Hawaii Car Accident Attorneys

At DearLegal, we connect you with experienced Hawaii car accident attorneys who can navigate the state’s no-fault PIP system and modified comparative fault rule. Whether your crash happened on H-1 through Honolulu, on the Hana Highway, or anywhere across Oahu, Maui, the Big Island, or Kauai, we’ll match you with the right attorney — at no cost to get started.

Two years from the date of the crash for personal injury under Haw. Rev. Stat. § 657-7. Claims against the State of Hawaii or counties require notice under Haw. Rev. Stat. § 661-5 within 2 years.

Hawaii requires every driver to carry at least $10,000 in PIP coverage under Haw. Rev. Stat. § 431:10C-103, which pays your medical bills regardless of fault. To sue the at-fault driver for pain and suffering, you must meet the tort threshold in Haw. Rev. Stat. § 431:10C-306 — typically medical expenses exceeding the threshold amount, or specific injuries like permanent disability or significant scarring.

You file an uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) claim against your own policy. Hawaii insurers must offer UM/UIM coverage, and rejection requires a written waiver under Haw. Rev. Stat. § 431:10C-301.

No, and you usually shouldn’t. Anything you say — including a recorded statement — can be used to shift fault under the 51% bar. Refer the adjuster to your attorney or your own insurer.

It depends on medical bills, lost income, future treatment, vehicle damage, and whether you meet the tort threshold to recover pain and suffering. Hawaii does not cap non-economic damages in standard auto cases.

The same statute of limitations and fault rules apply, but Hawaii’s highways involve heavy tourist traffic, rental cars, and out-of-state drivers. Tourist crashes often involve coordination between rental car insurance and the visitor’s home-state policy.

Hawaii car accident attorneys typically work on contingency: no upfront cost, paid a percentage of the recovery if they win. Typical contingency fees range from 33% to 40%. If there’s no recovery, you owe no attorney fee.

Why Do You Need a Car Accident Attorney in Hawaii?

Hawaii sees thousands of crashes each year, with serious injuries concentrated on H-1 through Honolulu, the Hana Highway on Maui, and the Big Island’s Saddle Road. Hawaii’s PIP system (Haw. Rev. Stat. § 431:10C-103) provides first-party benefits, but tort recovery for pain and suffering requires meeting a monetary threshold or specific injury threshold (Haw. Rev. Stat. § 431:10C-306). The 2-year statute of limitations leaves little time to investigate.

When Do You Need a Car Accident Attorney in Hawaii?

Our network includes Hawaii car accident attorneys who handle every kind of case, including:

Types of Car Accident Cases in Hawaii

From the moment you connect with a Hawaii car accident attorney, they go to work protecting your claim. The most common case types we handle:

Not understanding that PIP pays first but tort recovery requires meeting the threshold under Haw. Rev. Stat. § 431:10C-306

Allowing the 51% fault bar to wipe out a recovery without contesting fault percentages

Failing to coordinate rental car insurance with Hawaii PIP in tourist crashes

Accepting a quick settlement before the full extent of injuries is known

Giving a recorded statement to the at-fault driver’s insurer without legal counsel

Missing the 2-year statute of limitations under Haw. Rev. Stat. § 657-7

Not understanding that PIP pays first but tort recovery requires meeting the threshold under Haw. Rev. Stat. § 431:10C-306

Allowing the 51% fault bar to wipe out a recovery without contesting fault percentages

Failing to coordinate rental car insurance with Hawaii PIP in tourist crashes

Accepting a quick settlement before the full extent of injuries is known

Giving a recorded statement to the at-fault driver’s insurer without legal counsel

Missing the 2-year statute of limitations under Haw. Rev. Stat. § 657-7

Common Hawaii Car Accident Mistakes

Even a small misstep can hurt your case. Here’s what to avoid:

How Much Do Hawaii Car Accident Attorneys Cost?

33%

Typical starting contingency fee — you pay nothing unless your attorney recovers compensation for you.

Car accident attorneys in Hawaii work on a contingency fee basis — typically 33% to 40% of the total recovery. Case costs are typically advanced by the firm and deducted from the final recovery.

What Can Your Hawaii Car Accident Compensation Include?

Economic Damages

Medical expenses, lost wages, future care costs — no statutory cap. PIP offsets some economic losses up to policy limits.

Non-Economic Damages

Pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment — recoverable only if you meet the tort threshold in Haw. Rev. Stat. § 431:10C-306. No statutory cap when threshold is met.

Punitive Damages

Available for willful, wanton, or reckless conduct (e.g., DUI). No statutory cap, but subject to constitutional due-process review.

Property Damage

Repair or replacement of your vehicle and personal belongings. Pursued through the at-fault driver’s property damage coverage.

Wrongful Death

Recovery for loss of love, affection, support, and services under Haw. Rev. Stat. § 663-3.

PIP Benefits

First-party medical benefits up to $10,000, regardless of fault, under Haw. Rev. Stat. § 431:10C-103. Higher limits available by election.

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DearLegal is a legal referral service, not a law firm. We connect individuals with licensed attorneys who can evaluate their case. Nothing on this page constitutes legal advice. Results vary based on individual circumstances.

Hawaii Car Accident Attorneys

Why Do You Need a Car Accident Attorney in Hawaii?

When Do You Need a Car Accident Attorney in Hawaii?

Types of Car Accident Cases in Hawaii

Common Hawaii Car Accident Mistakes

How Much Do Hawaii Car Accident Attorneys Cost?

What Can Your Hawaii Car Accident Compensation Include?

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