Finding out the driver who hit you doesn’t have insurance can feel like a nightmare. With medical bills, car repairs, and lost wages piling up, you may wonder: “Am I just stuck paying for everything myself?” The good news is — you still have options.

After a car accident, one phrase comes up more than any other: “Who was at fault?” But what does “at-fault” really mean? It’s more than just pointing fingers — it determines whose insurance pays, how much compensation is available, and in some cases, whether you can even file a lawsuit. Understanding how fault works can make or break your accident claim.