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Bill

HB 1479

Punitive damages; hit and run drivers.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Rae Cousins and 1 co-sponsor

Virginia bill allowing punitive damages in civil suits against hit-and-run drivers to increase financial liability and deter accident scene departures.

Acts of Assembly Chapter text (CHAP0473)
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Bill Summary · HB 1479

Legislative bill overview

HB 1479 modifies Virginia law to allow punitive damages in civil lawsuits against drivers who flee the scene of accidents (hit-and-run violations). Currently, Virginia law limits when punitive damages can be awarded in vehicle-related civil cases. This bill would expand those circumstances to include hit-and-run drivers, allowing accident victims to pursue additional damages beyond actual losses.

Why is this important

Hit-and-run incidents represent both a public safety concern and a justice issue for victims. Expanding punitive damages creates a stronger financial deterrent against fleeing accident scenes and provides victims with greater compensation options when wrongdoers attempt to evade responsibility. The fiscal impact statement suggests this could affect insurance costs and litigation patterns.

Potential points of contention

  • Insurance and litigation costs: Expanding punitive damages may increase insurance premiums and encourage more civil lawsuits, affecting insurance markets and consumer costs
  • Definition and enforcement scope: Questions about how "hit and run" is defined, whether it applies only to serious injuries, and how it interacts with criminal penalties for the same conduct
  • Proportionality concerns: Whether punitive damages for civil cases should be available when criminal hit-and-run charges already exist as a separate deterrent

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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