Punitive Damages after a Las Vegas Car Accident
The purpose of punitive damages after a Las Vegas car accident is to punish someone. These damages are only awarded when there is willful, wanton conduct. If there is a DUI or criminal conduct then someone can get treble damages or more. Once economic and non-economic damages combine, an additional amount is added to resolve the matter. If you believe that you may be entitled to punitive damages in Las Vegas after a car accident then it is critical to speak with a distinguished car accident lawyer.
A Las Vegas personal injury attorney from Lerner and Rowe will have the experience necessary to assess the facts of your case and help assist you on the path to recovery. Give us a call today at 702-877-1500.
What Are Compensatory Damages?
Punitive damages in Las Vegas are based upon the compensatory damages. These damages are defined as economic and non-economic damages combined to compensate a person and make them whole.
The amount of punitive damages can greatly vary. It depends on whether the jury determines that the defendant’s conduct was so egregious that the defendant should be punished to deter others from acting in the same manner.
Receiving Punitive Damages in Las Vegas
Punitive damages can involve willful, wanton, or malicious conduct. This is particularly true when an accident is related to a DUI. Extreme negligence can also be a factor. For example, a plaintiff may be entitled to punitive damages if a defendant caused an accident due to overloading a truck or because a defendant ignored a vehicle’s serious mechanical issues.
When determining punitive damages in Las Vegas after a car accident, please be aware that an individual’s insurance policy limits may limit the amount of money that you can actually recover. However, if an insurance company fails to pay the policy limits in a reasonable and timely manner, then you may be able to seek the full value of your claim, including punitive damages, regardless of any policy limits.
What Does a DUI Mean for Punitive Damages in Las Vegas?
A DUI is a big factor in the award of punitive damages after a Las Vegas car accident. The purpose of punitive damages is for the society as a whole to prevent other people from acting in this type of manner.
Juries only award punitive damages with punitive conduct, such as a DUI. As per NRS Chapter 42, treble damages allow a court to triple economic or non-economic damages or more. There isn’t a hard cap on punitive damages after a Las Vegas car accident. Victims rarely receive treble damages, but in certain cases that are particularly egregious, there can be significant awards.
Contact a Las Vegas Car Accident Lawyer
If you’re seeking punitive damages in Las Vegas after a car accident then Lerner and Rowe can help make sure that you receive the highest compensation possible. Our lawyers have more than 240 years of combined experience fighting for the rights of injury victims. In addition to having a proven track record of billion-dollar results for clients across multiple states, our staff is committed to treating each client with the compassion and respect that they deserve.
Take the first step towards the compensation that you deserve by starting your free, no obligation consultation with Lerner and Rowe. Our team is available to serve you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Just give us a call at 702-877-1500. You can also connect with us online through LiveChat or secure contact form. Our lawyers have helped more than 150,000 injury victims receive the highest compensation possible. Put our knowledge and experience to work for you by contacting us today.