Hawaii Car Accident LawyerGet Maximum Compensation

In Hawaii, you generally have 2 years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit (Hawaii Revised Statutes § 657-7). Claims against a government entity may require notice in as little as 2 years (State Tort Liability Act). Missing the deadline can permanently bar your claim, so consult a licensed Hawaii car accident lawyer immediately.

Hawaii is a no-fault state. Your own Personal Injury Protection ($10,000 PIP per person) covers your initial medical bills regardless of who caused the crash. You may step outside the no-fault system and sue the at-fault driver if your injuries meet the state's serious-injury threshold.

Recoverable damages in Hawaii typically include past and future medical expenses, lost wages and reduced earning capacity, property damage, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life. In cases of gross negligence (e.g. drunk driving), punitive damages may also be available.

Hawaii follows modified comparative (51% bar) negligence. You can recover damages only if you were less than 51% at fault; your compensation is reduced by your assigned percentage of fault.

Most Hawaii car accident lawyers work on a contingency fee basis — you pay nothing upfront and owe no attorney fees unless they win your case. Contingency fees typically range from 25% to 40% of the settlement or verdict. Initial consultations are free.

You are not legally required to hire an attorney, but studies consistently show that represented accident victims recover significantly more than unrepresented claimants — even after fees. A Hawaii car accident lawyer is especially valuable for injuries, disputed liability, uninsured drivers, or claims involving government vehicles (short 2 years (State Tort Liability Act) notice deadlines).