Car Accident Lawsuits Modified comparative negligence The modified comparative negligence rule in lawsuits involving car accidents is a legal rule that permits partial recovery of damages even if the other party was partly at the fault. This concept was designed to make the process more equitable for both sides. A court can limit the amount of financial compensation awarded if the person who is partly responsible for an accident , in order to reflect their role. In some states, the concept of pure comparative negligence is also used. It is ap