# Fault-rule explainer: how your share of blame changes a claim

> Enter your share of fault and pick a state to see how its comparative or contributory negligence rule treats your claim. No dollar estimates.

Canonical page: https://accidentclaimfacts.com/tools/fault-rule-explainer/  
Last reviewed: October 29, 2026 by the Accident Claim Facts editorial team  
General information, not legal advice. Talk to a licensed attorney in your state.

Interactive tool: https://accidentclaimfacts.com/tools/fault-rule-explainer/ (works without JavaScript). The data behind it, with sources: https://accidentclaimfacts.com/api/state-rules.json

| State | Injury | Vehicle damage | Wrongful death | Fault rule |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | 2 years (Ala. Code § 6-2-38(l)) | Not confirmed | 2 years (Ala. Code § 6-5-410(d)) | Contributory negligence |
| Alaska | 2 years (Alaska Stat. § 09.10.070(a)(2)) | 2 years (Alaska Stat. § 09.10.070(a)(3)) | 2 years (Alaska Stat. § 09.55.580(a)) | Pure comparative fault |
| Arizona | 2 years (A.R.S. § 12-542(1)) | 2 years (A.R.S. § 12-542(3)) | 2 years (A.R.S. § 12-542(2)) | Pure comparative fault |
| Arkansas | 3 years (Ark. Code Ann. § 16-56-105) | 3 years (Ark. Code Ann. § 16-56-105(6)) | 3 years (Ark. Code Ann. § 16-62-102(c)(1)) | Modified comparative fault (50% bar) |
| California | 2 years (Cal. Code Civ. Proc. § 335.1) | 3 years (Cal. Code Civ. Proc. § 338(c)(1)) | 2 years (Cal. Code Civ. Proc. § 335.1) | Pure comparative fault |
| Colorado | 3 years (C.R.S. § 13-80-101(1)(n)(I)) | 3 years (C.R.S. § 13-80-101(1)(n)(I)) | 2 years (C.R.S. § 13-80-102(1)(d); § 13-21-204) | Modified comparative fault (50% bar) |
| Connecticut | 2 years (Conn. Gen. Stat. § 52-584) | 2 years (Conn. Gen. Stat. § 52-584) | 2 years (Conn. Gen. Stat. § 52-555(a)) | Modified comparative fault (51% bar) |
| Delaware | 2 years (10 Del. C. § 8119) | 2 years (10 Del. C. § 8107) | 2 years (10 Del. C. § 8107) | Modified comparative fault (51% bar) |
| District of Columbia | 3 years (D.C. Code § 12-301(a)(8)) | 3 years (D.C. Code § 12-301(a)(3)) | 2 years (D.C. Code § 16-2702) | Contributory negligence |
| Florida | 2 years (Fla. Stat. § 95.11(5)(a)) | Not confirmed | 2 years (Fla. Stat. § 95.11(5)(e)) | Modified comparative fault (51% bar) |
| Georgia | 2 years (O.C.G.A. § 9-3-33) | 4 years (O.C.G.A. § 9-3-31) | Not confirmed | Modified comparative fault (50% bar) |
| Hawaii | 2 years (Haw. Rev. Stat. § 657-7; § 431:10C-315(b)) | 2 years (Haw. Rev. Stat. § 657-7) | 2 years (Haw. Rev. Stat. § 663-3) | Modified comparative fault (51% bar) |
| Idaho | 2 years (Idaho Code § 5-219(4)) | 3 years (Idaho Code § 5-218(3)) | 2 years (Idaho Code § 5-219(4)) | Modified comparative fault (50% bar) |
| Illinois | 2 years (735 ILCS 5/13-202) | 5 years (735 ILCS 5/13-205) | 2 years (740 ILCS 180/2) | Modified comparative fault (51% bar) |
| Indiana | 2 years (Ind. Code § 34-11-2-4(a)(1)) | 2 years (Ind. Code § 34-11-2-4(a)(2)) | 2 years (Ind. Code § 34-23-1-1) | Modified comparative fault (51% bar) |
| Iowa | 2 years (Iowa Code § 614.1(2)) | 5 years (Iowa Code § 614.1(4)) | 2 years (Iowa Code § 614.1(2)) | Modified comparative fault (51% bar) |
| Kansas | 2 years (K.S.A. 60-513(a)(4)) | 2 years (K.S.A. 60-513(a)(2)) | 2 years (K.S.A. 60-513(a)(5)) | Modified comparative fault (50% bar) |
| Kentucky | 2 years (KRS 304.39-230(6)) | 2 years (KRS 413.125) | 2 years (KRS 304.39-230(6)) | Pure comparative fault |
| Louisiana | 2 years (La. Civ. Code art. 3493.1) | 2 years (La. Civ. Code art. 3493.1) | 2 years (La. Civ. Code art. 2315.2(B)) | Modified comparative fault (51% bar) |
| Maine | 6 years (14 M.R.S. § 752) | 6 years (14 M.R.S. § 752) | 3 years (18-C M.R.S. § 2-807(2)) | Modified comparative fault (50% bar) |
| Maryland | 3 years (Md. Code, Cts. & Jud. Proc. § 5-101) | 3 years (Md. Code, Cts. & Jud. Proc. § 5-101) | 3 years (Md. Code, Cts. & Jud. Proc. § 3-904(g)(1)) | Contributory negligence |
| Massachusetts | 3 years (Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 260, § 2A) | 3 years (Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 260, § 2A) | 3 years (Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 229, § 2) | Modified comparative fault (51% bar) |
| Michigan | 3 years (MCL 600.5805(2)) | 3 years (MCL 600.5805(2)) | 3 years (MCL 600.5805(2); MCL 600.5852) | Modified comparative fault (51% bar) |
| Minnesota | 6 years (Minn. Stat. § 541.05, subd. 1(5)) | 6 years (Minn. Stat. § 541.05, subd. 1(4)) | 3 years (Minn. Stat. § 573.02, subd. 1) | Modified comparative fault (51% bar) |
| Mississippi | 3 years (Miss. Code Ann. § 15-1-49(1)) | 3 years (Miss. Code Ann. § 15-1-49(1)) | 3 years (Miss. Code Ann. § 11-7-13; § 15-1-49(1)) | Pure comparative fault |
