Drunk driving accident claims are civil actions, not criminal actions. When a drunk driver causes an accident resulting in bodily injury or death, they not only break the law but also wrong the victims involved. Victims have the right to seek financial compensation for the losses they have suffered due to the driver’s negligent or unlawful behavior.

In a criminal DUI case, the drunk driver faces penalties such as jail time, steep fines, and license suspension or revocation. While these penalties serve to punish the offender, they do little to address the victim’s losses.

This is where a civil lawsuit comes into play. By filing a claim in civil court, victims can seek financial compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, reduced earning capacity, pain and suffering, diminished quality of life, and other damages. In a successful claim, the drunk driver (or their insurance provider) will be held financially responsible for the victim's losses.