The court generally awards punitive damages in vehicle collisions cases if the negligent driver was willfully reckless or acted with wanton disregard for the other person’s safety. The severity of injuries that are involved also impacts punitive damage awards.
If the plaintiff suffered a minor injury, there may not be a large exemplary damages award. However, if the accident victim will be affected by the injury permanently or the medical condition requires surgery and significant recovery time, the damages may be accordingly higher. When an accident results in death, the punitive damages are typically much more significant.