| Missouri | 5 years (Mo. Rev. Stat. § 516.120(4)) | 5 years (Mo. Rev. Stat. § 516.120(4)) | 3 years (Mo. Rev. Stat. § 537.100) | Pure comparative fault |
| Montana | 3 years (Mont. Code Ann. § 27-2-204(1)) | 2 years (Mont. Code Ann. § 27-2-207) | 3 years (Mont. Code Ann. § 27-2-204(2)) | Modified comparative fault (51% bar) |
| Nebraska | 4 years (Neb. Rev. Stat. § 25-207(3)) | 4 years (Neb. Rev. Stat. § 25-207(2)) | 2 years (Neb. Rev. Stat. § 30-810) | Modified comparative fault (50% bar) |
| Nevada | 2 years (Nev. Rev. Stat. § 11.190(4)(e)) | 3 years (Nev. Rev. Stat. § 11.190(3)(c)) | 2 years (Nev. Rev. Stat. § 11.190(4)(e)) | Modified comparative fault (51% bar) |
| New Hampshire | 3 years (N.H. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 508:4, I) | 3 years (N.H. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 508:4, I) | 3 years (N.H. RSA 556:11 and 508:4; Cheever v. Southern N.H. Reg'l Med. Ctr., 141 N.H. 589 (1997)) | Modified comparative fault (51% bar) |
| New Jersey | 2 years (N.J. Stat. Ann. § 2A:14-2(a)) | 6 years (N.J. Stat. Ann. § 2A:14-1) | 2 years (N.J. Stat. Ann. § 2A:31-3) | Modified comparative fault (51% bar) |
| New Mexico | 3 years (N.M. Stat. Ann. § 37-1-8) | 4 years (N.M. Stat. Ann. § 37-1-4) | 3 years (N.M. Stat. Ann. § 41-2-2) | Pure comparative fault |
| New York | 3 years (N.Y. CPLR 214(5)) | 3 years (N.Y. CPLR 214(4)) | 2 years (N.Y. Est. Powers & Trusts Law § 5-4.1(1)) | Modified comparative fault (51% bar) |
| North Carolina | 3 years (N.C. Gen. Stat. § 1-52(16)) | 3 years (N.C. Gen. Stat. § 1-52(4)) | 2 years (N.C. Gen. Stat. § 1-53(4)) | Contributory negligence |
| North Dakota | 6 years (N.D. Cent. Code § 28-01-16(5)) | 6 years (N.D. Cent. Code § 28-01-16(4)) | 2 years (N.D. Cent. Code § 28-01-18(4)) | Modified comparative fault (50% bar) |
| Ohio | 2 years (Ohio Rev. Code § 2305.10(A)) | 2 years (Ohio Rev. Code § 2305.10(A)) | 2 years (Ohio Rev. Code § 2125.02(F)(1)) | Modified comparative fault (51% bar) |
| Oklahoma | 2 years (Okla. Stat. tit. 12, § 95(A)(3)) | 2 years (Okla. Stat. tit. 12, § 95(A)(3)) | 2 years (Okla. Stat. tit. 12, § 1053(A)) | Modified comparative fault (51% bar) |
| Oregon | 2 years (Or. Rev. Stat. § 12.110(1)) | 6 years (Or. Rev. Stat. § 12.080(4)) | 3 years (Or. Rev. Stat. § 30.020(1)) | Modified comparative fault (51% bar) |
| Pennsylvania | 2 years (42 Pa. Cons. Stat. § 5524(2)) | 2 years (42 Pa. Cons. Stat. § 5524(3)) | 2 years (42 Pa. Cons. Stat. § 5524(2)) | Modified comparative fault (51% bar) |
| Rhode Island | 3 years (R.I. Gen. Laws § 9-1-14(b)) | 10 years (R.I. Gen. Laws § 9-1-13(a)) | 3 years (R.I. Gen. Laws § 10-7-2(c)) | Pure comparative fault |
| South Carolina | 3 years (S.C. Code Ann. § 15-3-530(5)) | 3 years (S.C. Code Ann. § 15-3-530(4)) | 3 years (S.C. Code Ann. § 15-3-530(6)) | Modified comparative fault (51% bar) |
| South Dakota | 3 years (SDCL § 15-2-14(3)) | 6 years (SDCL § 15-2-13(4)) | 3 years (SDCL § 21-5-3) | Slight/gross negligence |
| Tennessee | 1 year (Tenn. Code Ann. § 28-3-104(a)(1)(A)) | 3 years (Tenn. Code Ann. § 28-3-105) | 1 year (Tenn. Code Ann. § 28-3-104(a)(1); Collier v. Memphis Light, Gas & Water Div., 657 S.W.2d 771 (Tenn. Ct. App. 1983)) | Modified comparative fault (50% bar) |
| Texas | 2 years (Tex. Civ. Prac. & Rem. Code § 16.003(a)) | 2 years (Tex. Civ. Prac. & Rem. Code § 16.003(a)) | 2 years (Tex. Civ. Prac. & Rem. Code § 16.003(b)) | Modified comparative fault (51% bar) |
| Utah | 4 years (Utah Code § 78B-2-307(4)) | 4 years (Utah Code § 78B-2-307(3)) | 2 years (Utah Code § 78B-2-304(3)) | Modified comparative fault (50% bar) |
| Vermont | 3 years (12 V.S.A. § 512(4)) | 3 years (12 V.S.A. § 512(5)) | 2 years (14 V.S.A. § 1492(a)) | Modified comparative fault (51% bar) |
| Virginia | 2 years (Va. Code § 8.01-243(A)) | 5 years (Va. Code § 8.01-243(B)) | 2 years (Va. Code § 8.01-244(B)) | Contributory negligence |
| Washington | 3 years (RCW 4.16.080(2)) | 3 years (RCW 4.16.080(2)) | 3 years (RCW 4.16.080(2); Deggs v. Asbestos Corp. Ltd., No. 91969-1 (Wash. Oct. 6, 2016)) | Pure comparative fault |
| West Virginia | 2 years (W. Va. Code § 55-2-12(b)) | 2 years (W. Va. Code § 55-2-12(a)) | 2 years (W. Va. Code § 55-7-6(d)) | Modified comparative fault (51% bar) |
| Wisconsin | 3 years (Wis. Stat. § 893.54(1m)(a)) | 3 years (Wis. Stat. § 893.52(2)) | 2 years (Wis. Stat. § 893.54(2m)) | Modified comparative fault (51% bar) |
| Wyoming | 4 years (Wyo. Stat. § 1-3-105(a)(iv)(C)) | 4 years (Wyo. Stat. § 1-3-105(a)(iv)(B)) | 2 years (Wyo. Stat. § 1-38-102(d)) | Modified comparative fault (51% bar) |
## Quick answer

