Can I Press Charges Against a Drunk Driver?

Injured victims can't press criminal charges against a drunk driver, but they can file a civil claim.

After you’ve been injured in a car accident, you may want to take action against the driver who caused the accident, especially if you believe them to be negligent. Most car accidents are caused by human error, including intoxicated driving. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), almost 30 people in the U.S. die in drunk-driving collisions – one person every 50 minutes.

Individuals who have been injured in a drunk driving accident may file a civil claim against the driver, as criminal charges are left to the state. Because drinking and driving is illegal, the driver will most likely be arrested after the accident if there is probably cause. Victims don’t need to worry about pressing charges against the driver.

Victims can still file a personal injury claim against the driver to secure the compensation they’re entitled to in order to treat their injuries. Criminal cases result in criminal consequences such as fines or jail time, but don’t include compensation for victims, which is why if you want to recover damages, you need to file a claim.

How A Lawyer Helps with the Claims Process

Navigating the legal system when filing a personal injury claim can be complicated – you want to hire an attorney to ensure that no mistakes are made and that you’re able to achieve the compensation you deserve after an accident leaves you with medical bills, property damage, pain and suffering, and lost wages or future earning capacity from having to miss or quit work. Acting alone can potentially ruin your chances of achieving justice for yourself and others involved in the accident.

Our attorney is trial-ready, which means we can prepare your case as if it was going to court tomorrow. Our team has the resources and experience needed to investigate your accident and collect evidence including witness testimonies, police crash reports, and more.

Car accident injuries can range from minor to serious and include:

  • Cuts and abrasions
  • Fractures and sprains
  • Whiplash
  • Broken or crushed bones
  • Burns
  • Internal bleeding
  • Spinal cord and neck injuries
  • Head and brain trauma

You shouldn’t have to suffer because of a negligent driver’s mistakes. While victims can’t press criminal charges, they can pay for their medical bills like ambulance rides, surgeries, hospital stays, and more by filing a civil claim. With millions of dollars recovered for injured clients, our legal team can be trusted to fight for your rights.

High Quality Legal Services You Can Trust

At the Law Offices of Steven J. Klearman & Associates, our team has represented the rights of injured individuals and families since 1988. We understand that this may be one of the most overwhelming and painful times in your life, which is why we’re committed to serving you with respect, compassion, and honest communication. Our founding attorney can personally answer any questions or concerns you may have in a free, no-obligation consultation, because we believe in the importance of educating our clients on their legal matters so they can make informed decisions on behalf of themselves and their futures. We’ve recovered millions of dollars for clients who have been injured in accidents, including car accidents and those caused by DUIs.

Contact our personal injury team online or by phone at (775) 573-0229 for legal assistance after a car accident. Our founding attorney has more than 30 years of experience handling injury cases both large and small.

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