A person commits the criminal offense of intoxication assault if the person operates a motor vehicle while intoxicated and causes an accident that results in the serious bodily injury of another person.

Some states have a broader definition of intoxication assault and may charge an intoxicated person who negligently causes serious bodily injury to another person while operating a motor vehicle, an aircraft, a watercraft, or an amusement ride with the crime of intoxication assault.

Intoxication assault is a felony offense and may be punished by significant jail or prison time. Intoxication assault laws are generally located in a state's statutes—often in the penal or criminal code.

In Rhode Island, the criminal offense similar to 'intoxication assault' is typically referred to as 'driving under the influence resulting in serious bodily injury' (DUI with serious bodily injury). Under Rhode Island law, a person is guilty of this offense if they operate a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or a combination of both, and cause serious bodily injury to another person. The term 'serious bodily injury' implies a physical injury that creates a substantial risk of death, or causes serious, permanent disfigurement, or protracted loss or impairment of the function of any bodily part or organ. This offense is a felony in Rhode Island and is punishable by imprisonment, fines, and the revocation of the driver's license. The specific statutes outlining the penalties and definitions for this offense can be found in the Rhode Island General Laws under Title 31 (Motor and Other Vehicles), Chapter 27 (Motor Vehicle Offenses), specifically section 31-27-2.6.