When both drivers share the blame, your state's fault rule decides what happens. In most states your damages are cut by your share of fault, and you lose the claim entirely once your share reaches a bar of 50% or 51%. A handful of states let you recover something at any share, and a few still bar you for almost any fault. This tool shows the rule, not the money: it never estimates dollar amounts.

## Key facts

| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Modified rule, 51% bar | 26 jurisdictions |
| Modified rule, 50% bar | 10 jurisdictions |
| Pure comparative fault | 9 jurisdictions |
| Contributory negligence | 5 jurisdictions |
| Slight versus gross negligence | 1 (South Dakota) |

## How to use the explainer

Move the slider to the share of fault you think an insurer or a jury might assign to you, then choose your state. The result shows:

1. **Whether you can recover at all** at that share of fault under your state's rule.
2. **The share of your proven damages** you could still claim, before any other limits such as insurance policy limits.
3. **How the five rule families compare** at the same share of fault, so you can see where they split.
4. **A curve for your state**, from 0% to 100% fault, with your chosen share marked.

The address in your browser updates as you go, so you can copy a link to a result. Without JavaScript, the form still works: choose the values and press the button.

> **Note:** "Proven damages" means the losses a court or insurer accepts, not the amount in a demand letter. Fault percentages are decided case by case; this tool only shows what each percentage would mean under the rule.

## The five fault rules

| Rule | How it works | Where it applies |
|---|---|---|
| Pure comparative fault | You recover your damages minus your share of fault, even at 90% fault | 9 jurisdictions, including California, New Mexico and Washington |
| Modified, 51% bar | You recover, minus your share, as long as you were 50% or less at fault | 26 jurisdictions, including Texas, Pennsylvania and Illinois |
| Modified, 50% bar | You recover, minus your share, only if you were less at fault than the other side (49% or less) | 10 jurisdictions, including Georgia, Colorado and Tennessee |
| Contributory negligence | Any fault of your own can bar recovery, with narrow exceptions | Alabama, Maryland, North Carolina, Virginia and Washington, DC |
| Slight versus gross | You recover only if your negligence was slight compared with the other side's | South Dakota |

The difference between a 50% and a 51% bar matters most in the hardest cases: when a jury splits the blame evenly, a driver in a 51%-bar state such as Texas still recovers half of their damages, while a driver in a 50%-bar state such as Georgia recovers nothing.

## Worked examples

These use round numbers to show the rules. Real claims are messier.

> **Example:** A driver is found 20% at fault for a crash. In a pure comparative state, a 51%-bar state or a 50%-bar state, they can recover 80% of their proven damages. In a contributory negligence state, the same 20% can bar the claim.

> **Example:** A driver is found 50% at fault. In a pure comparative state or a 51%-bar state they can recover half of their proven damages. In a 50%-bar state they recover nothing.

> **Example:** A driver is found 70% at fault. Only a pure comparative state lets them recover, and only 30% of their proven damages. Every other rule bars the claim.

## State twists worth knowing

Several states have details the five families do not capture. The explainer shows them under the result for your state:

- **Michigan:** If you are more than 50% at fault you lose pain-and-suffering (non-economic) damages, but can still recover economic losses reduced by your share of fault.
- **New York:** Since May 26, 2026, a car-crash injury plaintiff more at fault than the defendant(s) recovers nothing; wrongful death and property damage claims stay pure comparative, and suits filed before that date follow the old pure rule.
- **Louisiana:** Since January 1, 2026 you recover nothing if you are 51% or more at fault; before then Louisiana used pure comparative fault, and accidents before 2026 may still follow the old rule.
- **Arizona:** The defendant can be found not liable if the injured person was under the influence of alcohol or drugs and, as a result, at least 50% responsible (A.R.S. § 12-711).
- **Washington, DC:** A pedestrian, cyclist or other 'vulnerable user' (as defined in D.C. Code § 50-2204.51) hit by a motor vehicle is barred only if their own negligence was a proximate cause and greater than all defendants' combined negligence.

## What this tool does not do

It does not value your claim, predict a jury's percentage or account for insurance policy limits, liens, multiple defendants or claims against government bodies. Those can change the outcome as much as the fault rule does. For a specific case, talk to a licensed attorney in your state.

## FAQ

### What does a 51% bar mean?

It means you can recover damages, reduced by your share of fault, as long as you were not more at fault than the other side. At 51% or more, you recover nothing. Texas, Pennsylvania and Illinois are among the 26 jurisdictions that use it.

### What is the difference between comparative and contributory negligence?

Comparative negligence reduces your recovery by your share of fault. Contributory negligence, the older rule, can bar recovery completely for even a small share of fault. Only Alabama, Maryland, North Carolina, Virginia and Washington, DC still use contributory negligence for most car-crash claims.

### Who decides my percentage of fault?

At first, the insurance adjusters, who negotiate over it. If the case goes to trial, the jury (or the judge in a bench trial) assigns the percentages based on the evidence.

### Does my share of fault affect my own insurance?

It can. Fault decides whose liability insurance pays, and it can affect your premiums. Coverage like personal injury protection or medical payments usually pays regardless of fault.

