A car accident lawsuit is the number one type of accident claim filed each year in the United States. A car accident lawsuit seeks compensation for the claimant (plaintiff) on the grounds that the defendant was negligent in some fashion and, as a result, caused the car accident in which the plaintiff suffered damages and or injuries. The car accident lawsuit serves as the vehicle in which the plaintiff can recoup his or her financial losses, compensation for pain and suffering and, in some instances, receive a financial award for punitive damages. Punitive damages are awarded as a way to punish or teach the defendant, and others who may engage in the same sort of negligence the defendant did, a lesson.