Truck Accidents

Experienced Truck Accident Lawyer in Honolulu, HI

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In a typical car accident, injured people might face broken bones or lacerations. In a commercial truck crash, the impact can be far more devastating. Motor vehicle accident victims involved in collisions with commercial trucks often suffer spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, or even wrongful death. These outcomes place a heavy burden on survivors and family members.

Trucking companies, truck drivers, and others connected to commercial truck operations hold specific responsibilities. When a driver’s negligence leads to a wreck, it disrupts lives and forces families to adjust. Hawaiians rely on truck accident or personal injury lawyers to help them face these challenges, recover compensation for their losses, and hold a company responsible if it fails to follow proper rules.

How Our Honolulu Truck Accident Lawyers Can Help

Large semi-truck lies overturned off the road, with its trailer crushed against a guardrail near houses and trees

Trucking accidents are the most common form of personal injury claims. At Recovery Law Center, our truck accident attorneys work with those physically and financially affected by negligent drivers daily. We offer a professional perspective and moral support during a challenging time. Consider some of the specific tasks that our car or truck accident lawyers perform and how they may help you build a more substantial claim:

  • Handling communication with the insurance company and legal defense team
  • Investigating the accident and the other party to find evidence proving negligence
  • Taking care of administrative work, such as filing the necessary paperwork
  • Identifying recoverable damages from your accident, including any non-economic losses
  • Preparing your case for trial, should the insurance company fail to offer a fair settlement

Your claim is only as strong as the evidence you can provide. Our experienced Honolulu truck accident lawyer removes the burden of building a case so you can focus on healing. 

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I was referred by a friend that I worked with at Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa. I am beyond grateful that Glenn Honda from Recovery Law Center represented me & helped me with every single step & detail in my injury case. He & his legal team were so respectful, kind, & caring from the very beginning. Mr. Honda is the most genuine, patient, & hardest working Attorney that I have ever had in Hawaii. I was unfortunately hurt by a driver many years ago & the Attorney that helped me at that time did not fight for me. He was not consistent with his legal advice & counsel. I was just one of many clients & didn’t get the support needed in my case. In the end I was left with very little from the settlement. But with Mr. Honda, he not only is intelligent & knowledgeable in your case, he will fight for you & your family. He has the passion & tenacity to not give up until you have the best outcome for your case. He will look at every way possible to help you. He has the integrity needed & kept his word. He & his staff also took all the financial pressure off from the accident & the bills that came with it. They handled all the paperwork & were so supportive. Mr. Honda gave me many options of how he could help me in my specific case. He went above & beyond to achieve the best settlement offer for me & my family! I absolutely will always recommend him to my family, friends, & anyone needing help in an injury case. He & his team have exceptional service & if I ever need legal representation again in the future, he will definitely be the Attorney that represents me!
Deborah Au
Recovery Law Center's communication skills were great! They hold my hands every step during my difficult time. It was not easy to understand laws and regulations, but they explained clearly every time I asked. They really took care of me and I highly recommended Recovery Law Center to everyone!
Mayumi Yamanaka
Never gave up on me. Always made sure I was getting better. Kept in touch by mail and telephone calls. I would recommend anyone who needs an attorney to Mr. Glenn Honda.
Charlene Wong
Glen and his staff are incredible!!! We were in quite a jam for 9 months... They got the best results possible. They really reach out to those who need it. They stuck by our side the whole time... We are a new family starting out and without their help we would be sunk. Thank you Glen and George.
Elizabeth S.
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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Common Types of Truck Accidents

Every truck accident case is different. However, most occur under certain circumstances. These are the types of accidents truck accident lawyers see often:

  • Rear-end collisions: Commercial trucks’ excessive size and weight make rear-end truck accidents significantly more dangerous for standard passenger vehicles.
  • Rollovers: Truck trailers have a higher center of gravity, making them more susceptible to rollovers under various circumstances.
  • Wide-turn accidents: Right-hand turns require truck drivers to swing wide left, which can be dangerous for cars in the neighboring lanes.
  • T-bone accidents: Most T-bone truck accidents occur at intersections and can have devastating results.
  • Jackknife accidents: When the truck trailer swings to one side, folding like a jackknife, the driver loses control of the vehicle and typically causes a crash.

Causes and Contributing Factors

Tired truck driver yawns while gripping the steering wheel, wearing a cap and blue vest inside the vehicle's cabin

A truck accident can happen for many reasons. Some involve driver behavior, while others stem from poor maintenance or policies in the trucking industry. A few contributing factors include:

  • Distracted Driving: Texting, eating, or focusing on other devices distracts attention from the road.
  • Driver Fatigue: Long shifts or ignored hours-of-service rules may cause a lack of focus.
  • Improper Maintenance: Worn brakes, old tires, or other neglected repairs can lead to jackknife accidents or blowouts.
  • Negligent Hiring Practices: A trucking company that hires drivers without a commercial license or with a questionable record might be at fault.
  • Speeding or Aggressive Driving: Some truck drivers rush deliveries and put others in danger.
  • Unbalanced Loads: Improperly loaded cargo can sway trucks or tip over, risking serious injury.