### Why does the tool not show dollar amounts?

Because no honest tool can value an injury claim from a few inputs. The share of damages you can recover is a matter of law; the size of those damages depends on evidence, treatment, insurance limits and negotiation.

## Sources

- [Texas Legislature, Civil Practice and Remedies Code chapter 33](https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/CP/htm/CP.33.htm) — the Texas 51% bar
- [Michigan Legislature, MCL 600.2959](https://www.legislature.mi.gov/Laws/MCL?objectName=mcl-600-2959), checked October 29, 2026
- [New York State Senate, CPLR 1411](https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/laws/CVP/1411), checked October 29, 2026
- [Louisiana State Legislature, Civil Code art. 2323](https://legis.la.gov/Legis/Law.aspx?d=109387&p=y), checked October 29, 2026
- [Arizona Legislature, Arizona Revised Statutes § 12-711](https://www.azleg.gov/ars/12/00711.htm), checked October 29, 2026
- [Council of the District of Columbia, D.C. Code § 50-2204.52](https://code.dccouncil.gov/us/dc/council/code/sections/50-2204.52), checked October 29, 2026
- [Alabama Legislature, Code of Alabama § 6-2-38(l)](https://law.justia.com/codes/alabama/title-6/chapter-2/article-2/section-6-2-38), checked October 29, 2026
- [Alabama Legislature, Code of Alabama § 6-5-410(d)](https://law.justia.com/codes/alabama/title-6/chapter-5/article-23/section-6-5-410), checked October 29, 2026
- [U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit, No. 06-11445 (applying Alabama law; Ridgeway v. CSX Transp., 723 So. 2d 600 (Ala. 1998))](https://media.ca11.uscourts.gov/opinions/unpub/files/200611445.pdf), checked October 29, 2026
- [Alaska Legislature, Alaska Statutes § 09.10.070(a)(2)](https://codes.findlaw.com/ak/title-9-code-of-civil-procedure/ak-st-sect-09-10-070/), checked October 29, 2026
- [Alaska Legislature, Alaska Statutes § 09.55.580(a)](https://codes.findlaw.com/ak/title-9-code-of-civil-procedure/ak-st-sect-09-55-580/), checked October 29, 2026
- [Alaska Legislature, Alaska Statutes § 09.17.060](https://codes.findlaw.com/ak/title-9-code-of-civil-procedure/ak-st-sect-09-17-060/), checked October 29, 2026
- [Arizona Legislature, Arizona Revised Statutes § 12-542(1)](https://www.azleg.gov/ars/12/00542.htm), checked October 29, 2026
- [Arizona Legislature, Arizona Revised Statutes § 12-2505(A)](https://www.azleg.gov/ars/12/02505.htm), checked October 29, 2026
- [Supreme Court of Arkansas, Shelter Mut. Ins. Co. v. Nash, 357 Ark. 581 (2004) (applying Ark. Code Ann. § 16-56-105)](https://opinions.arcourts.gov/ark/supremecourt/en/262881/1/document.do), checked October 29, 2026
- [Arkansas General Assembly, Arkansas Code § 16-56-105(6)](https://law.justia.com/codes/arkansas/title-16/subtitle-5/chapter-56/subchapter-1/section-16-56-105/), checked October 29, 2026
- [Arkansas General Assembly, Arkansas Code § 16-62-102(c)(1)](https://law.justia.com/codes/arkansas/title-16/subtitle-5/chapter-62/section-16-62-102/), checked October 29, 2026
- [Arkansas General Assembly, Arkansas Code § 16-64-122(b)](https://law.justia.com/codes/arkansas/title-16/subtitle-5/chapter-64/section-16-64-122/), checked October 29, 2026
- [California Legislature, Code of Civil Procedure § 335.1](https://law.justia.com/codes/california/code-ccp/part-2/title-2/chapter-3/section-335-1), checked October 29, 2026
- [California Legislature, Code of Civil Procedure § 338(c)(1)](https://law.justia.com/codes/california/code-ccp/part-2/title-2/chapter-3/section-338), checked October 29, 2026
- [Supreme Court of California, Norgart v. Upjohn Co. (1999) 21 Cal.4th 383 (via SCOCAL)](https://scocal.stanford.edu/opinion/norgart-v-upjohn-co-32045), checked October 29, 2026
- [Supreme Court of California, Li v. Yellow Cab Co. (1975) 13 Cal.3d 804 (via SCOCAL)](https://scocal.stanford.edu/opinion/li-v-yellow-cab-co-27850), checked October 29, 2026
- [Colorado General Assembly, C.R.S. § 13-80-101(1)(n)(I)](https://colorado.public.law/statutes/crs_13-80-101), checked October 29, 2026
- [Colorado General Assembly, C.R.S. § 13-80-102(1)(d)](https://colorado.public.law/statutes/crs_13-80-102), checked October 29, 2026
- [Colorado General Assembly, C.R.S. § 13-80-108(2)](https://colorado.public.law/statutes/crs_13-80-108), checked October 29, 2026
- [Colorado General Assembly, C.R.S. § 13-21-111(1)](https://colorado.public.law/statutes/crs_13-21-111), checked October 29, 2026
- [Connecticut General Assembly, General Statutes § 52-584](https://law.justia.com/codes/connecticut/title-52/chapter-926/section-52-584/), checked October 29, 2026
- [Connecticut General Assembly, General Statutes § 52-555(a)](https://law.justia.com/codes/connecticut/title-52/chapter-925/section-52-555/), checked October 29, 2026
- [Connecticut General Assembly, General Statutes § 52-572h(b)](https://law.justia.com/codes/connecticut/title-52/chapter-925/section-52-572h/), checked October 29, 2026
- [Delaware General Assembly, Delaware Code Title 10 § 8119](https://delcode.delaware.gov/title10/c081/index.html), checked October 29, 2026
