Car accidents on Oahu happen fast. The effects last years. Whether you’re navigating the H1 freeway during rush hour, Honolulu’s downtown streets, or scenic routes like the Kamehameha Highway, a collision changes everything. When someone else’s negligence causes your injuries, Recovery Law Center fights to recover the compensation you deserve.
Why You Need an Oahu Car Accident Lawyer
Oahu’s unique challenges—from the congested H1 corridor to winding North Shore roads—require legal representation that understands local conditions. Our attorneys handle cases involving tourist rental car accidents, commercial vehicle collisions, intersection accidents, highway crashes, and weather-related incidents. We investigate the accident, negotiate with insurers, and take your case to trial when necessary while you focus on healing.
Car Accident Statistics in Oahu
The Hawaii Department of Transportation reports concerning trends:
- 102 traffic fatalities statewide in 2024 (10% increase from 2023)
- 55 deaths in Honolulu County by August 2025, surpassing all of 2024
- 42 pedestrian and bicyclist fatalities in 2024, including a 61% increase in pedestrian deaths
- Speeding, impairment, and reckless driving remain major factors
- Alcohol-related fatalities continue above the national average
Common Causes of Car Accidents in Oahu
Distracted Driving: Texting, GPS navigation, taking photos of scenery, and eating while driving lead to preventable crashes.
Impaired Driving: Despite strict DUI laws, alcohol and drug-related accidents remain prevalent, especially near entertainment districts and among tourists.
Speeding and Reckless Driving: Excessive speed on H1, H2, and H3 freeways, racing on Kalanianaole Highway, and aggressive rush hour driving cause serious collisions.
Weather-Related Factors: Heavy rainfall, flash flooding, slippery roads, and high winds create dangerous conditions year-round.
Tourist-Related Accidents: Unfamiliarity with local roads, rental car issues, intersection confusion, and travel fatigue contribute to accidents involving visitors.
Types of Car Accidents and Injuries We Handle
Our attorneys have experience with rear-end collisions, head-on crashes, side-impact accidents, multi-vehicle pile-ups, hit-and-runs, rollover accidents, and pedestrian and bicycle incidents.
Common injuries include:
- Head and Brain Injuries: Traumatic brain injury, concussions, skull fractures, cognitive impairments
- Neck and Spinal Injuries: Whiplash, herniated discs, spinal cord injuries, paralysis
- Chest and Internal Injuries: Rib fractures, internal bleeding, organ damage
- Orthopedic Injuries: Broken bones, torn ligaments, joint dislocations, crush injuries
- Psychological Injuries: PTSD, anxiety, depression, driving phobia
What Are Hawaii’s Car Accident Laws?
No-Fault Insurance System: Hawaii requires your own insurance to pay for injuries up to your Personal Injury Protection limit, regardless of fault. You can sue the at-fault driver if injuries meet the serious injury threshold.
Modified Comparative Negligence: You can recover damages if you’re less than 51% at fault. Your compensation reduces by your percentage of fault.
Statute of Limitations: You have two years from the accident date to file a personal injury lawsuit.
Minimum Insurance Requirements: Hawaii requires $20,000 per person for bodily injury, $40,000 per accident, $10,000 for property damage, and Personal Injury Protection coverage.
Compensation Available for Car Accident Victims
Economic Damages: Medical expenses, lost wages, lost earning capacity, property damage, rehabilitation costs, assistive devices, and home modifications.
Non-Economic Damages: Pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, loss of companionship, and permanent disability or disfigurement.
Punitive Damages: Awarded in cases of extreme negligence or intentional misconduct to punish wrongdoers and deter similar behavior.
Your claim’s value depends on injury severity, work impact, long-term medical needs, fault degree, and available insurance coverage.
Steps to Take After a Car Accident in Oahu
At the Scene:
- Call 911 and request medical assistance
- Move to safety if possible
- Document everything with photos
- Exchange information with all parties
- Collect witness contact information
- Don’t admit fault—stick to facts
After the Accident:
- Seek medical attention promptly
- Contact your insurance company
- Keep all medical records and bills
- Don’t sign anything from the other driver’s insurance
- Avoid social media posts about the accident
- Contact an experienced attorney
How Recovery Law Center Handles Your Case
Thorough Investigation: We review police reports, analyze medical records, consult accident reconstruction experts, examine physical evidence, and investigate the other driver’s history.
Aggressive Negotiation: Our attorneys understand insurance company tactics and won’t accept lowball offers.
Trial-Ready Representation: We prepare every case for trial, strengthening our negotiating position and ensuring we’re ready to fight in court.
Personalized Attention: Every client receives regular updates and clear explanations of their options at every stage.
What Our Clients Say
Mary Ellen O’Connor: “Glenn is a caring attorney. If you need an injury lawyer you have the right place with Recovery Law Center.”
Cory Wilson: “The entire team at Recovery Law Center went above and beyond to take care of me and my family after my wreck. They were caring and I would highly recommend them.”
Joseph Steinfeld: “RLC attorneys care about their clients and will always work in your best interest. I have been privileged to work with Glen Honda and his staff for more than 2 years as a co-counsel in many Maui fire cases and there are no better advocates for the rights of the injured.”
Areas We Serve on Oahu
Honolulu, Pearl City, Kailua, Kaneohe, Waipahu, Mililani, Aiea, Kapolei, Hawaii Kai, Waikiki, Downtown Honolulu, North Shore, West Oahu, Central Oahu, and surrounding areas.
Contact an Experienced Oahu Car Accident Lawyer Today
Don’t wait to seek legal help after a car accident. The sooner you contact us, the better we can protect your rights and build your case. Recovery Law Center understands the toll accidents take on victims and families, and we fight for the compensation you deserve while you focus on recovery.
Call Recovery Law Center today for a free consultation. We don’t get paid unless you do.
Located in Honolulu, serving all of Oahu and the Hawaiian Islands.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does hiring a car accident lawyer cost?
We work on a contingency fee basis—you pay no attorney fees unless we win. Free consultations available.
What if I was partially at fault?
Under Hawaii’s modified comparative negligence law, you can recover damages as long as you’re less than 51% at fault.
Should I accept the insurance company’s first offer?
No. Insurance companies typically offer low initial settlements. Have an attorney review any offer first.
What if the other driver doesn’t have insurance?
If you have uninsured motorist coverage, your policy can cover your damages. We help navigate these claims.
