Comparative negligence affects how much you can recover if youre partially at fault for an accident. In pure compartive negligence states, you can still recover damages if youre partially at fault (ie. if youre awarded $100,000 but are 40% at fault you will only receive $60,000).

In modified comparative negligence states, you are only able to recover damages if you are less than 50%/51% at fault (depending on the state).

In contributory negligence states, you are not able to recover damages if you are even 1% at fault. 

Is it always best to consult with an experience attorney to determine the situs of your harm, and determine the statute of limitation that applis to your claim.