Car Accident Statistics in Hawaii
Every year, transportation officials set a goal to reduce the number of traffic fatalities on Hawaii roadways to zero. Unfortunately, the most current car accident statistics indicate that the state needs to reach that goal.
The Hawaii Department of Transportation (HDOT) released the latest traffic fatality data for 2023, reporting 92 fatalities from motor vehicle collisions as of December 13th. This marks a decrease from the 112 fatalities recorded by the same time in 2022. HDOT continues to emphasize safe driving habits to prevent accidents and save lives on the roads.
If you or a loved one was hurt in a crash, the car accident lawyers in Honolulu at Recovery Law Center could help you pursue the compensation you need to rebuild your life.
Hawaii Car Crash Statistics
As of 2022, the Hawaii Department of Transportation has shared comprehensive annual reports detailing fatality statistics related to various types of road accidents.
- 116 Traffic Fatalities
- 572 Serious Injuries in Traffic Crashes
- 1.14 Fatalities/100M VMT
- 19 Unrestrained Passenger Vehicle Occupant Fatalities, All Seat Positions
- 25 Alcohol-Impaired Driving Fatalities
- 48 Speeding-Related Fatalities
- 33 Motorcyclist Fatalities
- 20 Unhelmeted Motorcyclist Fatalities
- 8 Young Driver Fatalities
- 28 Pedestrian Fatalities
- 7 Bicyclist Fatalities
The reports show that road safety is a complex issue that requires immediate action. Government, law enforcement, policymakers, and the public must work together to develop effective measures to decrease traffic deaths and injuries.
Behavioral Statistics on Car Accidents
A recent survey by HDOT in Hawaiʻi shows encouraging signs of improved driving behavior, with fewer speeding and DUIs among truck drivers and more people choosing sober drivers. However, motorcycle fatalities remain a concern, comprising 29% of traffic-related deaths, averaging over two per month in 2023. Bicyclist fatalities also reached a record high of nine.
Here are some essential safety guidelines from HDOT to keep everyone on the road safe:
- Motorists should check mirrors and blind spots, signal turns, and maintain distance.
- Bikers must wear high-visibility gear, positioning themselves for visibility and moderating speed.
- Adopt safe behaviors like tolerance for mistakes, sharing the road, minimizing distractions, and avoiding speeding are crucial for safety.
HDOT appreciates the public’s efforts and urges responsible driving and respect for all road users.
What are the Types of Compensation for Car Accident Injuries?
Being injured in a crash can have life-altering consequences. Victims who suffer catastrophic injuries, such as a traumatic brain injury or spinal cord injury, could face a lifetime of medical costs, disabilities, or long-term impairments.
Even in accidents where a full recovery is expected, healing could require months off work and the inability to perform routine tasks or participate in daily activities for some time. The greater the injury, the more important it is for victims to contact an experienced car accident lawyer.
Fortunately, Hawaii law allows car accident victims to pursue compensation for these losses.
In a successful car accident claim, you could recover the following:
- Medical expenses
- Rehabilitation, like physical therapy and occupational therapy
- Lost wages
- Lost earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Property damage
Family members of people killed in a Hawaii car accident may be entitled to file a wrongful death claim if someone else’s negligence caused the death. Wrongful death compensation can cover:
- Funeral and burial costs
- Medical expenses for the deceased before their death
- Loss of companionship
- Loss of future income and benefits
- Loss of marital care and attention
- Loss of parental care and affection
- Pain and suffering
- And more
Compensation for Catastrophic Car Accident Injuries
After a car accident, obtaining full and fair compensation is more complex than filing a claim and getting an insurance payout and may involve other obstacles.
For example, Hawaii is a no-fault auto insurance state. That means accident victims must seek compensation from their insurer before filing a claim against the other driver. However, they may still be able to sue if their injuries meet a certain threshold set by state law. Here are some key points to consider:
No-Fault Insurance
Hawaii is a no-fault state, meaning that after a car accident, each driver’s insurance company typically pays for their medical expenses and other economic losses, regardless of who was at fault for the accident. This coverage is provided under Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance.
Minimum Insurance Requirements
Hawaii requires all drivers to carry minimum auto insurance coverage, including $10,000 in PIP coverage and $20,000 per person/$40,000 per accident in bodily injury liability coverage.
Comparative Negligence
Hawaii follows the legal principle of comparative negligence, which means that if you are partially at fault for the accident, your compensation may be reduced by the percentage of fault assigned to you.
Additional Compensation
In severe injuries or the damages exceed PIP coverage limits, individuals may pursue additional compensation by filing a claim against the at-fault driver’s liability insurance or a personal injury lawsuit.
Damages
Compensation in a car accident case may include medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, pain and suffering, and other related losses. The exact amount of compensation will vary based on the specific circumstances of the accident and the extent of the damages.
Statute of Limitations
Knowing the statute of limitations for filing a car accident claim in Hawaii is essential. The deadline for filing a personal injury lawsuit is typically two years from the accident date.
Legal Assistance
Seeking the advice of a qualified personal injury attorney can be beneficial in navigating the claims process, especially if there are disputes over fault or if the case involves serious injuries.
How Can Recovery Law Center Help Me?
Determining if you can sue is something you should handle with others. Let a Honolulu car accident lawyer from Recovery Law Center assist you. We’ll help you prepare your claim and negotiate for the most compensation possible for your injuries and losses from the crash.
When you choose us, you get a legal team dedicated to your well-being—physically, financially, and emotionally. We’ll build a solid case to tackle any challenges from insurance companies and connect you with top-notch medical care to aid your recovery.
We also take the weight off your shoulders. Our lawyers will handle all aspects of the claims process, so you don’t have to worry about dealing with insurance adjusters. Once you partner with us, we’ll handle it all, allowing you to focus on healing.
Schedule a free consultation with us, your Honolulu car accident lawyer, to gain valuable insights without risk.
