Why Punitive Damages Are Considered the Right Tool to Reduce Hit and Run Accidents

Hit and run accidents occur when a person hits someone with their vehicle and flees from the accident scene. These types of accidents are especially difficult for the victim, as they don’t know who the liable party is.

Some consequences of hit and run accidents are listed below.

• Severe injuries
• Medical expenses
• Lost wages
• Emotional trauma
• Loss of consortium
• Wrongful death
• Disabilities
• Loss of enjoyment of life

Hit and run accidents can lead to time-consuming and complex legal proceedings. One major reason why punitive damages are considered the right tool to minimize hit and run accidents is that they provide deterrence and justice.

Understanding Punitive Damages

Punitive damages, also called exemplary damages, are money the court awards to punish an at-fault person for their bad behavior and discourage others from engaging in similar behavior. They are awarded when the defendant was careless or reckless on purpose. These damages are only awarded in court, by the judge and jury.

Punitive damages aren’t about making the complainant whole or well again. Rather, they’re based on how wrong the offender’s actions were. How punitive damages work varies from state to state, depending on the state laws and the Supreme Court’s rulings.

Punitive damages differ from compensatory damages, which aim to help the plaintiff recover all their losses. 

Purpose Of Punitive Damages

The main aim of punitive damages in hit and run accidents is to prevent other drivers from doing the same. The court gives a heavy financial penalty to make an example of the defendant.

Punitive damages are awarded only in accident cases that involve intentional misconduct and gross negligence. It also aims to

• Offer more money to the complainant in severe cases
• Punish the offender for their reckless and lousy behavior
• Show that the society disapproves of the actions of the defendant
• To make everyone and companies focus more on ethics and safety

Some Reasons Why Punitive Damages Are Considered The Right Tool To Reduce Hit And Run Accidents

In hit and run accidents, punitive damages have profound implications for the at-fault driver and the victim. The reasons why are listed below.

• Increased Accountability: Hit and run accidents involve a driver who flees from the accident scene to avoid being held responsible. Punitive damages can hold the at-fault drivers accountable for their bad actions and also send a serious message that behavior of this nature will not be tolerated or taken lightly.
• Compensation For Hit And Run Accident Victims: Punitive damages provide more compensation to victims for the pain and suffering, emotional distress, and other losses and damages you may have experienced.
• Serve As A Deterrence: It serves as a warning to prevent or minimize future hit and run occurrences. The law aims to dissuade negligent and reckless driving behavior by imposing a huge financial penalty on offenders.

Key Takeaways

• Criteria for punitive damages vary from state to state. Some states can likely award more punitive damages than others.
• A court awards punitive damages not to compensate hit and run accident victims but to punish the offenders.
• The court hopes that making the defendant pay a sum surpassing compensatory damages will deter both the perpetrators and other drivers from committing the same crime.

Conclusion

Punitive damages are important in civil lawsuits, especially hit and run cases. They let you get legal help against drivers whose actions are considered reckless or grossly negligent. Punitive damages protect hit and run accident victims and also ensure the wrongdoers are held liable. Knowing why they are considered the best tool will help you make smart choices about your legal rights.