After Getting Injured In An Accident In Hawaii Know What To Do

Immediate Steps at the Accident Scene

Man on the phone looking distressed after a car accident, with two damaged vehicles and a woman in the background

Right after an accident, your actions matter. First, call the police so a report can be filed. This police report documents the following:

The identity of the driver involved

The condition of the accident scene

Traffic signals

The vehicles involved

Any immediate signs of serious injury

Stay calm and remain at the scene until officers arrive. While waiting, exchange insurance information with the other driver and collect contact information from everyone involved. This includes full names, phone numbers, and license plate numbers. If possible, take pictures of the damage and road conditions.

Do not admit fault or discuss who may be responsible. Even saying “I’m sorry” can be misunderstood by an insurance company. If there are witnesses, also ask for their phone numbers. Their statements may help determine fault later.

In any car crash, even the smallest details matter. Write down what you remember as soon as you can. This includes weather conditions, the number of vehicles involved, and the sequence of events. These notes will be important when you meet with your car accident lawyer.

Seek Medical Attention and Track Medical Expenses

After the accident, your health must be your top priority. Even if you feel fine, some injuries like internal bleeding or concussions may not show right away. Visit a doctor as soon as possible. This step also creates medical records that demonstrate the injury was caused by the accident, not by some other factor.

If you wait too long, the insurance company may question whether the car crash caused your injuries. Always follow your doctor’s instructions and attend all scheduled follow-up visits. Make sure to keep track of the following:

Doctor’s appointments
Prescriptions
Out-of-pocket costs

These records are key when you’re filing a car accident claim or seeking compensation for medical expenses.

Hawaii law requires all drivers to carry personal injury protection (PIP). This coverage pays for reasonable medical treatment after a crash, no matter who was at fault. But PIP has limits, and serious injuries often go beyond what it covers. That’s when a personal injury attorney can step in.

Make sure to save receipts, bills, and any written instructions from medical providers. If your injuries prevent you from working, keep a record of the days you miss. This will help your car accident attorney calculate future lost wages during your injury claim.

Reporting the Accident to the Insurance Company

Once you’ve taken care of your health and contacted the police, it’s time to report the accident. Contact your insurance company as soon as possible. They may ask for:

Police report
Photos of the damage
Details about the other driver

Stick to the facts and don’t guess about fault or injuries. You should also expect a call from the other driver’s insurance company. Be careful what you say. You do not have to give a recorded statement without legal help. Some insurance adjusters may request phone verification or pressure you into a quick settlement. It’s okay to refer them to your personal injury lawyers instead.

Keep track of every contact with the insurance carrier. Write down who you spoke with, what was said, and when. This record can help later if there’s a dispute. Never confirm a valid phone number or agree to anything before speaking to a car accident lawyer.

Doctor writing notes on a clipboard at a desk, with a stethoscope around their neck and medical tools nearby

Understanding Personal Injury Protection (PIP) and Medical Bills

In Hawaii, personal injury protection (PIP) coverage pays for medical expenses following a crash, regardless of who is at fault. Every car insurance policy includes this coverage. It covers:

Doctor visits
Hospital bills
Medication
Lost income

However, if you have severe injuries, PIP may not be enough. Once your medical bills go beyond your PIP limits, you can file a legal claim against the at-fault driver. That’s when it helps to have a personal injury lawyer who understands car accident cases and how to seek compensation beyond PIP.

If you’re not sure how much your PIP covers, check your policy or ask your car accident attorney. Some policies also cover payment for services such as transportation or home care during your recovery.

Keep in mind that expenses related to your injuries, like future medical treatment or physical therapy, may not be covered unless you file a separate injury claim. An experienced attorney can review your case, organize your medical records, and help recover compensation that reflects the true cost of your injuries.

Working With a Personal Injury Attorney After a Car Accident

Lawyer in a suit discussing legal documents with a client at a desk, with a gavel and notepads nearby

Hiring a personal injury lawyer helps you focus on healing while your legal team handles the claim. At Recovery Law Center, we assist clients with every part of the legal process. From contacting insurance carriers to collecting medical records, we do the heavy lifting so you don’t have to.

During your free consultation, we’ll ask questions about the accident scene, injuries, vehicles involved, and whether you’ve spoken with any insurance company. Based on that, we can explain what to expect and how we can help.

It’s important to act quickly. The sooner your attorney gets involved, the easier it is to collect evidence and prevent mistakes, like missing deadlines or sharing the wrong information with the insurance adjuster.

Your car accident attorney will also guide you through legal steps, whether it’s settling your car accident claim or preparing a lawsuit. If you’ve received a settlement offer that doesn’t seem fair, your attorney can review it and suggest your next move. From start to finish, we strive to secure fair compensation and support your recovery in accordance with Hawaii law.

Determining Fault and Building a Legal Claim

In Hawaii, establishing fault isn’t always simple. Even if the other driver admits fault, insurance companies still conduct their own investigations. Your personal injury attorney will look at every detail, from the police report to any photos or videos of the accident scene. They’ll also review witness statements and any traffic signal violations.

Determining fault involves more than just pointing fingers. Your legal team must show how the other driver’s actions caused the accident. This may include analyzing damage to the vehicles, reviewing cell phone records, or consulting with accident reconstruction experts.

Once the fault is apparent, your lawyer will build a compensation case. If there are multiple involved parties or other vehicles in the crash, the claims process becomes more complex, but your lawyer will handle all communication and paperwork. An experienced car accident attorney helps you build a solid claim using all pertinent information.

Call Recovery Law Center to Take Immediate Action for Your Accident Case in Hawaii

If you’ve been injured in an accident in Hawaii, don’t wait to get help. Protect your health, gather evidence, and consult with a car accident lawyer as soon as possible. At Recovery Law Center, we guide individuals through the entire legal process, from the initial call to the final settlement.

Whether it’s filing an insurance claim, fighting for fair compensation, or handling phone verification problems, we’re here to support you. Call us at (808) 515-6972 or schedule a free consultation online today to speak with an attorney who will take your injury seriously and guide you every step of the way.

Just want to Thank Glen Honda, Jolie and the Recovery Law Center for being supportive caring and having my back from the beginning to the end of my journey. They handled every little detail of my case and always took the time to email, call and or check on me. I am grateful for all of their efforts and hard work. Mahalo.

Daune Judd

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What To Do After Getting Injured In An Accident In Hawaii

Immediate Steps at the Accident Scene