Abogados de Accidentes en Hawaii

Accident and Injury Lawyers in Hawaii

Hawaii's legal system handles injury claims differently than most states. The state operates under a no-fault auto insurance system, meaning drivers must first turn to their own insurance after a car accident regardless of who caused the crash. Only when injuries meet a certain severity threshold can you step outside no-fault and file a claim against the at-fault driver.

Hawaii Injury Laws

The statute of limitations for personal injury and wrongful death claims in Hawaii is two years. For car accidents, truck accidents, workplace injuries, and slip and fall cases alike, that clock typically starts on the date of the injury or the date of death.

Hawaii follows a modified comparative fault rule with a 51% bar. If you are found 50% or less at fault for your own injury, you can still recover damages — but your award gets reduced by your percentage of fault. If you are 51% or more at fault, you recover nothing.

Hawaii does not impose a general cap on compensatory damages in most injury cases. However, the state does cap noneconomic damages in medical malpractice claims. Punitive damages are also available in Hawaii but require clear and convincing evidence of willful misconduct or gross negligence.

When to Contact a Lawyer in Hawaii

• You were injured in a car or truck accident and your injuries exceed Hawaii's no-fault threshold, allowing a third-party claim.
• You suffered a workplace injury and need to file a workers' compensation claim or a separate negligence action against a third party.
• A loved one died due to someone else's negligence and you need to file a wrongful death lawsuit within the two-year deadline.
• You were hurt in a slip and fall on commercial or government property and need help determining liability before evidence disappears.

Frequently Asked Questions About Hawaii Injury Claims

What does Hawaii's no-fault car insurance system mean for my accident claim?

Hawaii requires drivers to carry Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage. After a car accident, your own PIP policy pays your medical bills and lost wages up to the policy limit. You can only pursue a claim against the other driver if your injuries involve significant permanent loss of a body function, permanent scarring, or medical costs exceeding a certain amount.

Can I sue a property owner for a slip and fall injury in Hawaii?

Yes. Hawaii holds property owners responsible for maintaining safe conditions for visitors. You must file your claim within two years of the injury. If the property is owned by the state or a county, you face shorter notice requirements — typically within 180 days. Missing that deadline can bar your claim entirely.