Dear PAO,

My son was hit by a car, and he was admitted to a hospital because of the serious injuries he sustained. A corresponding criminal case was filed against the car driver. Unfortunately, the accused was acquitted. The court found that the accused did not commit the offense charged. A friend convinced me to file another case; a civil case for payment of the damages sustained by my son. I contacted the driver and registered owner of the car, but they claimed that the dismissal of the criminal case includes the civil case arising from the said offense. Can I still file a claim for compensation for the damages sustained by my son?