Hit and Run Accident Lawyer

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Hit and Run Accident Lawyer in Waipahu, HI

Hawaii law requires all drivers to stop and remain at the scene after a car accident. But sometimes, drivers panic and illegally flee the scene, leaving victims to face the consequences alone.

People hurt in hit and run accidents never should have to bear the financial burden of another driver’s poor choices. If you were injured in a car crash, talk to a Waipahu hit and run lawyer at Recovery Law Center today. Our experienced legal team can help you pursue maximum compensation for your losses with as little stress to your life as possible. With law offices in Waipahu and Honolulu HI, we can provide the legal representation you deserve.

What Is a Hit and Run Accident in Waipahu?

Under Hawaii Revised Statutes § 291C-14, drivers must stop, provide information, and render aid as necessary if they are involved in a car accident in Waipahu that results in vehicle damage, injury, or death. When drivers flee the scene of an auto accident and fail to uphold their legal obligation, the accident is known as a hit and run.

Hit and run drivers can face criminal and civil penalties. Criminal convictions may result in punishments ranging from fines to Class B felony charges depending on the severity of the traffic accident. Some accident victims can also try to recover compensation from the responsible driver through a personal injury claim.

Visit our hit and run lawyer offices in Waipahu, HI

Common Causes of Waipahu Hit and Run Accidents

Hit and run drivers may flee the scene of a motor vehicle accident for one or several possible reasons, such as:

Driving under the influence: A drunk or drugged driver may flee to avoid being charged with operating a vehicle under the influence of an intoxicant (OVUII).
Driving without proper insurance: Uninsured or underinsured drivers may leave the scene of a hit and run accident if they fear the financial consequences of liability for the injuries or damage they cause.
Outstanding arrest warrants or tickets: A driver with active arrest warrants or multiple previous traffic tickets may flee the crash scene to avoid arrest or other legal consequences.
Other legal issues: Drivers may also hit and run due to other legal concerns, such as fear of deportation or fear of violating their parole restrictions.

What to Do After a Hit and Run Accident in Waipahu

If you were involved in a hit and run accident in Waipahu, you can protect your rights and your ability to recover compensation by:

Calling 911 and remaining at the scene: Don’t go after the driver. Remain at the scene and contact the police. You can fulfill your legal obligation and establish a paper trail for your claim by reporting the accident. Make sure to get a copy of the police report.
Gathering as much evidence as possible: Write down everything you can remember about the car crash, the other driver, and their vehicle. Take photos of the accident scene and visible damage or injuries. If any witnesses saw what happened, ask them for statements and contact information.
Seeking prompt medical attention: Accident victims should seek medical attention as soon as possible to ensure any hidden injuries don’t worsen. Be sure to follow through on any treatment advice from your doctor and attend all follow-up appointments.
Contacting your insurance company: As a no-fault auto insurance state, drivers turn to their own insurance companies first to cover injuries after a wreck. Your insurance company will pay for your injuries up to the Personal Injury Protection (PIP) limits on your policy. You could also be able to file a hit and run claim against the driver if you sustained a serious personal injury, as defined by Hawaii law. It’s best to speak with a hit and run lawyer before starting any talks with the insurance company.
Establishing a pain journal: It can be difficult to claim financial compensation for intangible losses, such as pain and suffering. You can support your claim by creating a pain journal to record the limitations you experience due to the car crash.
Keeping track of accident-related expenses: Save all medical bills, repair invoices, and proof of your crash-related expenses. These documents can help demonstrate the financial losses you incur due to the hit and run accident.
Contacting our Waipahu car accident lawyers: An experienced hit and run attorney can help you search for the hit and run driver to hold them accountable and maximize the compensation you receive from your no-fault insurance claim settlement.

Can I Get Compensation for a Hit and Run Accident?

Hawaii is a no-fault car insurance state, meaning accident victims typically rely on their own personal injury protection (PIP) insurance providers for compensation after a wreck, regardless of who was at fault.

However, if your injuries are severe, you may also be able to pursue compensation through your uninsured motorist (UM) policy. Drivers who flee the scene are classified as “uninsured drivers” for insurance purposes. Insurance companies must offer UM coverage to motorists, though drivers may decline this coverage in writing. If the hit and run driver is found, you may be able to file a personal injury lawsuit against them.

Depending on the limits of your insurance policy, the severity of your injuries, and whether you can identify the hit and run driver, you could potentially receive compensation for:

Medical bills: Most no-fault insurance policies will pay for your injuries and other passengers’ injuries up to certain limits. If your injuries are serious and/or exceed your PIP insurance limits, you may be able to pursue additional coverage for medical care through a UM insurance claim or lawsuit.
Repair or replacement costs: This includes the costs of repairing vehicle damage or replacing your car if it was a total loss. This type of compensation may also be available through either an insurance claim or an injury lawsuit.
Lost wages: You could recover compensation for losses you incur in your take-home pay from the time you miss work while healing from your injuries. If your injuries leave you with a long-term disability, you could also be entitled to compensation for losses in your lifetime earning potential.
Pain and suffering: PIP insurance does not cover non-economic losses, such as pain and suffering. However, if your injuries are serious, you may be able to receive pain and suffering compensation in a successful UM insurance claim or hit and run lawsuit.

Contact a Hit and Run Accident Lawyer in Waipahu, HI

If you were the victim of a hit-and-run accident in Waipahu, HI, you don’t need to face the road ahead alone. At Recovery Law Center, our car accident attorneys can help you pursue justice and seek rightful compensation for your hit and run case.

Our personal injury clients know that Attorney Glenn Honda and the entire legal team at Recovery Law Center are committed to providing the best possible results for each and every case. When you work with us, you get a Waipahu hit and run accident lawyer who cares about your claim and is dedicated to recovering fair compensation for you.

There’s nothing to lose and everything to gain by scheduling a free consultation. Call or contact us today.