- [Council of the District of Columbia, D.C. Code § 12-301(a)(8)](https://code.dccouncil.gov/us/dc/council/code/sections/12-301), checked October 29, 2026
- [Council of the District of Columbia, D.C. Code § 16-2702](https://code.dccouncil.gov/us/dc/council/code/sections/16-2702), checked October 29, 2026
- [Council of the District of Columbia, D.C. Law 21-167 (common-law contributory negligence)](https://code.dccouncil.gov/us/dc/council/laws/21-167), checked October 29, 2026
- [Florida Legislature, Florida Statutes § 95.11(5)(a)](https://www.flsenate.gov/Laws/Statutes/2026/95.11), checked October 29, 2026
- [Florida Legislature, Florida Statutes § 95.031(1)](https://www.flsenate.gov/Laws/Statutes/2026/95.031), checked October 29, 2026
- [Florida Legislature, Florida Statutes § 768.81(6)](https://www.flsenate.gov/Laws/Statutes/2026/768.81), checked October 29, 2026
- [Georgia General Assembly, Official Code of Georgia § 9-3-33](https://law.justia.com/codes/georgia/title-9/chapter-3/article-2/section-9-3-33/), checked October 29, 2026
- [Justia (Official Code of Georgia Annotated, 2024 edition), O.C.G.A. § 9-3-31](https://law.justia.com/codes/georgia/2024/title-9/chapter-3/article-2/section-9-3-31/), checked October 29, 2026
- [Georgia General Assembly, Official Code of Georgia § 51-12-33(g)](https://law.justia.com/codes/georgia/title-51/chapter-12/article-2/section-51-12-33/), checked October 29, 2026
- [Hawaii State Legislature, Hawaii Revised Statutes § 657-7](https://data.capitol.hawaii.gov/hrscurrent/Vol13_Ch0601-0676/HRS0657/HRS_0657-0007.htm), checked October 29, 2026
- [Hawaii State Legislature, Hawaii Revised Statutes § 663-3](https://data.capitol.hawaii.gov/hrscurrent/Vol13_Ch0601-0676/HRS0663/HRS_0663-0003.htm), checked October 29, 2026
- [Hawaii State Legislature, Hawaii Revised Statutes § 663-31(a)](https://data.capitol.hawaii.gov/hrscurrent/Vol13_Ch0601-0676/HRS0663/HRS_0663-0031.htm), checked October 29, 2026
- [Idaho Legislature, Idaho Code § 5-219(4)](https://legislature.idaho.gov/statutesrules/idstat/Title5/T5CH2/SECT5-219/), checked October 29, 2026
- [Idaho Legislature, Idaho Code § 5-218(3)](https://legislature.idaho.gov/statutesrules/idstat/Title5/T5CH2/SECT5-218/), checked October 29, 2026
- [Idaho Legislature, Idaho Code § 6-801](https://legislature.idaho.gov/statutesrules/idstat/Title6/T6CH8/SECT6-801/), checked October 29, 2026
- [Illinois General Assembly, 735 ILCS 5/13-202](https://www.ilga.gov/Documents/legislation/ilcs/documents/073500050k13-202.htm), checked October 29, 2026
- [Illinois General Assembly, 735 ILCS 5/13-205 (text via courtrules.net)](https://www.courtrules.net/illinois/illinois-code-civil-procedure/rule-13-205), checked October 29, 2026
- [Illinois General Assembly, Wrongful Death Act, 740 ILCS 180/2](https://ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/ilcs3.asp?ActID=2059), checked October 29, 2026
- [Illinois General Assembly, 735 ILCS 5/2-1116](https://ilga.gov/Documents/legislation/ilcs/documents/073500050K2-1116.htm), checked October 29, 2026
- [Indiana General Assembly, Ind. Code § 34-11-2-4 (2025 Code via Justia)](https://law.justia.com/codes/indiana/title-34/article-11/chapter-2/section-34-11-2-4/), checked October 29, 2026
- [Indiana General Assembly, Ind. Code § 34-23-1-1 (2025 Code via Justia)](https://law.justia.com/codes/indiana/title-34/article-23/chapter-1/section-34-23-1-1/), checked October 29, 2026
- [Indiana Court of Appeals, Davis-Brumley v. Fair Oaks Farms (Feb. 29, 2024), Indiana courts Case Clips](https://caseclips.courts.in.gov/2024/03/04/davis-brumley-v-fair-oaks-farms-llc-no-23a-ct-1610-__-n-e-3d-__-ind-ct-app-feb-29-2024), checked October 29, 2026
- [Indiana General Assembly, Ind. Code § 34-51-2-6 (2025 Code via Justia)](https://law.justia.com/codes/indiana/title-34/article-51/chapter-2/section-34-51-2-6/), checked October 29, 2026
- [Indiana General Assembly, Ind. Code § 34-51-2-2 (2025 Code via Justia)](https://law.justia.com/codes/indiana/title-34/article-51/chapter-2/section-34-51-2-2/), checked October 29, 2026
- [Iowa Legislature, Iowa Code § 614.1 (2026 Code)](https://www.legis.iowa.gov/docs/code/614.1.pdf), checked October 29, 2026
- [Iowa Supreme Court, Estate of Cataldo v. RCHP-Ottumwa, LLC, No. 24-1994 (Feb. 27, 2026)](https://www.iowacourts.gov/courtcases/25292/embed/SupremeCourtOpinion), checked October 29, 2026
- [Iowa Legislature, Iowa Code § 668.3 (2026 Code)](https://www.legis.iowa.gov/docs/code/668.3.pdf), checked October 29, 2026
- [Kansas Office of Revisor of Statutes, K.S.A. 60-513](https://ksrevisor.gov/statutes/chapters/ch60/060_005_0013.html), checked October 29, 2026
- [Kansas Supreme Court, Martin v. Naik, No. 101,146 (May 3, 2013)](https://2jd.kscourts.gov/KSCourts/media/KsCourts/Opinions/101146.pdf?ext=.pdf), checked October 29, 2026
- [Kansas Office of Revisor of Statutes, K.S.A. 60-258a](https://ksrevisor.gov/statutes/chapters/ch60/060_002_0058a.html), checked October 29, 2026
- [Kentucky General Assembly, KRS 304.39-230 (Motor Vehicle Reparations Act)](https://apps.legislature.ky.gov/law/statutes/statute.aspx?id=45816), checked October 29, 2026
