Bicycle Accidents

Experienced Honolulu Bicycle Accident Lawyers

Our experienced legal team in Hawaii is dedicated to helping you get the compensation you deserve after a bicycle accident.

Bicycle Accident Lawyer in Honolulu and Waipahu

Riding a bicycle is an excellent form of exercise. It can be a wonderful way to enjoy the beautiful Hawaiian islands. However, if you are severely hurt in an accident caused by someone else’s negligence, you need the help of experienced Hawaii bicycle accident lawyers in Honolulu or Waipahu.

Cyclists have a right to be on the road, but, unfortunately, many motorists disregard them. This can lead to serious injuries and fatalities. After a bicycle accident, you may feel hopeless. You’re worried about paying for your injuries, let alone recovering from them. The financial stress associated with medical bills and the emotional stress over how you will care for your family can be overwhelming. Your family may be experiencing their own stress as they try to take over your share of responsibilities.

Recovery Law Center understands how much a bike accident can impact your life. You may be entitled to compensation for your injuries if someone else was to blame for the crash. We are here to help you recover in every way possible and provide you with the highest legal representation for bicycle accident cases.

Contact us today for a free consultation with a knowledgeable personal injury attorney from our team at Recovery Law Center in Honolulu.

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How Our Bicycle Accident Lawyer in Hawaii Can Help

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Whether you are a tourist who was cycling on your vacation or a resident of Hawaii, a bike accident can cause a lot of additional difficulties in your life. Your injuries may be extensive, requiring a hospital stay, rehabilitation, and considerable recovery time. While you deal with these challenges, a legal claim may seem like the last straw.

Let our legal professionals take that burden off your shoulders. We are prepared to help you pursue the compensation you need to cover your medical expenses and other losses. At the Recovery Law Center, we devote our practice to helping injured victims seek everything they need in the recovery process. Let us take on the legal portion of your stress so that you can focus all your time and energy on your physical and emotional recovery.

Regardless of the specifics associated with your claim, our experienced bike accident lawyer in Waipahu can provide the knowledge that you need to pursue the compensation your case deserves.

As an injured victim, you may not know where to turn first to begin your injury claim. You are overwhelmed with bills and appointments during the recovery process, missing time from work, and you are going through considerable stress trying to cover your expenses. Suddenly, you find yourself contacted by an insurance company offering you a settlement. Even though this may sound like the easiest solution, accepting an early insurance settlement is never a good idea.

Do not become a victim a second time. Quickly accepting a settlement can be a big mistake. Insurance companies usually initially offer the lowest settlements since you need money to pay bills now. The insurance companies know exactly what they are doing, so you must contact us immediately because we understand what the insurance company is doing, too. We know their tricks and will make sure that you are protected.

At the Recovery Law Center, we treat our clients with the highest respect. Each case deserves our immediate attention, so we will always be available to answer your questions and walk you through your legal options. This level of care and understanding can make a difference for you in the recovery process. You will have the peace of mind that a team of legal professionals is handling your case, and you will feel supported all along the way. We have helped thousands of accident victims get justice in their cases, and we are here for you now.

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Compensation for Bicycle Accident Victims in Hawaii

Bike accident victims are eligible to file personal injury claims. At the Recovery Law Center, our skilled bike accident attorneys can take you through the entire claim process, starting with compensation. Hawaii law dictates that cyclists hurt in car accidents are entitled to payment of their medical bills, regardless of fault, up to $10,000. If the motorist is at fault, the cyclist must be financially compensated for their injuries. This compensation comes in the form of damages, which can include:

  • Emergency room visits
  • Hospital stays
  • Doctor’s appointments
  • Prescriptions
  • Physical therapy
  • Rehabilitation
  • Lost wages
  • Pain and suffering
  • Daily expenses
  • Property damage
  • Loss of support
  • Loss of consortium
  • Wrongful death

Time Limits for Filing a Bicycle Accident Claim in Hawaii

Legal actions all have deadlines, known as the statute of limitations, that specify the time you have to make a claim for your injuries. Once that period passes, you forfeit your right to recover damages.

In Hawaii, the statute of limitations for personal injury cases (which includes bicycle accidents) is two years from the date of the last payment for medical expenses by the Personal Injury Protection insurance company. However, talking to bicycle accident attorneys and beginning your claim process immediately is always advisable.

At the Recovery Law Center, our legal team will walk you through everything you need to know about the statute of limitations and other deadlines that will apply to your case. Laws can also change quickly, and it is our job to stay on top of any matter that can potentially affect your claim.

