If it can be proved that a drunk driver has previously driven while intoxicated or that he or she has prior DUI convictions or cases, this information could be admissible as to punitive damages. Punitive damages are additional compensation charges that are used as a way to punish the person for extremely negligent behavior and deter them from doing it again.
It is not uncommon for defendants who have past or multiple DUI convictions to be hit with much larger Verdicts.