- [Kentucky General Assembly, KRS 413.125](https://apps.legislature.ky.gov/Law/statutes/statute.aspx?id=17867), checked October 29, 2026
- [Kentucky General Assembly, KRS 411.182](https://apps.legislature.ky.gov/Law/statutes/statute.aspx?id=17782), checked October 29, 2026
- [Louisiana State Legislature, Civil Code art. 3493.1](https://www.legis.la.gov/Legis/Law.aspx?d=1386443), checked October 29, 2026
- [Louisiana State Legislature, Civil Code art. 2315.2](https://legis.la.gov/LEGIS/Law.aspx?d=109371), checked October 29, 2026
- [Maine Legislature, 14 M.R.S. § 752](https://www.legislature.maine.gov/statutes/14/title14sec752.html), checked October 29, 2026
- [Maine Legislature, 18-C M.R.S. § 2-807](https://legislature.maine.gov/statutes/18-C/title18-Csec2-807.html), checked October 29, 2026
- [Maine Legislature, 14 M.R.S. § 156](https://legislature.maine.gov/statutes/14/title14sec156.html), checked October 29, 2026
- [Maryland General Assembly, Courts and Judicial Proceedings § 5-101](https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/2026RS/Statute_Web/gcj/5-101.pdf), checked October 29, 2026
- [Maryland General Assembly, Courts and Judicial Proceedings § 3-904](https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/2026RS/Statute%5FWeb/gcj/3-904.pdf), checked October 29, 2026
- [Court of Appeals of Maryland, Coleman v. Soccer Ass'n of Columbia, No. 9, Sept. Term 2012 (July 9, 2013)](https://www.mdcourts.gov/opinions/coa/2013/9a12.pdf), checked October 29, 2026
- [Maryland General Assembly, HB 466 (2026 Regular Session) status page](https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/HB0466?ys=2026RS), checked October 29, 2026
- [Massachusetts Legislature, General Laws c. 260 § 2A](https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartIII/TitleV/Chapter260/Section2A), checked October 29, 2026
- [Massachusetts Legislature, General Laws c. 229 § 2](https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartIII/TitleII/Chapter229/Section2), checked October 29, 2026
- [Massachusetts Legislature, General Laws c. 231 § 85](https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartIII/TitleII/Chapter231/Section85), checked October 29, 2026
- [Michigan Legislature, MCL 600.5805](https://www.legislature.mi.gov/Laws/MCL?objectName=mcl-600-5805), checked October 29, 2026
- [Michigan Legislature, MCL 600.5852](https://www.legislature.mi.gov/Laws/MCL?objectName=mcl-600-5852), checked October 29, 2026
- [Minnesota Office of the Revisor of Statutes, Minn. Stat. § 541.05](https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/541.05), checked October 29, 2026
- [Minnesota Office of the Revisor of Statutes, Minn. Stat. § 573.02](https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/573.02), checked October 29, 2026
- [Minnesota Office of the Revisor of Statutes, Minn. Stat. § 604.01](https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/604.01), checked October 29, 2026
- [Mississippi Legislature, Miss. Code Ann. § 15-1-49 (2025 Code via Justia)](https://law.justia.com/codes/mississippi/title-15/chapter-1/section-15-1-49/), checked October 29, 2026
- [Mississippi Legislature, Miss. Code Ann. § 11-7-13 (2025 Code via Justia)](https://law.justia.com/codes/mississippi/title-11/chapter-7/in-general/section-11-7-13/), checked October 29, 2026
- [Mississippi Legislature, Miss. Code Ann. § 11-7-15 (2025 Code via Justia)](https://law.justia.com/codes/mississippi/title-11/chapter-7/in-general/section-11-7-15/), checked October 29, 2026
- [Missouri Revisor of Statutes, RSMo § 516.120](https://revisor.mo.gov/main/OneSection.aspx?section=516.120), checked October 29, 2026
- [Missouri Revisor of Statutes, RSMo § 537.100](https://revisor.mo.gov/main/OneSection.aspx?section=537.100), checked October 29, 2026
- [Supreme Court of Missouri, Lippard v. Houdaille Industries, 715 S.W.2d 491 (Mo. banc 1986) (via Justia)](https://law.justia.com/cases/missouri/supreme-court/1986/67802-0.html), checked October 29, 2026
- [Montana Legislature, MCA 27-2-204](https://mca.legmt.gov/bills/mca/title_0270/chapter_0020/part_0020/section_0040/0270-0020-0020-0040.html), checked October 29, 2026
- [Montana Legislature, MCA 27-2-207](https://mca.legmt.gov/bills/mca/title_0270/chapter_0020/part_0020/section_0070/0270-0020-0020-0070.html), checked October 29, 2026
- [Montana Legislature, MCA 27-1-702](https://mca.legmt.gov/bills/mca/title_0270/chapter_0010/part_0070/section_0020/0270-0010-0070-0020.html), checked October 29, 2026
- [Nebraska Legislature, Neb. Rev. Stat. § 25-207](https://nebraskalegislature.gov/laws/statutes.php?statute=25-207), checked October 29, 2026
- [Nebraska Legislature, Neb. Rev. Stat. § 30-810](https://nebraskalegislature.gov/laws/statutes.php?statute=30-810), checked October 29, 2026
- [Nebraska Legislature, Neb. Rev. Stat. § 25-21,185.09](https://nebraskalegislature.gov/laws/statutes.php?statute=25-21,185.09), checked October 29, 2026
- [Nevada Legislature, NRS 11.190](https://www.leg.state.nv.us/NRS/NRS-011.html), checked October 29, 2026
- [Justia (2024 Nevada Revised Statutes), NRS 41.141](https://law.justia.com/codes/nevada/chapter-41/statute-41-141), checked October 29, 2026
