Yes, you can file a lawsuit against the driver personally, but it is often not practical. Even if you win a court judgment, collecting the money is challenging if the individual has few assets or income. This process requires time and legal expenses with no guarantee of recovery. For most people, using their own UM or collision coverage is the faster, more reliable solution. Your insurer may still pursue the driver legally to recover what they paid you—a process called subrogation.

The consequences are almost always financial or injunctive, not punitive in a criminal sense. The losing party (defendant) is typically ordered to pay money (damages) to the winning party (plaintiff) to compensate for losses like medical bills, lost income, or property damage. Sometimes, the court may order the defendant to do or stop doing a specific action. There is no threat of imprisonment, probation, or a criminal record from a standard civil liability judgment.

The property owner is almost always the primary responsible party. This is because they have a legal duty to ensure their pool is reasonably safe for guests and to warn of any non-obvious dangers. This duty includes proper maintenance, secure fencing, clear safety rules, and adequate supervision, especially for children. Even if the owner isn’t present, their responsibility for the property’s condition remains. Renters may also share liability if they were in control of the pool area at the time of the incident.