Honolulu Injury Lawsuit
Personal Injury FAQ
- What should I do if I have been in an accident?
- I was not hurt right away in an accident, but some time has passed and now I think I might be hurt. What should I do?
- If I am seriously injured in an accident, are my medical expenses covered?
- What happens if my medical bills are higher than my insurance limit?
Q: What should I do if I have been in an accident?
A: If you have been in an automobile, bus, truck, or motorcycle accident, if you are able to, an important first step is obtaining as much information as possible. The names, addresses, and contact information of all of the drivers and vehicle owners involved in the accident, and any potential witnesses, can be a great help. You also want to get the insurance policy information from the other vehicles’ owners. Information about the accident scene such as the position of the cars, photographs of the scene, and weather and lighting conditions can also assist your case. if anyone was intoxicated, it is very helpful to find out where, so evidence can be preserved.
There are also other important steps to take after an accident. Report the accident to the police. Call an ambulance and get medical attention for yourself or anyone else who was hurt in the accident. Notify your insurance company and seek medical attention if you start experiencing any pain or discomfort after the accident. It is not unusual to feel OK right after the accident, and then start feeling significant pain one or two days later.
Q: I was not hurt right away in an accident, but some time has passed and now I think I might be hurt. What should I do?
A: It is not uncommon for an accident-related injury to become apparent only after some time has passed. That is why Hawaii law allows you at least two years to file a lawsuit after an accident (and often you can file after two years). If you are feeling discomfort after an accident, it could be the sign of a more serious injury, and you should seek medical treatment, as soon as possible.
Q: If I am seriously injured in an accident, are my medical expenses covered?
A: Hawaii is a no-fault insurance state. This means that no matter who is at fault, your insurance company is supposed to pay for your and your passengers’ medical bills (there are limits on that), up to your policy’s personal injury protection (PIP) limit. This also means you generally cannot sue or be sued unless the accident results in injuries that reach a certain threshold amount of incurred medical bills.
All Hawaii drivers must have car insurance with certain minimum coverage. Hawaii law requires your policy to cover a minimum of $10,000 in PIP benefits for paying medical expenses. Other mandatory coverage includes $20,000 per person/$40,000 per accident bodily injury liability. Additional coverage can be purchased for additional premium payments. Such insurance can be well worth it, and can help cover you in case the other driver has no insurance. I strongly urge everyone to purchase what is called UM/UIM insurance. this protects you if the driver who hit you is not insured, or does not have enough insurance to fairly compensate you.
Q: What happens if my medical bills are higher than my insurance limit?
A: In Hawaii, if you are seriously injured in an accident and the accident was not your fault, you may seek additional money from the other driver if your damages were higher than $5,000. At this point, the process can get confusing and at times frustrating, and even though Hawaii is a “no-fault” state, it is important to determine who was at fault in the accident. Additionally, you are dealing with injuries following the accident, so this can be an emotionally difficult time. This is when consulting with an experienced personal injury lawyer can help you understand your options, and simplify and expedite the process for you.
If you or a loved one has been seriously injured or killed in an accident, an experienced personal injury attorney in Hawaii can help you get the recovery you are entitled to, explain all of your options to you, and can help you return to the life you had before the accident.
To schedule a free consultation regarding a Honolulu personal injury lawsuit, contact the Law Offices of Jeff Crabtree at (866) 959-9370 or e-mail us here.