- [New Hampshire General Court, RSA 508:4](https://gc.nh.gov/rsa/html/LII/508/508-4.htm), checked October 29, 2026
- [U.S. District Court for the District of New Hampshire, opinion 10-NH-008 (applying RSA 556:11 and 508:4)](https://www.nhd.uscourts.gov/sites/default/files/Opinions/10/10NH008P.pdf), checked October 29, 2026
- [New Hampshire General Court, RSA 507:7-d](https://gc.nh.gov/rsa/html/lii/507/507-7-d.htm), checked October 29, 2026
- [New Jersey Legislature, P.L.2019, c.120 (N.J.S.A. 2A:14-2)](https://pub.njleg.gov/bills/2018/PL19/120_.HTM), checked October 29, 2026
- [Justia (2025 New Jersey Revised Statutes), N.J.S.A. 2A:14-1](https://law.justia.com/codes/new-jersey/title-2a/section-2a-14-1/), checked October 29, 2026
- [Justia (2025 New Jersey Revised Statutes), N.J.S.A. 2A:31-3](https://law.justia.com/codes/new-jersey/title-2a/section-2a-31-3/), checked October 29, 2026
- [New Jersey Legislature, N.J.S.A. 2A:15-5.1](https://lis.njleg.state.nj.us/nxt/gateway.dll/statutes/1/112/352), checked October 29, 2026
- [Justia (2025 New Mexico Statutes), NMSA 1978 § 37-1-8](https://law.justia.com/codes/new-mexico/chapter-37/article-1/section-37-1-8/), checked October 29, 2026
- [Justia (2025 New Mexico Statutes), NMSA 1978 § 37-1-4](https://law.justia.com/codes/new-mexico/chapter-37/article-1/section-37-1-4/), checked October 29, 2026
- [Justia (2025 New Mexico Statutes), NMSA 1978 § 41-2-2](https://law.justia.com/codes/new-mexico/chapter-41/article-2/section-41-2-2/), checked October 29, 2026
- [New Mexico Supreme Court, Scott v. Rizzo, 96 N.M. 682 (1981) (Caselaw Access Project text)](https://cite.case.law/nm/96/682/), checked October 29, 2026
- [New York State Senate, CPLR 214](https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/laws/CVP/214), checked October 29, 2026
- [New York State Senate, EPTL 5-4.1](https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/laws/EPT/5-4.1), checked October 29, 2026
- [North Carolina General Assembly, G.S. 1-52](https://www.ncleg.gov/EnactedLegislation/Statutes/HTML/BySection/Chapter_1/GS_1-52.html), checked October 29, 2026
- [North Carolina General Assembly, G.S. 1-53](https://www.ncleg.gov/EnactedLegislation/Statutes/HTML/BySection/Chapter_1/GS_1-53.html), checked October 29, 2026
- [UNC School of Government, On the Civil Side: 'Fault Lines: Understanding Negligence Doctrines' (2025-03-21)](https://www.sog.unc.edu/node/372836), checked October 29, 2026
- [North Dakota Legislative Assembly, N.D.C.C. § 28-01-16](https://ndlegis.gov/api/cencode/t28c01.pdf), checked October 29, 2026
- [North Dakota Legislative Assembly, N.D.C.C. § 32-03.2-02](https://ndlegis.gov/api/cencode/t32c03-2.pdf), checked October 29, 2026
- [Ohio General Assembly, Ohio Revised Code 2305.10](https://codes.ohio.gov/ohio-revised-code/section-2305.10), checked October 29, 2026
- [Ohio General Assembly, Ohio Revised Code 2125.02](https://codes.ohio.gov/ohio-revised-code/section-2125.02), checked October 29, 2026
- [Ohio General Assembly, Ohio Revised Code 2315.33](https://codes.ohio.gov/ohio-revised-code/section-2315.33), checked October 29, 2026
- [Justia (2025 Oklahoma Statutes), 12 O.S. § 95](https://law.justia.com/codes/oklahoma/title-12/section-12-95/), checked October 29, 2026
- [Justia (2025 Oklahoma Statutes), 12 O.S. § 1053](https://law.justia.com/codes/oklahoma/title-12/section-12-1053/), checked October 29, 2026
- [Justia (2025 Oklahoma Statutes), 23 O.S. § 13](https://law.justia.com/codes/oklahoma/title-23/section-23-13/), checked October 29, 2026
- [Oregon Legislature, ORS 12.110](https://www.oregonlegislature.gov/bills_laws/ors/ors012.html), checked October 29, 2026
- [Oregon Legislature, ORS 30.020](https://www.oregonlegislature.gov/bills_laws/ors/ors030.html), checked October 29, 2026
- [Oregon Legislature, ORS 31.600](https://www.oregonlegislature.gov/bills_laws/ors/ors031.html), checked October 29, 2026
- [Pennsylvania General Assembly, 42 Pa.C.S. § 5524](https://www.legis.state.pa.us/WU01/LI/LI/CT/HTM/42/00.055.024.000..HTM), checked October 29, 2026
- [Supreme Court of Pennsylvania, Reibenstein v. Barax (2022) opinion citing Pastierik v. Duquesne Light Co. (1987)](https://www.pacourts.us/assets/opinions/Supreme/out/J-86-2022cdo%20-%20105368583206274420.pdf?cb=1), checked October 29, 2026
- [Pennsylvania General Assembly, 42 Pa.C.S. § 7102](https://www.legis.state.pa.us/WU01/LI/LI/CT/HTM/42/00.071.002.000..HTM), checked October 29, 2026
- [Rhode Island General Assembly, R.I. Gen. Laws § 9-1-14](https://webserver.rilegislature.gov/Statutes/TITLE9/9-1/9-1-14.HTM), checked October 29, 2026
- [Rhode Island General Assembly, R.I. Gen. Laws § 9-1-13](https://webserver.rilegislature.gov/Statutes/TITLE9/9-1/9-1-13.htm), checked October 29, 2026
- [Rhode Island General Assembly, R.I. Gen. Laws § 10-7-2](https://webserver.rilegislature.gov/Statutes/TITLE10/10-7/10-7-2.HTM), checked October 29, 2026
- [Rhode Island General Assembly, R.I. Gen. Laws § 9-20-4](https://webserver.rilegislature.gov/Statutes/TITLE9/9-20/9-20-4.htm), checked October 29, 2026
- [South Carolina Legislature, S.C. Code § 15-3-530](https://www.scstatehouse.gov/code/t15c003.php), checked October 29, 2026
