What are the statute of limitations on a civil matter?

My husband was cited fault for causing a car accident in 1999. The vehicle he was driving was not insured. He turned into a road where a F-250 was pulling two cotton wagons and traveling at about 60 MPH, the F-250 swerved and slammed on brakes causing extensive damage to the F-250 by the containers he was carrying. Neither vehicle made contact. however, my husband was incarcerated in 2002 on a separate matter and shortly after his incarceration I received notice that he was being sued by the owner of the F-250 for damages. He served 6 years in prison and upon his release in 2008 he discovered his drivers license were suspended as a result of the "outstanding safety responsibility" and failure to settle the civil dispute. Is this possible? Can your license be suspended because of a civil matter? He was told he had to pay 7500.00 to the vehicle owner before he can reinstate his drivers license, and to me that seems outrageous!