Car Accident Statistics in Waipahu, Hawaii

Despite the best efforts of state officials, motor vehicle accidents happen all too frequently in Waipahu and throughout Hawaii. Car crash statistics paint a grim picture. Honolulu Police Department data shows Oahu recently saw more than 50 traffic deaths in a recent year. Another 49 collisions sent victims to hospitals in critical condition.

Car accidents will continue to happen as long as drivers engage in careless or reckless behavior on the road. When a negligent driver seriously injures others, those victims may be entitled to recover compensation for their losses through a personal injury claim or lawsuit.

If you or a loved one suffered injuries in a Waipahu car crash, let the car accident attorneys at Recovery Law Center help you hold the responsible party accountable for their actions. For more than 25 years, personal injury lawyer Glenn Honda and his team have fought for the rights and interests of residents and tourists injured in motor vehicle accidents throughout Oahu.

Contact us today for a free consultation with a compassionate Waipahu car accident attorney. We’ll review the details of your case with you and explain how our firm may be able to help you pursue compensation for your injuries and losses.

Leading Causes of Car Accidents in Waipahu

Causes of Car Accidents in WaipahuThere’s no single cause of car crashes in Waipahu. However, Hawaii is notorious for speed-related accidents. Statistics show that since 2012, an average of 46 percent of fatal car crashes involved speeding.

Impaired driving also plagues the state. According to the most current Hawaii Strategic Highway Safety Plan, Hawaii ranks fourth in the nation for its number of fatal impaired-driving crashes. Other data shows that 59 percent of traffic fatalities tested for intoxication in a recent year were positive for alcohol, drugs, or both.

Other common causes of collisions in Hawaii include:

  • Distracted driving
  • Reckless driving
  • Aggressive driving or road rage
  • Tailgating
  • Running red lights or stop signs
  • Ignoring other traffic controls
  • Drowsy or fatigued driving
  • Driver inexperience
  • Unsafe lane changes
  • Wrong-way crashes
  • Lack of vehicle maintenance
  • Defective auto parts
  • Poor road conditions
  • Dangerous road/intersection design
  • Bad weather
  • Low lighting

Hawaii Car Crash Statistics

Car Crash StatisticsAccording to the Hawaii Department of Transportation, the state experienced a total of 108 vehicle-related fatalities in a single recent year. Of these deaths, 48 percent were attributed to speeding.

In the City and County of Honolulu specifically, the same year saw 14 motor vehicle occupants killed in traffic crashes. An additional 19 pedestrians died, eight motorcyclists were killed, and two bicyclists suffered fatal injuries.

The Federal Highway Administration further reports that 537 people were seriously injured in Hawaii traffic accidents during the same year. That’s a rate of 4.87 serious injuries per 100 million vehicle miles traveled.

Driver Attitudes and Behavioral Statistics

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Hawaii Department of Transportation (HIDOT) published findings from a behavioral survey assessing residents’ thoughts on the biggest risks for car wrecks in Hawaii. It also asked drivers what kinds of behaviors they engaged in while behind the wheel.

According to the findings:

  • 58 percent of respondents thought that “texting while driving” represented the second biggest safety issue on Hawaii roads.
  • 31 percent identified talking on the cell phone while driving as a serious safety risk.
  • 92 percent of respondents correctly identified that the law prohibits holding a mobile device while operating a motor vehicle, even if stopped at a red light or stop sign.
  • 68 percent of respondents reported that the threat of causing an accident and injuring someone had the largest deterrent effect on them engaging in distracted driving.
  • 17 percent said that concerns about being ticketed stopped them from cell phone use while driving.
  • Less than 10 percent of drivers said that the increase of insurance rates or the embarrassment of being pulled over would deter them from distracted driving.

Common Car Accident Injuries

Common Car Accident InjuriesExamples of injuries that vehicle occupants may suffer in car crashes include:

  • Deep cuts
  • Bruising
  • Broken bones
  • Dislocated joints
  • Sprains and strains
  • Soft tissue injuries
  • Whiplash
  • Neck and back injuries
  • Spinal cord trauma
  • Nerve damage
  • Internal injuries and internal bleeding
  • Paralysis
  • Facial injuries
  • Head injuries and traumatic brain injury (TBI)
  • Amputation
  • Burns

Sadly, many serious injuries prove fatal for accident victims. If you’ve lost a loved one in a Waipahu car accident, a wrongful death lawyer at Recovery Law Center can discuss your options for pursuing compensation from the at-fault party.

Compensation After a Waipahu Car Accident

Compensation After a Waipahu Car AccidentHawaii personal injury laws allow crash victims to recover compensation for damages such as:

  • Costs to repair or replace your vehicle
  • Cost for medical treatment, including emergency room visits, surgery, prescription medications, co-pays for doctor visits, and physical/occupational therapy
  • Long-term care expenses, if the crash leaves you with permanent disabilities
  • Lost wages
  • Reduced earning capacity
  • Pain and suffering
  • Lost enjoyment or quality of life

To file a personal injury lawsuit against the negligent party, you must be able to prove that your injuries meet a “serious injury threshold” set by Hawaii law. An experienced car accident attorney at Recovery Law Center can investigate your claim to determine whether you qualify.

Get Help From a Car Accident Lawyer in Waipahu, HI Today

If you were injured in a car crash in Waipahu, you need legal help right away. Don’t settle with the insurance company until you’ve talked to a car accident attorney at Recovery Law Center.

Our legal team will handle all aspects of preparing and pursuing your car accident case, including investigating the crash, identifying at-fault parties and all potential sources of compensation for you, documenting your losses, bringing in expert witnesses and specialists, and negotiating for a fair and full settlement on your behalf. While most personal injury claims settle, our attorneys won’t hesitate to take your case to trial if we believe that’s the best way to recover the money you deserve.

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

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