If the injuries you sustained were the result of an accident that was caused due to drunken driving you could be eligible for additional damages, also known as punitive damages. This kind of compensation is designed to penalize drivers who have committed a crime behavior. Local Attorneys 360 company is a private legal service and our mission is to encourage local attorneys to do legal work for civil and criminal matters in their communities. If you are living in Las Vegas and looking for a Local Lawyer in Las Vegas for bankruptcy, business, family real-estate, or DUI lawyers. Las Vegas is the best place to find local lawyers.
What are Punitive Damages?
Punitive damages are those which are greater than simple compensation. If the driver at fault was intoxicated or performing a dangerous act. In this case the court could punish those responsible by increasing the sum of payment they owe you.
In essence, they aren’t solely responsible for the amount they owe you in the event of an accident, but also an additional amount which the court determines to be appropriate. Punitive damages are more than the amount of compensation which is specifically designed in order to penalize the party at fault.
Punitive damages can be awarded to you in the event that the at-fault party was negligent or when their actions were deliberate. They may also serve as a deterrent to stop the driver from repeating the same mistake again or to stop other drivers from repeating the error.
What are the conditions for punitive damages?
Punitive damages are awarded when the party at fault causes you a lot of harm as a result of their actions. The driver at fault went above mere negligence to the point where the jury ruled that financial penalties were necessary.
The situations that could require punitive damages could include:
- Drunk driving accidents
- Accidents involving hit and run
- Accidents involving trucks
In addition, punitive damages can be awarded when the at-fault person is in violation of the law, for example, speeding up or driving under the impaired by alcohol or drugs. These may also be used to apply damages when there is clear risky behavior.
What Compensation Will Punitive Damages Reward?
Georgia law stipulates the highest amount that you can be awarded in punitive damages is $250,000. However, there are three exceptions to the law could need more compensation than the limit allows.
The cap is not applicable to claims for product liability or driving while impaired or when the at-fault person acts with the explicit intention of causing harm. If you’re involved in an accident that was caused by reckless driving or with malicious intention, you may be awarded more than the $250,000 cap.
How do You Claim Punitive Damages?
It is not possible to claim an sum of damages for punitive purposes in Las Vages because juries usually decide whether or not to give them or not and also the amount of damages you’re owed. There are however, specific ways to be eligible to claim punitive damages.
If you are seeking punitive damages, you need to provide a specific claim to support your claim. It is essential to include the claim prior to filing the lawsuit, as you will not be able to include it after the trial begins.
There are additional factors to consider when determining the amount of punitive damages. Personal Injury Lawyers Las Vegas and you must be able to prove an occurrence or potential of causing harm, as well as any additional evidence.
Talk to an attorney
If you’ve suffered injuries in an accident in your car and have been injured, Car Accident Lawyers Las Vegas are here to assist. They would like to work with you in your claim and work with your insurance company in order to negotiate a settlement that will satisfy your requirements.
