Are you preparing to drive in Hawaii? It’s a beautiful destination, but it’s not without risks.
Preparation is the key to driving safely in any state. If an accident happens, though, you can be left feeling flustered and unsure of what to do.
Don’t worry! By preparing and knowing what to do when you’re in an accident in Hawaii, you can get back to enjoying your trip sooner. Read on to learn everything you should do after a Hawaii car accident.
Familiarize Yourself With Driving Laws in Hawaii
Driving laws in Hawaii are very similar to the driving laws found in other states. Drivers are required to have a valid Hawaii driver’s license and valid proof of insurance on their vehicle. The speed limit is generally lower than on mainland roads, and the general speed limit for highways and interstates is 55 mph.
Driving in Hawaii requires extra attention due to the many pedestrians, cyclists, and narrow roads. All drivers should exercise caution and defensive driving when traversing local roads. All passengers should wear a seatbelt at all times.
Also, drivers under 21 must have a blood alcohol level of 0.00 when driving. Drivers of all ages have an alcohol limit of 0.08. Drivers should use their headlights when visibility is poor or when entering/exiting tunnels.
All cell phone use is prohibited for drivers under 18. Texting while driving is illegal for all drivers. Hawaii takes driving laws seriously and keeps the roads safe.
Understand the Legal Implications of Car Accidents in Hawaii
In Hawaii, the legal implications of car accidents are detailed in the Hawaii Revised Statutes. These implications are especially important for drivers to be familiar with in order to prevent and understand the consequences of a car accident.
In the case of an accident, the driver(s) must carry liability insurance that meets the state minimums. When a driver is deemed at fault, they can be held liable for any property damage, medical bills, or legal costs resulting from the accident. They can also be sued for economic and non-economic losses such as physical injustice, emotional distress, and pain and suffering.
Drivers are legally required to maintain control of their vehicle during an accident. They must also report the incident to the local police. Failure to do so can lead to legal trouble.
Seek Medical Treatment for Injuries Immediately
After a car accident in Hawaii, those involved should seek immediate medical attention for any injuries that may have been sustained from the accident. Even if the accident victim feels well, it is important to seek medical care from a professional.
You may have sustained injuries and not even be aware of them yet. Certain types of car accident injuries, such as concussions, may not show symptoms immediately. Seeking medical attention can reduce the risk of long-term consequences related to the accident.
Additionally, having documentation of any injuries from a professional can help with filing insurance claims. It can give light to any dispute resolution related to the accident. So you need to receive medical treatment soon after the accident to protect your health, safety, and legal rights.
Gather and Preserve Relevant Evidence from the Scene of the Accident
After a Hawaii car accident, it is important that you immediately gather and preserve evidence from the scene. Documentation such as photos, videos, or even sketches of the scene, the vehicles involved, and any visible injuries are important. They can help prove the facts of the accident later on.
Additionally, if there are witnesses present, get their contact details and statements to determine what they saw. Collect the contact information of any involved parties, including the other driver, police officer, and tow truck driver, if they were involved.
Finally, look around the place of the accident. If you notice any defects in the vehicles, a dangerous pothole, or other conditions that may have contributed to the accident, take pictures. Preserving this information is important for potential future legal proceedings.
Obtain a Police Report
If you have been involved in a car accident in Hawaii, it is important to obtain a police report. This is vital for filing an insurance claim and can help protect you in the event of a dispute.
The police will be able to take a comprehensive report and can help you determine who is liable for the accident. Make sure you provide accurate information to the police. And ensure that it corresponds with any witnesses who saw the incident.
Finally, sign a copy of the police report and keep it in a safe place. This report will be your best resource when it comes to processing an insurance claim.
Contact Your Insurance Company
Once you are able, you should immediately contact your insurance company. Your insurance company will need to know when, where, and how the accident occurred. They will need you to provide a description of the accident and any injury suffered.
They will also need to know the make and model of the vehicles and the contact information for any parties involved. Your insurance company may also require documentation of the accident to complete its investigation.
It is important to be as thorough as possible when communicating with your insurance company. This will ensure that all of the details of the accident are accurately recorded.
- Hire an Attorney
You need to hire a personal injury attorney as soon as possible. You should contact this personal injury lawyer based in Hawaii, as they are knowledgeable about the state laws. They can help you navigate the complexities of establishing fault and getting the best possible compensation for your losses.
They can also navigate the insurance company’s protocols and work. They can guide you through making a car accident claim. Hiring a lawyer makes sure that you are fairly compensated for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering stemming from the accident.
Protect Yourself When You Get Into a Hawaii Car Accident
After a Hawaii car accident, it’s important to stay calm and seek medical attention as necessary. Contact authorities, gather evidence, and have an attorney review any relevant documents. Following these steps can ensure that your legal rights and interests are protected.
So if you’ve been in a car accident, what are you waiting for? Speak with a knowledgeable Hawaii car accident attorney today to help get the compensation you deserve.
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Andrea Parker is a reporter for Zobuz. She previously worked at Huffington Post and Vanity Fair. Andrea is based in NYC and covers issues affecting her city. In addition to her severe coffee addiction, she’s a Netflix enthusiast, a red wine drinker, and a voracious reader.
