: Pure comparative negligenceNYRhode Island: Pure comparative negligenceRIMassachusetts: Modified comparative negligence (51% bar)MAOregon: Modified comparative negligence (51% bar)ORNevada: Modified comparative negligence (51% bar)NVWyoming: Modified comparative negligence (51% bar)WYSouth Dakota: Slight/gross negligence comparisonSDIowa: Modified comparative negligence (51% bar)IAIndiana: Modified comparative negligence (51% bar)INOhio: Modified comparative negligence (51% bar)OHPennsylvania: Modified comparative negligence (51% bar)PANew Jersey: Modified comparative negligence (51% bar)NJConnecticut: Modified comparative negligence (51% bar)CTCalifornia: Pure comparative negligenceCAUtah: Modified comparative negligence (50% bar)UTColorado: Modified comparative negligence (50% bar)CONebraska: Modified comparative negligence (50% bar)NEMissouri: Pure comparative negligenceMOKentucky: Pure comparative negligenceKYWest Virginia: Modified comparative negligence (50% bar)WVVirginia: Contributory negligenceVAMaryland: Contributory negligenceMDDelaware: Modified comparative negligence (51% bar)DEArizona: Pure comparative negligenceAZNew Mexico: Pure comparative negligenceNMKansas: Modified comparative negligence (50% bar)KSArkansas: Modified comparative negligence (50% bar)ARTennessee: Modified comparative negligence (50% bar)TNNorth Carolina: Contributory negligenceNCSouth Carolina: Modified comparative negligence (51% bar)SCDistrict of Columbia: Contributory negligence (51% bar for pedestrians and cyclists)DCOklahoma: Modified comparative negligence (51% bar)OKLouisiana: Modified comparative negligence (51% bar)LAMississippi: Pure comparative negligenceMSAlabama: Contributory negligenceALGeorgia: Modified comparative negligence (50% bar)GAHawaii: Modified comparative negligence (51% bar)HITexas: Modified comparative negligence (51% bar)TXFlorida: Modified comparative negligence (51% bar)FL
  • Modified comparative negligence (35)
  • Pure comparative negligence (10)
  • Contributory negligence (5)
  • Other (1)

Also for Virginia: Malpractice rules in Virginia · Small claims limits in Virginia · Small estate limits in Virginia · Debt time limits in Virginia · Medicaid expansion in Virginia · ACA marketplace in Virginia · Claim deadlines in Virginia · Estate and inheritance tax in Virginia · All Virginia rules on one page

How we checked this

Rules come from a statute-cited 2026 personal injury table and match a defense firm's 51-jurisdiction chart, including Florida's 2023 change to a 51% bar. Last checked: November 12, 2026. Laws change; confirm with the state agency or a licensed professional before acting.

Cross-checked sources agree   Checked on official source confirmed on a government, court or legislature site   Single detailed source one detailed table built from statutes or official data   Under review sources disagree; read the note and the law.