We are familiar with all of the time restrictions and other critical legal rules, and we will put our knowledge to use while we work diligently to seek the maximum compensation available for your injuries.

Common Injuries in Bicycle Accidents

Unfortunately, bicycle accident injuries are often very severe based on collisions with larger, heavier motor vehicles. Some of the injuries we see at the Recovery Law Center include:

If you have experienced these or other types of injuries as a result of a bicycle accident, the Recovery Law Center can help you pursue the compensation you need for your medical bills and other losses. We have helped many other victims in situations like yours, and we are ready to aggressively fight for justice in your case.

Common Causes of Bike Accidents in Hawaii

Bike accidents can occur for numerous reasons, but they most frequently happen because the driver of a motor vehicle failed to pay full attention to their surroundings.

Some of the most common causes of bicycle accidents include:

  • Reckless or aggressive driving
  • Drunk driving
  • Texting and driving
  • Distracted driving
  • Failure to yield
  • Failure to obey traffic signals
  • Bad weather conditions
  • Damaged roads

What to Do If You’ve Been Hurt in a Bicycle Accident in Hawaii

If you’ve been injured in a bicycle accident in Hawaii, especially in areas like Honolulu, where motor vehicles and bicyclists often share the road, it’s crucial to take specific steps to protect your rights and seek compensation for your injuries. Here’s what you should do:

Seek Medical Attention

Your health and safety should be your top priority. Even if your injuries seem minor, seeking medical attention immediately is essential. Some bicyclist injuries may not be immediately apparent, and a medical professional can assess your condition thoroughly.

Contact Law Enforcement

Report the accident to the police, especially if it involves a negligent driver or a violation of traffic laws, such as running a stop sign. Their report will document the details of the accident, which can be valuable when filing a claim.

Gather Evidence

If possible, collect evidence at the scene of the accident. Take photos of the accident site, including any damage to your bicycle and the motor vehicle. Get contact information from any witnesses.

Consult with a Bicycle Accident Attorney

Consider contacting Recovery Law Center, experienced Honolulu bicycle accident attorneys specializing in personal injury cases. We can guide your legal options and help you navigate the complex process of seeking compensation.

Notify Your Insurance Company

Inform your insurance company about the accident, but consult with us before providing recorded statements or accepting settlements. Insurance adjusters may try to minimize your claim, but we can negotiate to ensure you receive the maximum compensation.

Document Your Injuries and Expenses

Keep thorough medical treatment records, including doctor’s visits, prescriptions, and rehabilitation therapy. Also, keep track of any expenses related to the accident, such as lost wages and property damage.

Don’t Admit Fault

Avoid making statements that could be interpreted as admitting fault for the accident. Even if you believe you may have contributed to the accident, the fault is often complex and determined by various factors. Let your attorney handle discussions of liability.

File a Personal Injury Claim

Your attorney can help you file a personal injury claim against the negligent driver’s insurance company to seek compensation for your injuries, pain and suffering, lost wages, and other damages.

