What is the test for assessing punitive damages in a motor vehicle accident case?

California, United States of America


The following excerpt is from Cardoza v. Reed, A143447 (Cal. App. 2019):

Reed also contends that, applying the federal due process guideposts for assessing punitive damages, his conduct was not sufficiently reprehensible to support the jury's award of punitive damages. Of the three guideposts, " 'the most important is the degree of reprehensibility of the defendant's conduct. On this question, the high court instructed courts to consider whether "[1] the harm caused was physical as opposed to economic; [2] the tortious conduct evinced an indifference to or a reckless disregard of the health or safety of others; [3] the target of the conduct had financial vulnerability; [4] the conduct involved repeated actions or was an isolated incident; and [5] the harm was the result of intentional malice, trickery, or deceit, or mere accident." ' " (Bankhead v. ArvinMeritor, Inc., supra, 205 Cal.App.4th at p. 85.)

Other Questions


Can a plaintiff bring an action under the California Motor Vehicle Accident Prevention Act for damages arising out of a motor vehicle accident? (California, United States of America)
What is the test for determining whether a defendant is liable for a motor vehicle accident under the California Vehicle Accident Act or the California Motor Vehicle Act? (California, United States of America)
Is an employer's claim for reimbursement under section 3852 of the California Motor Vehicle Accident and Accident Compensation Act limited to recovery for damages proximately caused by the accident? (California, United States of America)
What is the test for punitive damages in motor vehicle accident cases? (California, United States of America)
How have courts and juries assessed damages in a motor vehicle accident case? (California, United States of America)
Does section 3110 of the Ontario Motor Vehicle Code of Civil Procedure (Motor Vehicle Accident and Accident Benefits Act) apply to a mechanic's lien claimant? (California, United States of America)
What is the effect of punitive damages in motor vehicle accident cases? (California, United States of America)
Does the phrase "as a result of" in a motor vehicle accident apply to a section of the Motor Vehicle Accident Act? (California, United States of America)
Is a plaintiff entitled to punitive damages in a motor vehicle accident? (California, United States of America)
What is the test for a defendant in a motor vehicle accident case to argue that the accident was not a crime? (California, United States of America)
X



Alexi white


"The most advanced legal research software ever built."

Trusted by top litigators from across North America.