Punitive damages may sometimes be awarded in instances where the at-fault
driver knowingly or intentionally injured or endangered the accident victims.
While compensatory damages are meant to compensate victims for injuries
or damages they have suffered, punitive damages are awarded for the purpose
of punishing the at-fault driver for their actions. Punitive damages are
rare and are typically reserved for particularly egregious cases such
as repeated drunk driving violations or extreme recklessness behind the wheel.