Top Bicycle Accidents FAQs

What rights do bicyclists have on Hawaii roads?
In Hawaii, bicyclists have the same rights as drivers of motor vehicles. This means you have the right to use public roads and deserve the same consideration as other road users. When riding on roadways, you may occupy the full lane if conditions make it unsafe to ride on the right side. Hawaii law treats bicyclists as drivers of vehicles, giving them most of the same rights and responsibilities as motorists. Bicyclists on streets or public highways are defined as vulnerable users and are covered under Hawaii's Vulnerable User Law. Hawaii protects vulnerable users by providing a statutory basis for tougher prosecution when motorists injure cyclists. Despite having these legal rights, many motorists disregard cyclists, which can lead to serious injuries and fatalities.
How does Hawaii’s no-fault insurance system apply to bicycle accidents?
Hawaii's no-fault insurance system creates unique challenges for bicycle accident victims. Unlike motorists who are required to carry no-fault insurance, bicyclists typically don't have their own PIP (Personal Injury Protection) coverage unless they also own a motor vehicle. This means that injured cyclists often must rely on the motorist's insurance or pursue claims outside the no-fault system. If you're seriously injured in a bicycle accident caused by a negligent driver, you can typically step outside the no-fault system to pursue full compensation directly from the at-fault motorist, especially since bicycle accidents often result in injuries that exceed the $5,000 threshold or cause permanent disfigurement or disability.
What are the most common causes of bicycle accidents in Honolulu?
The most frequent causes of bicycle accidents in Honolulu include: Motorist negligence such as failing to see cyclists, following too closely, or making unsafe turns; Distracted driving including texting, phone use, or other distractions that prevent drivers from noticing cyclists; Dooring incidents where parked car occupants open doors into the path of oncoming cyclists; Right-of-way violations at intersections where drivers fail to yield to cyclists who have the legal right to proceed; Unsafe passing where motorists pass cyclists too closely or without adequate space; and Poor road conditions including potholes, debris, or inadequate bike lane maintenance. Understanding these common causes helps establish liability and demonstrates the need for experienced legal representation to investigate all contributing factors.
What compensation can I recover after a bicycle accident in Hawaii?
Bicycle accident victims may recover comprehensive compensation including: Medical expenses covering emergency room visits, hospitalization, surgery, rehabilitation, and future medical care; Lost wages and earning capacity for time missed from work and reduced future earning ability; Pain and suffering for physical pain, emotional distress, and mental anguish; Property damage for bicycle repairs or replacement and damaged personal belongings; Permanent disability or disfigurement compensation; and Loss of life enjoyment for inability to participate in activities you previously enjoyed. The financial stress associated with medical bills and the emotional stress over how you will care for your family can be overwhelming, which is why securing maximum compensation is crucial for your recovery and your family's financial security.
What should I do immediately after a bicycle accident in Hawaii?
After ensuring your safety and calling 911, you should: (1) Seek immediate medical attention even if injuries seem minor, as adrenaline can mask serious injuries and some conditions may not appear immediately, (2) Document the scene by taking photos of your bicycle, the vehicle involved, road conditions, traffic signals, and visible injuries, (3) Gather information including the driver's contact information, insurance details, license plate number, and contact information from any witnesses, (4) File a police report to create an official record of the incident, (5) Preserve evidence by not repairing your bicycle until it's been photographed and inspected, (6) Avoid admitting fault or making statements about the accident, and (7) Contact an experienced bicycle accident attorney immediately to protect your rights and begin building your case.
How do I prove liability in a Hawaii bicycle accident case?
Proving liability in bicycle accidents requires demonstrating that the motorist breached their duty of care to share the road safely with cyclists. Key evidence includes: Police reports documenting the accident scene and any citations issued; Witness testimony from people who saw the accident occur; Traffic camera or surveillance footage if available; Physical evidence from vehicle damage, bicycle damage, and road conditions; Expert accident reconstruction to demonstrate how the accident occurred; Traffic law violations showing the driver violated right-of-way rules or other traffic regulations; and Medical records linking your injuries directly to the accident. At Recovery Law Center, we have the necessary experience to determine who was liable for an accident, and we will seek to hold them accountable for paying the maximum damages you need to recover.
How long do I have to file a bicycle accident claim in Hawaii?
In Hawaii, you have two years from the date of the bicycle accident to file a personal injury lawsuit against the responsible party. However, it's crucial to take action much sooner than this deadline. Insurance claims should be filed promptly, and evidence can be lost or destroyed over time. Witness memories fade, surveillance footage may be deleted, and physical evidence can disappear. Additionally, the sooner you contact an attorney, the sooner they can begin investigating your case, preserving evidence, and building a strong claim. If your bicycle accident resulted in a fatality, different deadlines may apply for wrongful death claims, making immediate legal consultation even more critical.
Why should I hire a bicycle accident lawyer in Honolulu instead of handling the claim myself?
Bicycle accident cases present unique challenges that require specialized legal knowledge and experience. Insurance companies often try to blame cyclists or minimize payouts by arguing that cyclists shouldn't have been on the road or violated traffic laws. An experienced attorney understands Hawaii's specific bicycle laws, the rights of cyclists as vulnerable road users, and how to counter these common defenses. At Recovery Law Center, we understand how much a bike accident can impact your life and treat you like we would treat our own family. We answer all your questions, explain what to expect, and advocate aggressively for the maximum compensation you deserve. We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we recover money for you, allowing you to focus on healing while we handle the complex legal process and fight for your rights.

Contact Us for Legal Help After a Bike Accident in Hawaii

If someone else’s carelessness caused your bike accident, let the Recovery Law Center help. You deserve a legal team who will fight aggressively for you.

Attorney Glenn Honda and our legal staff are ready to assist you with all aspects of your legal claim. Schedule a consultation with us to find the right solution for your case.

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