The general rule that an accident caused by a drunk driver does not generally raise the value of an injury claim has one exception. If punitive damages are eligible, this exception applies. Punitive damages are damages intended to punish or render an example of another. Punitive damages can be awarded in California if there is a finding of intent, injustice, or fraud. In an automobile accident, though, this is almost never the case. The majority of car accident incidents are caused by human error or negligence.