There are just so many different scenarios. I think we can all agree that people/sophonts are resourceful, and don't just die off without a fight. Beyond that, everything depends on the details of each situation.
This is a fertile source for adventure fodder in any chaotic period or region, by the way. For example...
The war hit this area hard. You've been jumping along the old trading main for three months, and encountered one other working starship in all that time -- and they shot at you. Following a rumor, you jump off the main to a mining colony, figuring you can make some quick profit trading the cargo of tools and luxury items you've, um, obtained during your travels for locally mined Tarka gems. Instead, when you arrive, you're immediately hailed by three different radio operators, begging for immediate assistance. Something has gone horribly wrong with the environmental system, the local techs don't have the parts to fix it or the experience to fabricate the parts, and there's only a week of air left at current consumption rates. Tens of thousands of people are about to die unless you can find a way to help. You quickly realize that part of your challenge is that if you land near any population center, many locals will no doubt try to commandeer your ship to escape.
As you move toward the planet, a fourth radio message comes in. It's the CEO of the mining company, who offers you a huge fortune in Tarka gems to get his family to a nearby system -- but you have to do it immediately. Riots are breaking out, and the CEO fears for his family's safety.
So....what do you do?