Whether in a car or truck accident, your losses can be overwhelming. But truck crashes often present extra complications. A thorough investigation and a detailed police report can reveal how the driver’s negligence, company policies, or other factors caused the accident scene.

Severely damaged silver car is loaded onto a tow truck after an accident, with firefighters and a fire truck in the background

Who Is Liable in Commercial Truck Accidents?

When a collision happens, many parties could share responsibility:

  1. Truck Drivers: Some drivers make dangerous choices, like distracted driving or speeding. These actions can lead to collisions that injure others on the road.
  2. Trucking Company: A company might be liable if it pushes drivers to meet unrealistic schedules or overlooks safety practices. Negligent hiring practices and lack of proper training could also lead to a claim.
  3. Truck Manufacturers: Defective brakes, tires, or other components can contribute to semi-truck accidents. If these products fail, the manufacturer might bear some blame.
  4. Maintenance Providers: If a repair shop or in-house crew fails to perform proper inspections, those actions might cause mechanical malfunctions, leading to a wreck.
  5. Cargo Loaders: Improper loading can make trucks unstable. Unexpectedly shifting cargo can send the vehicle out of control, causing severe injuries to everyone involved.

Holding the at-fault party accountable helps with victims’ catastrophic injuries. It may be possible to pursue wrongful death claims if a loved one did not survive. Proving fault involves analyzing inspection records, employment files, medical records, and more. Accident reconstruction experts often play a significant role in pinpointing the exact cause and identifying each entity that should be part of the claim.

Recoverable Damages in a Truck Accident Case

Tort law involves the recoverable financial, physical, and emotional losses sustained from a personal injury as compensatory damages. In a truck accident case, typical examples of these economic and non-economic losses include:

  • Necessary medical expenses, including the cost of current and future treatments
  • The loss of income due to missed work and loss of earning capacity
  • The cost of repairing or replacing your damaged property
  • The physical and emotional pain and suffering endured from the accident and the resulting injuries
  • The cost of replacement services, such as household help

The adequate valuation of non-economic losses that truck accident lawyers can offer may drastically increase your claim’s and settlement’s value.

Why Legal Representation Matters

After a collision with a commercial truck, it is tempting to handle things alone. Some people assume their person’s insurance company will pay out quickly. However, auto accidents involving large vehicles are more complicated. A dedicated legal team can do more than process paperwork. They look for:

  • Evidence of driver’s negligence. This might include phone records, trucking logs, or witness accounts.
  • Negligent hiring practices: If the company is responsible for employing drivers without a valid commercial license or overlooked red flags, it might increase liability.
  • Insurance coverage details. Commercial truck policies often have large limits, which does not guarantee an easy process. Insurance adjusters may attempt to minimize payouts.
  • Third-party liability. Sometimes, multiple entities share faults. Law firms conduct thorough research to see who should be held accountable.
  • Complex compensation issues. A truck accident case can involve personal injury claims, wrongful death claims, or property damage. Negotiating with multiple insurance companies can be time-consuming. Car accident attorneys and truck accident attorneys alike help clients organize medical records, gather evidence, and meet legal deadlines.

When you hire a truck accident lawyer, you can focus on healing from physical pain and emotional distress. Meanwhile, your attorney works to achieve a fair settlement or to pursue litigation if needed. Truck accident claims differ from regular auto accidents. They involve many regulations for truck drivers, maintenance requirements, and other details. Having qualified personal injury lawyers who understand these aspects can make a major difference.