- [S.C. Supreme Court (via FindLaw), Hooper v. Ebenezer Senior Services & Rehabilitation Center (2009)](https://caselaw.findlaw.com/sc-supreme-court/1503695.html), checked October 29, 2026
- [South Carolina Bar (copy of S.C. Supreme Court opinion), Nelson v. Concrete Supply Co. (1991)](https://www.scbar.org/media/bqrn2bfw/nelson.pdf), checked October 29, 2026
- [South Dakota Legislature, SDCL 15-2-14](https://sdlegislature.gov/api/Statutes/15-2-14.html), checked October 29, 2026
- [South Dakota Legislature, SDCL 15-2-13](https://sdlegislature.gov/api/Statutes/15-2-13.html), checked October 29, 2026
- [South Dakota Legislature, SDCL 21-5-3](https://sdlegislature.gov/api/Statutes/21-5-3.html), checked October 29, 2026
- [South Dakota Legislature, SDCL 20-9-2](https://sdlegislature.gov/api/Statutes/20-9-2.html), checked October 29, 2026
- [Justia (2025 Tennessee Code), Tenn. Code Ann. § 28-3-104](https://law.justia.com/codes/tennessee/title-28/chapter-3/part-1/section-28-3-104/), checked October 29, 2026
- [Justia (2025 Tennessee Code), Tenn. Code Ann. § 28-3-105](https://law.justia.com/codes/tennessee/title-28/chapter-3/part-1/section-28-3-105/), checked October 29, 2026
- [U.S. District Court N.D. Ala. (govinfo), Murphy v. McGriff Transportation (2012), quoting Tennessee case law](https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/USCOURTS-alnd-2_11-cv-02754/pdf/USCOURTS-alnd-2_11-cv-02754-0.pdf), checked October 29, 2026
- [Tennessee Board of Law Examiners (torts outline quoting Tenn. Supreme Court), McIntyre v. Balentine (1992)](https://www.tnble.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/Torts.pdf), checked October 29, 2026
- [Texas Legislature, Civil Practice and Remedies Code § 16.003(a)](https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/CP/htm/CP.16.htm), checked October 29, 2026
- [Texas Legislature, Civil Practice and Remedies Code § 33.001](https://tcss.legis.texas.gov/resources/CP/htm/CP.33.htm), checked October 29, 2026
- [Utah Legislature, Utah Code § 78B-2-307](https://le.utah.gov/xcode/Title78B/Chapter2/C78B-2-S307_2023050320230503.html), checked October 29, 2026
- [Utah Legislature, Utah Code § 78B-2-304](https://le.utah.gov/xcode/Title78B/Chapter2/C78B-2-S304_2026050620260506.html), checked October 29, 2026
- [U.S. Court of Appeals, 10th Cir. (applying Utah law), Maughan v. SW Servicing, 758 F.2d 1381 (1985)](https://m.openjurist.org/758/f2d/1381), checked October 29, 2026
- [Utah Legislature, Utah Code § 78B-5-818](https://le.utah.gov/xcode/Title78B/Chapter5/C78B-5-S818_1800010118000101.html), checked October 29, 2026
- [Vermont General Assembly, 12 V.S.A. § 512](https://legislature.vermont.gov/statutes/section/12/023/00512), checked October 29, 2026
- [Vermont General Assembly, 14 V.S.A. § 1492](https://legislature.vermont.gov/statutes/section/14/071/01492), checked October 29, 2026
- [Vermont General Assembly, 12 V.S.A. § 1036](https://legislature.vermont.gov/statutes/section/12/027/01036), checked October 29, 2026
- [Virginia General Assembly, Code of Virginia § 8.01-243](https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/title8.01/chapter4/section8.01-243/), checked October 29, 2026
- [Virginia General Assembly, Code of Virginia § 8.01-244](https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/title8.01/chapter4/section8.01-244/), checked October 29, 2026
- [Supreme Court of Virginia, Williams v. Harrison, Record No. 970880 (1998)](https://ebrief.courts.state.va.us/opinions/opnscvwp/1970880.pdf), checked October 29, 2026
- [Washington State Legislature, RCW 4.16.080](https://app.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=4.16.080), checked October 29, 2026
- [Washington Supreme Court, Deggs v. Asbestos Corp. Ltd., No. 91969-1 (2016)](https://www.courts.wa.gov/opinions/pdf/919691.pdf), checked October 29, 2026
- [Washington State Legislature, RCW 4.22.005](https://app.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=4.22.005), checked October 29, 2026
- [West Virginia Legislature, W. Va. Code § 55-2-12](https://code.wvlegislature.gov/55-2-12/), checked October 29, 2026
- [West Virginia Legislature, W. Va. Code § 55-7-6](https://code.wvlegislature.gov/55-7-6/), checked October 29, 2026
- [West Virginia Legislature, W. Va. Code § 55-7-13c](https://code.wvlegislature.gov/55-7-13c/), checked October 29, 2026
- [Wisconsin Legislature, Wis. Stat. § 893.54](https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/document/statutes/893.54), checked October 29, 2026
- [Wisconsin Legislature, Wis. Stat. § 893.52](https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/statutes/statutes/893/v/52), checked October 29, 2026
- [Wisconsin Legislature, Wis. Stat. § 895.045](https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/document/statutes/895.045), checked October 29, 2026
- [Wyoming Legislature, Wyo. Stat. Title 1, § 1-3-105](https://wyoleg.gov/statutes/compress/title01.pdf), checked October 29, 2026
- [Justia (2025 Wyoming Statutes), Wyo. Stat. § 1-38-102](https://law.justia.com/codes/wyoming/title-1/chapter-38/section-1-38-102/), checked October 29, 2026