In this article, we will explain Punitive damages in relation to car accidents. An individual found guilty of gross negligence or malice in an event of a car accident is awarded this type of punishment.
What is punitive damages
In very simple terms, punitive damages are imposed on a defendant in relation to the crime, in addition to the actual offence the defendant is accused of. It means the offender has to pay for the damages, and will also pay an additional amount as a punishment awarded by the court.
This action is taken by the court and is not claimed by the victim or plaintiff. The court sometimes deems it necessary to make the defendant pay extra because the accused might have committed a harmful act that is deemed a gross violation of the law.
If a contract is not honored, persons can make claims for compensation in a civil court. But courts usually do not award defendants punitive damages in such cases.
Punitive damages and the law about a tort
Tort is a legal term that describes any violation caused by an individual resulting in damages or injuries to another individual. The individual who commits a civil offense is called a tortfeasor. According to the Tort law the tortfeasor will be held accountable for tort liabilities. This means that the individual will have to pay compensation or reimbursement to the victim whom he has offended.
Punitive damages and liquidation damages
Sometimes, defendants are required to sell their property to provide for victim’s compensation or reimbursements in the wake of contract breach. As stated above, courts usually do not award punitive damages to such parties that do not honor a contract. When defendants are forced to sell their properties, it in itself is a kind of punitive damages that they incur.
The court conducts a test to determine if punitive damages should be awarded or not.
- The injury caused to the victim cannot be accurately measured.
- The property chosen by the defendant that will be liquefied will cover the compensation that is to be awarded to the victim.
If these two conditions are mentioned in the case, then the court does not see any reason to award punitive damages to the defendant(s). However, if the property is not going to cover the compensation, or there was a gross injury either, intentionally or out of negligence, then further punitive actions would be taken by the court.
Waivers
Sometimes, people know there is a certain level of risk. But they are willing to take the chance. They may waive their right to sue by signing documents for such effects.
For example a student knows maybe while skiing one of his skiing poles might break and he can get injured. Therefore, at the time of signing up for classes, he signs a waiver that clears the instructor/instructors of any responsibility.
When are punitive damages awarded
The punitive damages are awarded rarely. Only about 5% cases involve punitive damages awarded by the court to the defendant. It might be because it’s hard to prove the act was carried out out of malice or negligence.
Punitive damages are awarded in cases where the defendant is clearly proven to be intentionally violent towards a victim. If it can be proven that the actions that have caused injury to a victim was clearly out of malice or animosity, then the punitive actions are called for. In any punitive damages awarded, the accused/defendant will have to pay an extra amount to the victim, after already paying for injuries or damages the victim had suffered.
Besides the cases involving malice intentions, gross negligence is the number one reason for which most punitive damages are awarded.
What is gross negligence
Gross negligence means that the defendant has shown reckless behavior, and has a strong level of disregard for the safety of others. Such behavior demonstrates the carelessness of other people’s rights and is in contradiction to the duty of a citizen to act with any reasonable level of care for others. If anybody is found guilty of gross negligence, he is liable to legal action.
In case of gross negligence, the injured person can sue the individual responsible for showing carelessness.
Punitive damage and car accidents
Punitive damages are not always awarded in car accidents. Was the accident due to malice or gross negligence? That is the real question. And it must be proven that the at-fault driver was very careless, and he purposely committed the crime.
Basically what it means
Basically, if it is a tort with malice intentions that has left the victim to be injured due to carelessness, and the offender tries to get away from responsibility, then the court will award the defendant with punitive damages.
Examples
- In a hit and run case, the at-fault driver was awarded $100,000 in punitive damages
- A pedestrian was hit by an intoxicated driver. The driver was awarded $20,000 in punitive damages
- $5000 was awarded to a driver who intentionally tried to hit a plaintiff.
- $2,500 was awarded to a driver who ran over a security officer’s leg after robbing the place at which the guard worked.
- In a road rage incident, $3,500 was awarded to a driver
Conclusion
Punitive damages are recompense that a person found guilty is required to pay to the victim, in addition to the actual cost of damages incurred.
Recent Posts
Similac lawsuit: What was wrong with the baby Similac food formula?
Today’s post is about the Similac lawsuit – Similac baby formula, which claims that the
How often do credit card frauds get caught and how can you prevent such acts?
The world is moving toward digitalization at a very fast pace. Many have completely turned
Claim your share from the $1.5 million welch food settlement against misleading labeling
The food industry has seen yet another lawsuit settlement against misleading labeling. Welch Food Inc.
Do you think you need a construction accident lawyer to attain financial compensation?
Construction workers usually work in challenging conditions on construction sites that often are dangerous. This
What does DWAI mean? How is it different from DUI?
Not sure what does DWAI mean? Or looking for the difference between DWAI and DUI?