In the context of vehicle collisions, these are monetary awards exceeding the compensation for actual losses. Their primary function is not to reimburse the injured party for medical bills, lost wages, or property damage. Instead, they serve to punish the at-fault party for particularly egregious behavior and to deter similar conduct by others in the future. An example would be a situation where a driver, with a known history of reckless driving and multiple prior DUI convictions, causes an accident while severely intoxicated. The court may determine that compensatory damages are insufficient and that additional penalties are necessary to address the driver’s willful and wanton disregard for the safety of others.
The imposition of such awards is significant because it reinforces societal standards of responsible behavior and provides a disincentive for actions that demonstrate gross negligence or intentional misconduct. Historically, these awards have been recognized as a vital component of the legal system’s ability to address harmful behavior that transcends mere carelessness. They highlight the legal system’s power to not only make victims whole but also to penalize wrongdoers who exhibit a blatant disregard for public safety.
