Not everyone is the same, and as a result, what some people think is fair and just may not be what others do. If you are injured in an auto accident, you may think that the only fair solution is to get the compensation that you’re asking for and for the driver to face charges. You might think that just getting your medical care covered is enough or that just seeing the other party face penalties is fair.
The reality is that cases like this are handled in two parts, the civil case and criminal case (if there is one). If the other driver is responsible for hitting you and was drunk or on drugs, for example, they may face charges in a criminal court setting while you try to bring a personal injury case in a civil setting.
The two cases are not the same, but the criminal case does have a potential to help your claim when one is happening. For example, a conviction for a DUI may help you show that the driver was impaired and give you better leverage during your personal injury case. That’s not necessarily needed, though, for you to make the most of your claim.
Defining justice and what you want after a personal injury
There are plenty of times when auto accidents are nothing more than one person making a mistake that has an effect on others. There are also times when recklessness or intentional misconduct lead to serious injuries.
What feels like justice to you after an injury may vary depending on what you’ve been through and the other driver’s situation, too. If they simply make a mistake that anyone could make, you may be satisfied with being fairly compensated. If they did something they should have known was wrong, like drinking and driving, you may feel strongly that they should be held responsible through criminal penalties.
It’s important to discuss what you want to see happen after you’re injured. Then, you can discuss what the realistic outcomes may be for your personal injury case so that you are prepared for what happens next.