Your ability to claim damages depends heavily on your state’s laws. In “comparative negligence” states (the majority), you can still recover money, but your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault. If you were 30% at fault, you get 70% of your damages. In a few “contributory negligence” states, being even 1% at fault can completely bar you from recovery. Always report the accident to your insurer; they will handle the negotiation with the other party’s insurance based on these legal frameworks.

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.

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.