How a Criminal Case Can Make or Break Your Injury Lawsuit in Buffalo

When you’re hurt because of someone else’s reckless or criminal behavior, you’d think the legal system would have your back. Unfortunately, it’s not that simple. Just because the person who injured you is facing criminal charges doesn’t mean your civil case will be an easy win.

The personal injury lawyers at Horn Wright, LLP, know just how frustrating and overwhelming this process can be. But if you play your cards right, a criminal conviction can work in your favor. Let’s break it down.

The Legal System Isn’t Built for You: Why Criminal Charges Won’t Automatically Win Your Case

Criminal charges and civil lawsuits might seem like they go hand in hand, but they serve completely different purposes. That’s why a guilty verdict in criminal court doesn’t guarantee you a win in your injury lawsuit.

• Different Goals – The criminal system exists to punish the guilty and protect society. Civil lawsuits? They’re about making things right for victims like you—covering medical bills, lost wages, and the pain you’ve endured. If you’re struggling to recover damages, a Buffalo accident lawyer can help you navigate the complexities of the civil system.
• Different Standards of Proof – Criminal cases require proof "beyond a reasonable doubt," which is a tough hurdle to clear. Civil cases only need a "preponderance of the evidence," meaning it just has to be more likely than not that the defendant caused your injuries.

So, what does this mean for you? Even if the person who hurt you gets criminal charges, don’t assume their conviction alone will win your case. You’ll still need solid evidence, strong legal arguments, and a team that knows how to fight for every dollar you’re owed.

A Criminal Record Can Seal Their Fate—And Secure Your Compensation

Here’s where things start working in your favor. If the person who hurt you is convicted of a crime related to your injury, that record can be a powerful weapon in your civil case.

• Proving Fault Just Got Easier – A conviction means a court already found that the defendant acted illegally. That’s a huge advantage because it can help prove they were negligent or reckless.
• Collateral Estoppel: The Legal Shortcut – This fancy legal term basically means the defendant can’t argue against facts already decided in their criminal case. If a judge or jury already ruled they were guilty, they can’t turn around and deny it in your injury lawsuit.

Bottom line? A criminal record tied to your case can make your fight for compensation a whole lot smoother. But you still need to prove exactly how their actions caused your injuries and calculate the full extent of what you’ve lost.

DUI & Reckless Driving: When Their Crime Becomes Your Payday

Drunk and reckless drivers wreak havoc on roads every single day. If you were hit by one, and they’re convicted, that conviction can open doors for you—financially speaking.

• Negligence Per Se: Your Legal Trump Card – New York law says that if someone breaks a safety law—like DUI laws—they’re automatically considered negligent in a civil case. You don’t have to prove they were careless; the law assumes it for you.
• Punitive Damages: Making Them Pay Extra – If the driver was convicted of DUI or reckless driving, you might be able to go after punitive damages, which punish outrageous behavior and put more money in your pocket.

Let’s say a drunk driver blows through a red light and smashes into your car on Elmwood Avenue. If they’re convicted of DUI, that record can make it much easier for you to win big in court—not just for medical bills, but for your pain and suffering, too. 

A law firm in Buffalo that specializes in car crash legal representation can help ensure you maximize your compensation.

They Got Off the Hook? Why You Can Still Make Them Pay

A "not guilty" verdict in criminal court doesn’t mean the person who hurt you is off the hook financially. Civil court plays by different rules, and that works in your favor.

Remember the O.J. Simpson trial? He was acquitted of murder in criminal court but was still found liable for wrongful death in civil court and had to pay over $30 million. 

Just because someone avoids a criminal conviction doesn’t mean you can’t hold them accountable for what they did to you.

The Secret Weapon: How to Use Police & Court Records to Destroy Their Defense

Want to make your injury case bulletproof? Use the paper trail left behind in criminal court. Police reports and court records can be game-changers.

• Police Reports: Your Built-in Evidence – These reports contain officer observations, accident details, and even witness statements. They can help prove the other party’s wrongdoing and strengthen your case.
• Criminal Court Records: The Gift That Keeps on Giving – If the defendant was charged or convicted, court records will have key details—like guilty pleas, sentencing statements, or even confessions—that can help you prove their liability.

If a driver who hit you was arrested for reckless driving, their police report could include breathalyzer results, field sobriety test failures, or officer testimony—all of which can be used against them in your civil case. For those dealing with workplace accidents, workplace injury claims require a thorough investigation of these records as well.

Insurance Companies Play Dirty—Don’t Let Them Cheat You After a Conviction

Even if the person who hurt you is convicted of a crime, don’t expect their insurance company to just hand over a check. They’ll fight tooth and nail to pay you as little as possible—or nothing at all.

• They’ll Blame Something Else – Insurers love to argue that your injuries weren’t caused by the crash. They might say you had pre-existing conditions or that something else—like bad weather—was really to blame.
• They’ll Downplay Your Injuries – Expect them to question your medical treatments, claim you’re exaggerating your pain, or push you to settle for way less than you deserve.

That’s why having the right legal team is crucial. They won’t let an insurance company bully you into taking a lowball offer. 

If you're looking for top-tier representation, the Buffalo personal injury attorneys at Horn Wright, LLP, are ready to stand up for your rights. Because if someone’s criminal actions left you injured, the repercussions aren’t yours to endure—and you deserve every dollar you’re owed.

Contact our office today to request your free, no-obligation consultation. Get started with your fight for justice with one of the best law firms in America.