When an auto accident occurs, all drivers have certain duties they must perform. The very first duty is that the drivers must remain at the scene. Then if anyone was injured in the accident, an uninjured driver should alert emergency services. If no one was injured, it is still necessary for those involved in the accident to exchange contact and insurance information.

Regardless of who was at fault for the accident, if someone fails to remain at the scene and help injured victims or exchange information, that person is considered a hit-and-run driver. Attempting to leave the scene can result in a hit-and-run charge, even if the person trying to flee is unsuccessful.

If the hit-and-run driver is successful in fleeing the scene and are not caught by the police, then an injured victim can seek compensation from his or her own insurance company. Based on uninsured motorist coverage, an insurance company will stand in place of the unidentified driver and pay the damages.

Punitive damages are a special type of compensation that are used to punishment an at-fault driver. It is usually a large amount of money that must be paid by someone who intentionally or recklessly causes harm. When someone fails to stop and help at the scene of an accident, particularly one with serious injuries, the court may order that person to pay punitive damages as punishment for this behavior. This special type of punishment is meant to show others what happens when people act in this inexcusable manner. Punitive damages are given on top of other damages for medical expenses, pain and suffering and lost income.