PROTECTING THE LEGAL INTERESTS OF INJURED HAWAII RESIDENTS AND VISITORS SINCE 1973

Experienced Hawaii Car Accident Lawyers Assisting Injured Residents And Visitors

Have you been injured in a motor vehicle accident on Oahu or a neighboring island? Did someone stop suddenly in front of you on the highway to look at something, causing a multicar crash? Was a road construction project inadequately marked, leading you to take a nasty spill on your motorcycle? Were you simply in the wrong place at the wrong time while vacationing?

Traffic in Hawaii can be bad, whether you are downtown, commuting to or from work, heading to the North Shore to watch the surfers or just seeing the sights. Honolulu has been ranked as having some of the worst traffic among major American cities, making it a hazardous place for visitors to drive. Sadly, automobile accidents are far too common in the Aloha State. If you have suffered an injury due to another’s negligence or mistake, seek the help of an experienced personal injury attorney.

Skilled Legal Assistance For Car Accident Victims In Hawaii

Our accomplished, experienced lawyers at Cronin, Fried, Sekiya, Kekina & Fairbanks, a prominent personal injury law firm in Hawaii, have represented hundreds of victims of auto accidents throughout the state as well as in other parts of the world.

Helping Individuals And Families Recover What They Have Lost

At the Honolulu law offices of Cronin, Fried, Sekiya, Kekina & Fairbanks, our lawyers have been helping accident victims recover compensation for what they have lost since 1973. As Hawaii’s premier personal injury law firm, we have represented hundreds of accident victims, guiding our clients to successful outcomes through the claims process, negotiation, mediation, arbitration and trial. We can help you no matter what type of vehicle you were in, including:

You may be entitled to compensation such as reimbursement of your medical bills and lost wages in addition to payment for continued medical care, disability, loss of future income, pain and suffering and emotional distress.

What Types Of Car Accidents Can Cronin, Fried, Sekiya, Kekina & Fairbanks Handle?

Our accident attorneys handle auto accident cases involving catastrophic injuries, including head injury, spinal cord injury with resulting paralysis, amputation, loss of an eye or the death of a driver, passenger, pedestrian or bicyclist.

Our law firm confidently and compassionately guides victims and their families through all the phases and stages of automobile accident cases, including:

  • All stages of the claims process
  • Coordination of payment of medical expenses
  • Recovery of insurance benefits
  • Prosecution of legal action against any party that contributed to the injury

Holding Negligent Drivers Responsible In Car Accidents

Identifying any and all sources of liability is a large part of what we do when we help motor vehicle accident victims. Responsible parties may include:

  • Reckless drivers who ran a red light or stop sign, changed lanes without signaling, failed to yield the right of way or committed other reckless driving
  • Distracted driving from drivers who drove inattentively while talking or texting on cellphones or other unsafe actions
  • Bars, restaurants, hotels and other liquor establishments that served or sold alcohol to patrons who were already intoxicated or underage
  • Businesses whose workers drive cars, trucks or buses as part of their work
  • Employers that provided alcohol at company events and failed to provide rides home or other controls designed to prevent drinking and driving by employees
  • Insurance companies liable for damages after a covered accident
  • Drunk driving and drugged driving

Often, Cronin, Fried, Sekiya, Kekina & Fairbanks handles car crash cases that go on to appeals. As a result, we have effectively expanded the law in Hawaii to protect innocent people injured in auto accidents.

What Are Common Injuries After A Motor Vehicle Accident?

Auto accidents in Hawaii often lead to injuries such as:

However, despite how difficult and painful your injuries are, you do not have to face them on your own. You can get skilled, experienced legal help from a personal injury lawyer to pursue the compensation you deserve.

What Should I Do After An Accident?

There are a few steps that everyone should try to follow after a car accident. They make it much easier to file a claim and recover maximum compensation. Remember to follow this list:

  1. Seek medical attention immediately
  2. Call the police and ask them to write a report
  3. Get the contact information of the other driver and any witnesses
  4. Take pictures of your car, the accident scene and your injuries
  5. Consult experienced attorneys – do not speak with insurance company representatives

Having a doctor assess your injuries and get you appropriate treatment is the No. 1 thing you should do. It is critical for your health and safety. If you can also follow the remaining steps, you have a much better chance of making a successful claim.

Understanding Comparative Negligence In Hawaii

In Hawaii, comparative negligence is a legal principle that comes into play when more than one party is at fault for an accident. Under this rule, each party’s compensation is reduced by their percentage of fault. For instance, if a plaintiff has 30% fault and the damages amount to $100,000, they would recover only 70% or $70,000. Hawaii follows a modified comparative negligence system. This means that a plaintiff can recover damages only if their fault does not exceed 50%. If it does, they do not have the right to seek compensation.

What To Know About No-Fault Insurance In Hawaii

No-fault insurance in Hawaii means that after a car accident, your own insurance policy pays for your medical expenses and certain other losses, regardless of who caused the crash. This personal injury protection (PIP) coverage ensures that injured parties receive prompt payment to cover medical costs up to the policy limit, limiting the need for litigation. However, it does not cover property damage or pain and suffering. For more severe injuries, Hawaii law allows for the pursuit of additional compensation through a personal injury lawsuit if the expenses exceed the PIP coverage limits.

Should You Accept A Settlement From An Insurance Company?

Do not accept the first settlement offer from an insurance company without consulting a lawyer. Insurers want to settle claims quickly and economically. Many of them make offers that do not fully cover all of your current and future losses. An experienced lawyer can evaluate the fairness of the offer, negotiate with the insurance company and protect your rights. They can also build a strong case to secure the compensation you deserve.

What Are The Common Types Of Car Crashes?

Car accidents can happen in various ways, each with its own set of risks and common causes. Here is a breakdown of some common types:

  • Rear-end collisions: These often occur due to tailgating or sudden stops, causing the following car to crash into the one in front.
  • Rollover accidents: These accidents can be caused by sharp turns at high speeds or collisions that flip the vehicle, which are particularly common in taller vehicles like SUVs.
  • Hit-and-run accidents: These involve a driver hitting a pedestrian, cyclist or another car and then leaving the scene without providing contact information or offering aid.
  • T-bone accidents: Typically happen at intersections when one vehicle strikes the side of another, often due to failing to yield or running a red light.
  • Side-impact crashes: Similar to T-bone accidents, they can occur in parking lots and when cars are merging into traffic.

Regardless of the type of crash, it is important to seek legal advice to understand your rights.

Why Hire A Hawaii Attorney?

You have the right to file your own insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit – many people attempt to do so. However, you are up against immensely complex processes that involve numerous minute details. One incorrect step and you might have to start over – or you might lose your chance of recovering maximum compensation. That is why you need a legal guide with extensive experience. By working with an attorney from the beginning, you set yourself up for the best chance of success after a car wreck.

Free Consultation – Call Today

If someone caused you or a loved one serious harm in an accident, meet with us at no cost – and there is no obligation to hire our firm – so that we may evaluate your claim and advise you of your options. Our accident lawyers handle all personal injury claims on a contingency basis, which means you pay nothing until we recover for you. We also offer free initial consultations.

Contact us online or call us locally at 808-600-3514. Your recovery is our No. 1 priority.