Top Truck Accidents FAQs

What makes truck accidents more serious than regular car accidents in Hawaii?
Truck accidents are significantly more devastating than typical car accidents due to the massive size and weight difference between commercial trucks and passenger vehicles. While car accidents might result in broken bones or lacerations, truck crashes often cause catastrophic injuries including spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, or even wrongful death. Commercial trucks can weigh up to 80,000 pounds when fully loaded, compared to the average passenger car weighing around 3,000 pounds. This enormous weight disparity means that the impact forces in truck accidents are exponentially greater, leading to more severe injuries, extensive property damage, and longer recovery times for victims.
Who can be held liable in a commercial truck accident in Hawaii?
Multiple parties can share responsibility in a commercial truck accident, making these cases more complex than typical auto accidents. Potentially liable parties include: (1) Truck drivers who make dangerous choices like distracted driving or speeding, (2) Trucking companies that push drivers to meet unrealistic schedules, overlook safety practices, or engage in negligent hiring, (3) Truck manufacturers if defective brakes, tires, or components contribute to the accident, (4) Maintenance providers who fail to perform proper inspections or repairs, and (5) Cargo loaders who improperly load trucks, making them unstable. Determining liability requires analyzing inspection records, employment files, medical records, and often involves accident reconstruction experts to identify each entity that should be part of the claim.
What are the most common types of truck accidents in Honolulu?
The most frequent types of truck accidents our Honolulu attorneys handle include: Rear-end collisions, which are particularly dangerous due to commercial trucks' excessive size and weight; Rollover accidents, where truck trailers' higher center of gravity makes them susceptible to tipping; Wide-turn accidents, occurring when trucks swing wide left for right-hand turns and strike cars in neighboring lanes; T-bone accidents at intersections with devastating results; and Jackknife accidents, where the trailer swings to one side like a folding jackknife, causing the driver to lose control. Each type presents unique challenges and requires specific expertise to prove negligence and liability.
How does Hawaii’s no-fault insurance law apply to truck accidents?
While Hawaii is a no-fault insurance state, truck accidents often involve injuries severe enough to exceed the threshold requirements, allowing victims to step outside the no-fault system. In Hawaii, you can pursue a claim against the at-fault truck driver if your medical bills exceed $5,000 or if the accident causes permanent disfigurement or disability. Given the severity of most truck accidents, victims frequently meet these thresholds, enabling them to seek full compensation from the responsible parties. Additionally, commercial trucks typically carry much higher insurance policy limits than regular passenger vehicles, potentially providing greater compensation for serious injuries.
What compensation can I recover in a Hawaii truck accident case?
If your case meets the threshold to step outside Hawaii's no-fault system, you may recover various types of damages including: Economic damages such as necessary medical expenses (current and future treatments), loss of income due to missed work, loss of earning capacity, cost of repairing or replacing damaged property, and replacement services like household help; Non-economic damages including physical and emotional pain and suffering, permanent disability or disfigurement, and loss of quality of life. Commercial truck policies often have large limits (sometimes $1 million or more), which can provide substantial compensation for catastrophic injuries. The adequate valuation of non-economic losses can drastically increase your settlement's value.
What should I do immediately after a truck accident in Hawaii?
After ensuring safety and calling 911, you should: (1) Document everything - take photos of all vehicles, the accident scene, road conditions, and visible injuries, (2) Gather information - collect contact and insurance information from all parties and witnesses, (3) Seek immediate medical attention even if you feel fine, as some serious injuries may not be immediately apparent, (4) Avoid admitting fault or making statements about the accident to insurance companies without legal guidance, (5) Preserve evidence - don't repair your vehicle until photographed and inspected, and (6) Contact an experienced truck accident attorney immediately. Time is critical in truck accident cases because evidence like trucking logs, GPS data, and driver records can be lost or destroyed if not preserved quickly.
How long does it take to resolve a truck accident case in Hawaii?
Truck accident cases typically take longer to resolve than regular car accidents due to their complexity. The timeline varies based on several factors: the severity of injuries, the number of parties involved, whether fault is disputed, the extent of investigation required, and whether the case settles or goes to trial. Simple cases might resolve in 6-12 months, while complex cases involving catastrophic injuries, multiple liable parties, or disputed liability could take 18 months to several years. The investigation alone can take months, as it involves analyzing trucking logs, maintenance records, driver qualifications, and potentially requires accident reconstruction experts. Our team works diligently to resolve cases as efficiently as possible while ensuring maximum compensation.
Why do I need a specialized truck accident lawyer in Honolulu?
Truck accident cases involve numerous federal and state regulations that don't apply to regular car accidents, making specialized knowledge essential. Commercial trucking is governed by complex rules regarding hours of service, vehicle maintenance, driver qualifications, and cargo loading. Our experienced attorneys understand these regulations and know how to investigate violations that may have contributed to your accident. Additionally, trucking companies and their insurance carriers have dedicated legal teams working to minimize payouts. We level the playing field by conducting thorough investigations, preserving critical evidence like electronic logging data and maintenance records, and understanding the complex insurance coverage structures typical in commercial trucking. This specialized expertise often makes the difference between a minimal settlement and full compensation for your catastrophic injuries.

Contact an Experienced Honolulu Truck Accident Attorney

If you or someone you love suffered severe injuries in a Honolulu truck accident, do not wait to reach out for help. At Recovery Law Center, our experienced truck accident lawyer in Honolulu is ready to support your path toward compensation. From analyzing the accident scene to negotiating with insurance adjusters, we treat your case with focus and care. We understand how a motor vehicle accident can upend your life.

Schedule a consultation with us and let our Honolulu truck accident lawyer handle the complex details so that you can focus on healing and rebuilding your life.

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