Bill > HB1479

This bill allows for punitive damages to be awarded to a plaintiff in a lawsuit if they have suffered personal injury or death as a result of a driver committing a felony hit and run, which is a serious traffic offense where a driver involved in an accident fails to stop and report it. Punitive damages are an additional amount of money awarded in a lawsuit to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar conduct in the future, going beyond just compensating the victim for their losses. This provision specifically addresses situations where a driver flees the scene of an accident, making them liable for these additional damages.