Updated for the Philippine legal framework as of recent years. This is general information, not legal advice.

1) Compulsory insurance in the Philippines (what you were supposed to have)

CTPL is mandatory. Every motor vehicle must carry Compulsory Third-Party Liability (CTPL) insurance as a prerequisite to registration. CTPL covers third-party death or bodily injury (not the insured’s own injuries and not vehicle/property damage).
No CTPL at the time of an accident means the injured third party cannot claim CTPL benefits (including “no-fault” benefits) and may proceed directly against the driver/owner.
Comprehensive / “Acts of God” / property damage policies are voluntary. Without these, you shoulder your own vehicle’s loss and any third-party property damage.

Practical implication: if you hit a pedestrian or another car and you have no CTPL/comprehensive, you (and your vehicle owner/employer, if applicable) pay out-of-pocket for injuries and property loss.

2) Immediate legal duties at the scene

Stop, secure, and assist. Drivers must stop, give their name/address, and render reasonable assistance (e.g., bringing the injured to a hospital). Leaving (“hit-and-run”) is a separate offense and will aggravate criminal and administrative exposure.
Call the police / traffic enforcers and obtain a police report; document the scene (photos/videos, witnesses).
Do not sign admissions of fault on the spot. Exchange details (names, plate number, OR/CR, license) and wait for the proper investigation.
Alcohol/drug testing. Refusal has separate penalties under the Anti-Drunk and Drugged Driving Act.

3) Criminal liability (Revised Penal Code, Article 365)

Most road crashes are charged as imprudence or negligence:

Reckless imprudence resulting in damage to property. Usually punishable by fine and/or arresto mayor (short-term imprisonment). Bailable.
Reckless imprudence resulting in physical injuries. Penalty depends on the degree of injury (slight, less serious, serious). Bailable.
Reckless imprudence resulting in homicide (death). Typically prisión correccional (years, not decades). Bailable.
Hit-and-run / failure to render assistance and drunk/drugged driving are separate charges that may be filed in addition to imprudence.
Warrantless arrest & inquest. If arrested at the scene, you’ll undergo inquest before a prosecutor. If the information is not filed within the custodial time limits (~12/18/36 hours depending on penalty level), you must be released unless a case is filed.

Civil liability in the criminal case. When the prosecutor files a criminal case, the civil aspect is included by default (damages to victims), unless the victim waives or reserves a separate civil action.

4) Civil liability (who pays what, and why)

4.1 Bases of civil claims

Quasi-delict (Civil Code Art. 2176): negligence causing damage obliges the negligent party to indemnify, independent of any crime.
Civil liability ex delicto (Rule 111): arises with the criminal case for imprudence.
You cannot recover twice for the same injury; victims choose their path (or reserve one while pursuing the other).

4.2 Who may be liable

Driver: primary tortfeasor if negligent.
Registered owner: often impleaded; courts recognize an owner’s responsibility for vehicles on the road.
Employer / vehicle operator (Civil Code Art. 2180): vicarious liability for acts of employees acting within scope of duties, unless due diligence in selection and supervision is proven.

4.3 Damages typically claimed

Actual damages: hospital/medical bills, medicines, therapy, funeral expenses, vehicle repair, towing, lost wages proven by receipts/payroll.
Loss of earning capacity (fatalities/serious disability): often computed as Net earning capacity = Life expectancy × (Gross annual income − living expenses) with life expectancy ≈ 2/3 × (80 − age at death); when no proof of actual expenses, courts commonly use 50% for living expenses.
Moral damages: for physical suffering, mental anguish, serious anxiety, especially for death/serious injuries.
Exemplary damages: to set an example or in cases of gross negligence (e.g., DUI, hit-and-run).
Temperate damages: when actual loss is certain but not proved with receipts.
Attorney’s fees & costs: awarded in specific situations (e.g., when the defendant’s act or omission compels litigation).
Legal interest: generally 6% per annum; accrual depends on the nature of the award (actual from demand/filing; others from finality of judgment).

4.4 Contributory negligence & defenses

Contributory negligence (Art. 2179): victim’s own negligence reduces (but usually does not erase) recovery.
Emergency doctrine, fortuitous event, absence of negligence: typical defenses.
Mitigation by compliance: stopping, assisting victims, cooperating with authorities, early settlement and restitution may mitigate penalties and damages.

5) What the lack of insurance changes (core scenarios)

5.1 Injury or death to a third party

With CTPL: victims can obtain no-fault benefits (limited, medical/funeral) quickly without proving negligence, and pursue remaining claims later.
Without CTPL: no quick insurance payout; you (and possibly the owner/employer) face direct claims for the full measure of damages. Expect hospital to bill you, and victims may file criminal and/or civil cases.

5.2 Damage to another vehicle or property

CTPL does not cover property damage; that is under voluntary property damage coverage.
Without property damage coverage: you pay full repair/replacement costs and related expenses (e.g., use/earnings of the damaged vehicle if proven).

5.3 Your own injuries/vehicle

Without personal accident and own-damage coverage, your medical bills and vehicle repairs are yours to shoulder unless you successfully shift liability to another negligent party.

6) Police, prosecutors, and courts: process map

At the scene: police blotter and investigation; apprehending officer may file a complaint for imprudence and related offenses.
Inquest (if detained) / Prosecutor filing: the prosecutor decides whether to file a case in court. You may submit a counter-affidavit if under regular filing (no arrest).
Bail (see §7) and arraignment once the information is filed.
Pre-trial & trial: evidence on criminal negligence and damages; possibility of mediation/settlement for the civil aspect.
Judgment: conviction/acquittal on the criminal charge and awards on the civil aspect; appeals available.

