While driving under the influence of alcohol does constitute negligence, it does not necessarily present grounds for a lawsuit. In order to have grounds for a DUI lawsuit, the victim of the accident must be able to prove that the impaired driver was directly responsible for the accident. For instance, if an individual is in an accident with a drunk driver, but the impaired driver did not cause the accident, the injured individual may not have grounds for a claim. Furthermore, the accident must have caused the victim to suffer either economic or non-economic damages. Economic damages are any financial loss sustained, such as lost wages, medical bills or property damage. Non-economic damages are any long-term pain and suffering incurred, such as scarring or emotional trauma.