Can I recover punitive damages in an automobile accident?

In California, punitive damages are usually not available in an automobile accident. Punitive damages are damages intended to punish a defendant for their particularly bad or reckless behavior. However, punitive damages are rarely awarded in auto accidents even if someone was particularly reckless or careless. In certain circumstances, punitive damages might be awarded in auto accident lawsuits. This could happen if the defendant is found to have acted with an extreme or outrageous level of disregard for the safety or rights of others or if they are found to have deliberately caused harm. For example, if someone had intentionally caused an automobile collision in order to inflict harm on another person, they might be liable for punitive damages. In addition, in cases involving defective products, punitive damages might be available. If a motor vehicle was found to have been negligently manufactured and somebody was injured or killed due to the defective product, punitive damages might be awarded. Overall, the availability of punitive damages in auto accident cases is quite rare in California. However, punitive damages might be recovered in cases involving extreme or outrageous disregard of safety or rights or in cases involving defective products.

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Can I recover punitive damages in an automobile accident?

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