A serious auto accident can transform someone’s life without warning. In Hawaii, where roads wind through scenic coastlines and dense urban areas, car accidents can lead to catastrophic injuries or even fatalities. At Cronin, Fried, Sekiya, Kekina & Fairbanks, we represent individuals and families facing the aftermath of major car accidents. We focus on the most severe cases, helping those who need significant legal support and resources to move forward. This article will explore the most common causes of catastrophic car accidents in Hawaii, the meaning of “catastrophic damage,” and the legal options available following an accident.
What Is a Catastrophic Accident?
A catastrophic accident is one that results in severe or life-altering consequences. Such incidents often result in permanent disability, prolonged medical intervention, or fatal outcomes. While all accidents are stressful, catastrophic accidents stand apart because they dramatically affect the victim’s ability to function and live independently.
Examples of catastrophic injuries include:
- Traumatic brain injuries,
- Spinal cord injuries resulting in paralysis,
- Severe burns,
- Death,
- Multiple fractures, and
- Amputations.
These injuries often require years of medical treatment, therapy, and in-home care. They can also prevent someone from returning to work or participating in activities they once enjoyed.
The Most Common Causes of Catastrophic Car Accidents in Hawaii
Understanding the causes of fatal car accidents and life-changing collisions is essential for prevention and accountability. In Hawaii, several factors frequently contribute to catastrophic crashes.
Distracted Driving
One of the leading causes of catastrophic auto accidents is distracted driving. This includes:
- Texting or using a cellphone while driving,
- Using in-car navigation systems,
- Eating or drinking behind the wheel, and
- Turning to talk to passengers.
Any activity that takes a driver’s attention away from the road—even for a moment—can result in a devastating crash. Most of us experience these ourselves. Our cellphone rings, we glance down to see who it is, then grab it – intending to put it on speaker – taking maybe 3-5 seconds, then looking up to realize that traffic ahead has slowed or the light changed. Even the smallest distraction can have serious consequences.
Speeding
Driving above the posted speed limit increases the likelihood of an accident and the severity of the outcome. Excessive speed reduces reaction time and extends the distance needed to stop safely. Speeding can lead to high-impact collisions on highways like H-1 or winding roads on Oahu’s North Shore, which can cause catastrophic damage. Speeding is often innocently done. We got off a few minutes late from work and need to pick up the kids. There was an accident on the H-1 and we’re already 30 minutes late for work. In many of the crashes we handle regular people were just rushing to get somewhere.
Driving Under the Influence
Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is a major factor in serious crashes. Impaired drivers have slowed reaction times, poor judgment, and a reduced ability to stay in their lane or judge distance. These factors often lead to head-on collisions or rollovers, both of which are more likely to result in catastrophic injuries or fatalities. About half of traffic deaths involve driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs according to the State Department of Health. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention ranks Hawaii as having the most drunk drivers in the nation in relation to the total number of drivers in the state.
Reckless or Aggressive Driving
Reckless behaviors like tailgating, weaving through traffic, or running red lights are extremely dangerous. These actions often lead to T-bone or high-speed rear-end collisions, which are more likely to cause life-threatening harm. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, there were 1,246,765 vehicles in Hawaii last year. With this many vehicles on the road, it seems that driving in Honolulu is like being stuck in one big traffic jam. People become frustrated, angry, and take chances, like running red lights, that increase the number and severity of accidents.
Poor Road Conditions
While Hawaii’s natural beauty draws millions of visitors yearly, the islands’ roads can be hazardous. Causes of serious accidents related to infrastructure include:
- Potholes,
- Poorly marked construction zones,
- Inadequate lighting, and
- Dangerous curves with limited visibility.
Hawaii is ranked third worst in the nation for poor road conditions with 44% of urban roads in poor conditions and 39% of all roads rated unacceptable by the U.S. Department of Transportation. Under certain circumstances, a the state, county or a private contractor could bear responsibility if poor road design, construction or maintenance played a role.
Vehicle Defects
Sometimes, a defective auto part can cause a catastrophic accident. Faulty brakes, fires, malfunctioning airbags, or tire blowouts can all lead to major crashes. As more components, such as engines, brakes, steering, and even autonomous driving, are operated by computers we are seeing more crashes caused by computer glitches or software errors. In these cases, a vehicle manufacturer or parts supplier may be liable under product liability laws.
Who Is Liable in a Major Auto Accident in Hawaii?
Liability in a catastrophic car accident depends on the facts of the case. Hawaii follows a “no-fault” insurance system for minor injuries. However, if your injuries are serious, you may be able to file a personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault party, including:
- A negligent driver,
- An employer (if the driver was on the job or engaged in any business activity),
- A government entity responsible for unsafe road conditions, or
- A manufacturer, distributor, dealer or store that produced or sold a defective vehicle or part.
Our legal team thoroughly investigates every case to identify all potentially responsible parties, helping our clients have the best chance of securing the compensation they need.
How Much Compensation Can I Get for a Catastrophic Injury?
Compensation in catastrophic injury cases can be substantial due to the long-term effects of the injuries. While each case is unique, damages may include:
- Economic damages—quantifiable losses like medical expenses, rehabilitation, caregiver and household help costs, lost income, and future loss of earning capacity;
- Noneconomic damages—personal losses such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, and loss of companionship; and
- Punitive damages—compensation to punish the wrongdoer for gross negligence, reckless disregard of safety or intentional harm and deter similar behavior by others in the future.
We work with medical experts, economists, and life care planners to calculate the full extent of your damages. Our goal is to obtain the financial support you need to rebuild your life.
What Should You Do After a Catastrophic Car Accident?
If you or a loved one has suffered an injury in a serious auto accident, taking the following steps is critical.:
- Seek immediate medical attention,
- Report the accident to the police,
- Document the scene with photos and witness information, and
- Contact an experienced personal injury attorney as soon as possible.
Avoid communicating with insurance companies before seeking legal counsel. Insurers often attempt to minimize payouts in serious injury cases.
Why Choose Cronin, Fried, Sekiya, Kekina & Fairbanks?
We are Hawaii’s most respected plaintiffs’ law firm, with over 50 years of experience in complex and catastrophic injury cases. Our attorneys have received top honors in the legal field and have recovered multimillion-dollar verdicts and settlements for clients across the state.
By maintaining a selective caseload, we guide each client through the legal process with the full attention, tailored resources, and focused dedication necessary. At Cronin, Fried, Sekiya, Kekina & Fairbanks, we are deeply committed to helping residents and visitors throughout Hawaii find justice and healing. Contact us today for a free consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Most Common Cause of Fatal Car Accidents?
According to national and Hawaii-specific data, speeding and impaired driving remain the most common causes of fatal car accidents. These behaviors reduce reaction time and increase the likelihood of high-impact crashes that result in loss of life.
Who Is Liable in a Major Auto Accident in Hawaii?
Liability may fall on a negligent driver, an employer, a government agency responsible for road maintenance, or a vehicle manufacturer. A thorough legal investigation is often required to determine who should be held accountable.
How Much Compensation Can I Get for a Catastrophic Injury?
The value of your case depends on the severity of your injury, medical needs, and impact on your life. Many victims recover compensation for medical costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Sometimes, future expenses and long-term care needs can significantly increase the total award.
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