Car accidents are a fact of life. They happen every day in Hawaii. In fact, the U.S. Department of Transportation recently reported that over 2.8 million people suffered injuries as a result of highway vehicle crashes on U.S. highways in 2003 alone. If you’ve been in a car accident and are looking for information about how to assess your rights and responsibilities and where to go for help, you’ve come to the right spot. Our car accident articles cover relevant issues such as fault, insurance, claims, personal injury, property damage, government liability, and structured settlements. You will also find rules, laws and other information specific to the state of Hawaii, and links to Hawaii personal injury attorneys who can assess the value of your claim and provide advice on your best course of action.

Hawaii Car Accident Articles:

How an Auto Accident Insurance Claim Works

What is Your Car Accident Injury Claim Worth?

Who is at Fault?

Car Insurance and Auto Accidents: Are You Covered?

What You Can Expect to Recover for Property Damage in Auto Accident Cases

Auto Accidents: Options if You’re at an Impasse with the Insurance Adjuster

Car Accidents Involving Government-Owned Vehicles and Government Workers

Structured Settlements

Do I Need to Contact an Attorney After a Car Accident?

Hawaii Car Accident Lawyers:

Find an experienced Hawaii Car Accident Attorney at AttorneyPages.com

Post your case to a Hawaii Car Accident Lawyer (it’s free, with no obligations)

Post your auto accident question on the Free Advice Auto Accidents and Vehicle Claims forum

Article: How a Personal Injury Lawyer Can Help

Special Rules for Hawaii Car Accidents:

Hawaii Fault: No-fault

Hawaii Car Insurance Requirements/Limits: Bodily Injury & Property Damage Liability. Minimum coverage limits by law are: Up to $40,000 covers personal injury of all persons in the car at the time of the accident, subject to a limit of $20,000 for any one individual; up to $10,000 for property damage.

Hawaii Small Claims Limits: $3,500

Hawaii Personal Injury Statute of Limitations: 2 years from the date of the injury, or if the injury could not have been discovered right away, from the date you discovered the injury.

Hawaii Auto Accidents Involving Government Vehicles: Notice to File Against Government: If you were injured in a car accident caused by a government employee, you may sue the government agency —the city or town, county or state, public agency, school—that employs that person .

- For claims against the federal government, use Form 95 and follow the instructions.

- For claims against a county government employee, contact the county in which you want to file your lawsuit, see Hawaii Personal Injury Venue below, for the proper forms and time limits.

- For claims against a city government employee, contact the city in which you want to file your lawsuit, see Hawaii Personal Injury Venue below for the proper forms and time limits.

In dealing with accidents involving government entities and workers, be aware that there may be special notices that must be filed against the appropriate government unit responsible for your injury within a certain time period (which may be between 30 days to 180 days) AND before filing a lawsuit. Each entity has its own separate time periods and may differ from your state’s Personal Injury Statute of Limitations against a private party. The rules can be confusing. Check the form you are filling out or check with a county or city official to find out the time limit for filing your claim. Accidents claims involving the government can be complicated. Any mistakes in filing or filing on time could result in losing your ability to recover for your damages and injuries. Consult with an experienced attorney right away to preserve your rights. See also Auto Accidents Involving the Government.

Hawaii Personal Injury Venue (Where to File Lawsuit): In the small claims or circuit court located where the defendant (the person you are suing) lives or does business. Alternatively, you might consider filing in a court located where the accident occurred or where you live or do business. If you are filing a claim against a government agency and are unsure of which agency is responsible, the most prudent course is to file a separate claim against each.