7) Bail: availability, amounts, and practicalities

Bail is a right for offenses not punishable by reclusion perpetua or life imprisonment. Imprudence offenses, including those resulting in death, are generally bailable.
Where to post:
- During inquest / before filing: before the prosecutor (if allowed) or the nearest RTC judge.
- After filing: at the court where the case is raffled.
Forms of bail: cash, surety bond (insurance/judicial bonds company), or property bond.
Amount: set by the judge, typically guided by the DOJ bail bond schedule and case specifics (injury/death, circumstances like DUI/hit-and-run, prior record, flight risk). Expect five- to six-figure pesos in many imprudence cases; judges may go higher for aggravating facts.
Conditions: appear when required, do not leave without permission, no similar offenses while on bail, etc. Violation can cancel bail.

Tip: Engage a bondsman or prepare cash bail quickly during inquest hours to minimize detention time.

8) Administrative consequences (LTO & licensing)

License sanctions: reckless driving, hit-and-run, DUI, and related violations can lead to demerit points, suspension, or revocation of your driver’s license.
Vehicle sanctions: operating unregistered or improperly registered vehicles triggers separate fines and impound; LTO can refuse or cancel registration if mandatory insurance is absent.
Compliance after the fact: renewing registration and securing CTPL post-accident does not cure liability for the earlier lack of insurance; it only brings you into future compliance.

9) Settlement options and strategy

Amicable settlement (often facilitated by police or barangay, when allowed):
- For purely civil claims or light offenses, the Katarungang Pambarangay system may require barangay conciliation if the parties live in the same city/municipality and no exception applies.
- Settlements may include payment plans, promissory notes, and quitclaims. Ensure the document fully describes the incident, itemizes damages, includes waivers/releases, and is signed by all claimants (including owners and injured persons).
Partial payments and hospital liens: hospitals may assert liens; negotiate deposits and promissory arrangements; some institutions accept guaranty letters from employers.
Criminal case settlement: even if civil settlement is reached, prosecution may still proceed (especially with grave injuries/death), but settlement can mitigate penalties and often leads prosecutors or courts to impose lighter sentences or fines.

10) Evidence you’ll need (whether you’re claimant or defendant)

Police report, traffic investigator’s sketch/findings.
Photos/videos (scene, skid marks, traffic lights, vehicle damage), CCTV requests.
Medical records (ER notes, procedures, receipts), payroll/income proofs for lost earnings.
Vehicle repair estimates and receipts, towing/storage invoices.
Proofs of mitigation (you stopped, assisted, cooperated), breathalyzer results if any.

11) Special notes on common aggravating scenarios

Driving under the influence (DUI): steeper criminal penalties and administrative sanctions; often justifies higher damages and higher bail.
Hit-and-run: separate offense and a strong aggravating circumstance; greatly worsens criminal and civil exposure.
Professional drivers / PUV operators: employers/operators face heightened vicarious liability; records (dispatch logs, maintenance, driver training) become crucial to prove or rebut negligence.

12) If you are the victim and the at-fault driver has no insurance

You can file: (a) criminal complaint for imprudence (with civil aspect), or (b) independent civil action (quasi-delict) for damages, or both (with proper reservation to avoid double recovery).
Collectable items include medical/funeral, loss of income, pain and suffering (moral), exemplary damages for gross negligence, and interest.
Interim relief: apply for writs (e.g., garnishment after judgment); consider pre-judgment attachments in limited scenarios if you can show grounds (e.g., intent to defraud creditors).

13) Practical checklists

If you’re the driver/owner without insurance

Stop and assist; call police/medical help; cooperate.
Contact counsel and (if employed) your employer; gather documents.
Prepare for inquest (if arrested) and bail. Arrange cash or a surety bondsman.
Avoid statements admitting fault; submit statements with counsel.
Explore early settlement for the civil aspect; ask for itemized claims and receipts.
For future compliance: procure CTPL immediately before driving again; consider comprehensive coverage.

If you’re the victim

Get medical care; keep all receipts; obtain a medical certificate.
Report to police; secure blotter and police report.
Document income/losses; list pain/suffering impacts.
Consider both criminal and civil routes; speak to counsel about reservation of rights.
Be cautious with quick settlements; ensure any payment is documented and sufficient.

14) Frequently asked questions

Q: Will I go to jail immediately if someone is injured and I have no insurance? A: You may be detained for inquest if arrested, but imprudence offenses are bailable. Posting bail typically secures provisional liberty while the case proceeds.

Q: Can the court force me to pay even if I can’t afford it? A: Courts can render judgment for the amount of damages proved; execution may levy property/income. Payment terms can be negotiated; failure to comply with a compromise agreement can lead to execution.

Q: Does getting CTPL after the accident help my case? A: It does not retroactively cover the accident, but shows good faith for future compliance. Liability for the past incident remains.

Q: If the victim was also negligent (e.g., jaywalking, sudden swerving), do I still pay? A: Likely yes, but reduced by the court under contributory negligence, depending on the evidence.

15) Key takeaways

Insurance status does not create negligence—but without insurance, you lose quick coverage and face full personal exposure.
Expect criminal charges for imprudence, a civil claim for damages, and LTO sanctions.
Bail is generally available; amounts depend on the case specifics.
Early, well-documented settlement can significantly reduce risk, cost, and time for all parties.

Need tailored help?

Every case turns on its facts (injury severity, conduct like DUI, hit-and-run, employment/ownership, and evidence). For a live matter, consult a Philippine lawyer to assess defenses, compute damages precisely, and handle bail and settlements.