The Hidden Link Between Criminal Cases and Civil Lawsuits in Binghamton

When Crime and Injury Collide

You're strolling down Court Street, maybe grabbing coffee at Strange Brew, and the next—BAM—a reckless driver barrels into you. Sirens wail. The driver’s arrested. While they face criminal charges, you're left dealing with hospital bills, missed work, and pain that won’t quit. Life doesn’t play fair. 

But here’s the thing: that criminal charge? It could be your golden ticket to winning a civil lawsuit and getting the money you deserve. Only if you know how the system works. Our personal injury lawyers at Horn Wright, LLP, can help.  

As an experienced Binghamton law firm, we know exactly how to use a criminal conviction to strengthen your case and maximize your compensation. Let’s break it down. 

Two Legal Battlefields, One Shot at Justice—Are You Ready to Fight? 

When crime and personal injury collide, you’re looking at two separate legal fights: criminal court and civil court. They’re totally different, but one can impact the other in a big way. 

• Criminal court is about punishment. The state prosecutes the offender, and if they’re found guilty, they face fines, probation, or even jail. But you? You don’t get paid just because they got convicted. 
• Civil court is where you take action. It’s about holding the person financially accountable for your injuries—medical bills, lost income, and that endless pain you never signed up for. A Binghamton car accident lawyer can help you navigate this process and maximize your compensation. 

Here’s the kicker: Even if the driver walks free in criminal court, you can still win in civil court. Why? Because the standard of proof is way lower.  

Criminal cases need proof “beyond a reasonable doubt,” while civil cases only need to show it’s “more likely than not” that they caused your injuries. That’s a game-changer. 

The Game Changer: How a Criminal Conviction Can Hand You a Civil Court Victory 

A criminal conviction isn’t just a win for the prosecution—it’s a win for you.  

If the person who hurt you gets convicted, that conviction is like a legal stamp of approval saying, “Yes, they did it.” And that makes proving your case in civil court much easier. 

For example, let’s say a drunk driver hits you on Front Street. They get convicted of DUI. That conviction is strong evidence of negligence in your civil case, making it easier to win the compensation you deserve.  

In some cases, they might even admit fault in a plea deal, sealing your civil case before it even starts. 

DUI & Reckless Driving in Binghamton: Turn Their Crime Into Your Compensation 

Drunk and reckless drivers aren’t just dangerous—they’re financially responsible for the havoc they cause. If you’ve been hit by one, their criminal case can be the key to unlocking a bigger settlement. 

• DUI convictions = automatic proof of negligence. According to the New York DMV, a driver with a BAC of 0.08% or higher is legally intoxicated. If they hit you, their conviction strengthens your case instantly. 
• Reckless driving convictions scream irresponsibility. Under New York law, reckless driving isn’t just a traffic ticket—it’s a misdemeanor. If someone was speeding, tailgating, or driving aggressively before crashing into you, that conviction could mean a higher payout. 
• Repeat offenders = higher damages. The NHTSA reports that repeat DUI offenders cause nearly one-third of fatal alcohol-related crashes. If the driver who hit you has a history of reckless behavior, the court might award you punitive damages—extra money meant to punish them and send a message. 

Not Guilty? Why Walking Free in Criminal Court Won’t Save Them from Paying Up 

Think they dodged a conviction? That doesn’t mean they’re off the hook financially. Remember, criminal cases need overwhelming proof to convict, but civil cases only need to show it’s more likely than not that they caused your injuries. 

Plenty of people avoid criminal convictions for things like assault, drunk driving, or hit-and-runs—but still get sued and lose in civil court. Just because the jury had a sliver of doubt in the criminal trial doesn’t mean you can’t win your case. 

Digging Deep: The Police & Court Records That Could Make or Break Your Case 

Your case isn’t just about what happened—it’s about what you can prove. That’s why police and court records are pure gold in civil lawsuits. 

• Arrest records show whether the at-fault party was charged. The New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services keeps these records, and they can help establish a pattern of reckless behavior. 
• DUI test results give hard proof of impairment. Even a BAC of 0.02% can mess with judgment, and breathalyzer or blood test results can be the smoking gun in your case. 
• Witness statements provide key details. The American Bar Association confirms that strong eyewitness testimony can turn a weak case into a winning one. 
• Surveillance footage doesn’t lie. Video evidence can increase the success rate of injury claims. Whether it’s a street camera or a business’s security footage, visual proof can be the knockout punch your case needs. 

Your lawyer can help dig up this evidence, making sure no detail slips through the cracks. 

What Insurance Companies Don’t Want You to Know—And How to Use It Against Them 

If there’s one thing insurance companies hate, it’s a criminal conviction against their policyholder. Why? Because it makes it harder for them to lowball you. But that won’t stop them from trying. 

Here’s how they play their game—and how you can beat them: 

• They’ll throw a lowball offer at you fast. A Consumer Reports study found that initial settlement offers are often 20-40% lower than what victims actually deserve. They hope you’re desperate enough to take it. 
• They’ll act like the conviction doesn’t matter. Don’t fall for it. A guilty verdict is rock-solid evidence of fault, and your lawyer can use it to demand a higher payout. 
• They don’t want you to hire a lawyer. The Insurance Research Council found that injury victims with lawyers get settlements 3.5 times higher than those without. Let that sink in. 

Horn Wright, LLP: Your Legal Powerhouse in Binghamton 

The Binghamton personal injury attorneys at Horn Wright, LLP, know exactly how to turn criminal convictions into big civil case wins. Our team fights aggressively so you can focus on healing, not worrying about bills.  

Whether you need car accident legal representation, slip and fall lawsuit assistance, a medical malpractice attorney, or help with workers’ compensation claims, we’ve got you covered.  

We have the experience, dedication, and grit to take on tough cases and win. If you’ve been hurt because of someone else’s crime, let’s talk. Hire one of the best law firms in America. We’re ready to take the fight to them. 

Contact our office today for your free consultation.