Are punitive damages available after a drunk driving accident?

On Behalf of | Nov 2, 2020 | Drunk Driving Accidents

Like other states, Ohio has a law which allows courts to aware what are called punitive or exemplary damages.

Punitive damages are designed not so much to compensate the accident victim but to punish the driver who caused the accident and to reinforce the seriousness of the driver’s poor choices.

Courts award them over and beyond and other compensation to which an accident victim is entitled.

Punitive damages are rare, but they are not impossible to collect

The law is designed so that punitive damages will rarely get awarded. The reason is they are supposed to be reserved for the most flagrantly bad behavior.

While it might seem like common sense that drunk or drugged driving is a dangerous and reckless thing to do, punitive damages may not be available just because of the way Ohio’s law is worded.

However, this does not mean it is never worth exploring the possibility.

For instance, if there is proof that the driver who caused the accident knew he was under the influence and not able to drive safely but do so anyway, punitive damages might be available. They also could be available in a case of a person who has prior offenses for drunk or drugged driving.

Victims of drunk drivers deserve all the compensation they can get

Victims of drunk driving accidents should not hesitate to explore all possible avenues for receiving compensation for their losses. After all, drunk driving accidents frequently end with tragic losses and debilitating injuries which can put sever financial strain on a family.

These sorts of accidents are completely avoidable, and when they happen, those responsible should pay for their actions.

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