The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) launched its annual Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign this August with a clear reminder that impaired driving remains a deadly and preventable threat. Every year, more than 12,000 people nationwide lose their lives because someone made the choice to drive drunk or high. Washington, D.C., has not been immune to this problem. If you or your loved one is hurt in one of these collisions, you should know that criminal charges are not your only avenue for justice. Civil claims for personal injury or wrongful death may allow you to recover compensation and hold an impaired driver financially accountable. Speaking with an attorney early helps protect your rights and ensures the evidence you need is preserved.
DUI Crashes in D.C. Are a Persistent Threat
According to NHTSA, nearly one-third of all traffic fatalities in the United States involve a driver with a blood alcohol concentration at or above .08. In D.C., the combination of late-night traffic, heavy pedestrian activity, and alcohol consumption makes impaired driving especially dangerous. NHTSA highlighted that nighttime hours remain the deadliest, with alcohol-related crashes occurring at three times the rate of daytime collisions. For pedestrians, cyclists, and motorcyclists, the risks can be even greater, since there is no protective barrier when a drunk driver loses control.
These numbers reveal that DUI crashes are not isolated incidents but an ongoing risk in the city. When impaired drivers cause serious injury or death, victims and families have the right to pursue civil compensation, regardless of the outcome of any criminal case.
How Do Civil Claims Differ from Criminal Prosecutions?
A driver who causes harm while impaired may face criminal charges such as DUI, involuntary manslaughter, or reckless driving. Those proceedings are handled by prosecutors and are intended to punish the wrongdoer. However, criminal charges do not directly provide compensation to victims or their families. That is where civil claims come into play.
Civil personal injury or wrongful death lawsuits seek damages to cover medical expenses, funeral costs, lost income, and non-economic harms such as pain, suffering, and loss of companionship. Importantly, these claims proceed independently of any criminal case. Even if the impaired driver is acquitted or never formally charged, you may still recover damages in civil court. The burden of proof is lower in civil cases, which means victims may succeed even when prosecutors do not.
Types of Compensation Available in DUI Injury and Wrongful Death Claims
Victims of DUI crashes often face overwhelming medical costs and long-term recovery needs. Families who lose a loved one must cope with both financial strain and profound grief. Civil claims allow you to pursue several categories of damages, including:
- Medical bills and rehabilitation for emergency treatment, surgeries, hospital stays, physical therapy, and long-term care;
- Lost income and diminished earning capacity when injuries prevent a victim from working or cut short a career;
- Funeral and burial expenses in cases of wrongful death;
- Pain and suffering to recognize the physical and emotional toll of the crash; and
- Loss of companionship and parental guidance for surviving family members after a wrongful death.
Each category addresses a different aspect of harm, and together they form the basis for restoring stability after a devastating loss.
The Role of Insurance in DUI-Related Claims
In Washington, D.C., drivers are required to carry auto insurance, and victims typically initiate the process by filing a claim against the impaired driver’s insurer. However, serious injuries often exceed policy limits. In those situations, uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage may help cover additional losses. Families may also bring direct civil suits to recover from the driver’s personal assets if insurance is insufficient.
Insurance companies may attempt to limit payouts by disputing medical expenses, downplaying injuries, or even arguing that victims shared responsibility. These tactics can add unnecessary stress during the recovery process. Having legal representation ensures that negotiations remain fair and that victims are not pressured into settling for less than their claim is worth.
Why Impaired Driving Cases Require Careful Investigation
Building a strong case after a DUI crash involves more than citing a police report. Attorneys often work with accident reconstruction experts, toxicologists, and medical professionals to prove the link between impairment and the resulting harm. In some situations, video surveillance, cell phone records, or black box data from the vehicle may be critical to establishing liability.
The timing of this investigation matters. Evidence can fade, witnesses may become harder to locate, and physical details at the scene can change quickly. Prompt legal action helps secure the information necessary to present a complete picture of what happened and why compensation is justified.
Holding Impaired Drivers Accountable Protects Everyone
NHTSA’s campaign reminds us that impaired driving is entirely preventable. Drivers always have the option to designate a sober driver, call a rideshare, or take public transit. When someone disregards those options and gets behind the wheel drunk or high, the consequences can devastate families and communities. Pursuing a civil claim not only helps victims recover financially, but it also reinforces the message that impaired driving will not go unanswered.
Contact Lebowitz and Mzhen After a DUI Accident in Washington, D.C.
If you or a loved one has been injured by an impaired driver in Washington, D.C., you have the right to pursue compensation through a civil claim. The attorneys at Lebowitz & Mzhen have decades of experience representing accident victims and their families, including cases involving wrongful death and serious personal injury. Call (800) 654-1949 today for a free consultation and learn how we can help you protect your rights and rebuild your future.