Best Motorcycle Accident Lawyers in Honolulu, HI

FAQs

• What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Honolulu, Hawaii?

  For non-emergency issues or if you need any type of assistance, such as for homeless concerns, abandoned vehicles, or parking issues, you can report them to the Honolulu Police Department at (808) 529-3111 or via the free Honolulu 311 app.

• Where can you get a copy of the police report for the accident in Honolulu, Hawaii?

  You can visit the Records and Identification Division of the Honolulu Police Department at 801 S. Beretania Street, Honolulu, Hawaii 96813, to ask for a copy of a police report. The Records Section is unavailable on weekends and federal/state holidays. Requests for police reports may take up to 10 business days to be processed by the Records Division.

• What are the most common causes of motorcycle accidents in Honolulu?

  Faulty motorcycles, damaged roads, dangerous weather, failure to obey traffic rules, and driving while distracted are all common causes of motorcycle accidents in Honolulu. Motorcycle accidents are common, accounting for roughly two-thirds of all accidents yearly because larger vehicles fail to yield the right of way to motorcyclists. To avoid an accident, the motorcycle may swerve in this situation. Because this usually results in a collision with another vehicle or an immovable object, proving fault may be difficult if the at-fault driver flees the scene.

• Is a helmet required when riding a motorcycle in Honolulu?

  In Honolulu, if you are under the age of 18, you must wear a helmet when driving or riding a motorcycle. If you are over the age of 18 and your motorcycle lacks a windshield or windscreen, you must wear goggles, safety glasses, or a face shield. If you get into an accident and then file a personal injury claim against the driver who was at fault, your decision to ride without a helmet could be construed as negligence.

• How do you file a motorcycle accident injury lawsuit in Honolulu?

  When seeking compensation for motorcycle accident injuries in Honolulu, you must follow a specific procedure. Claims may be filed in both state and federal courts. Each county has a court of state jurisdiction. Honolulu County is home to a federal courthouse. The lawsuit process includes filing a complaint, notifying the defendant of the lawsuit, reviewing the answers to the allegations, gathering evidence to support claims, and settling or going to trial.

• How do you determine who is at fault in a Honolulu motorcycle accident?

  Hawaii is a state with comparative faults. If there are multiple parties involved in an accident in Honolulu, this law specifies how compensation should be divided. When more than one person is to blame, each person's percentage of blame is given. You can still be compensated if you were less than 51% to blame for the accident. You will not be compensated if you are more than 51% to blame. For example, if you contributed to the accident, your payment will be reduced. If the accident cost $10,000 and you were 5% at fault, you would receive $9,500.

• What do you need to know about motorcycle accident insurance in Honolulu?

  Honolulu requires motorcycle and scooter owners to have liability insurance. The operator or motorcycle or scooter must carry a valid I.D. Motorcycle liability policies must cover $25,000 per person in bodily injury. This covers injury and death claims. It must also have a $10,000 property damage liability per incident for careless driving damage to other vehicles or property. Motorcycle insurance requires a motorcycle or motor scooter license. Learners must complete a State Department of Transportation-approved motorcycle education course to get insurance.

• What does a motorcycle accident attorney do?

  Motorcycle accident attorneys provide legal advice, negotiate with insurance companies, and represent accident victims in and out of court. They investigate the cause of collisions, establish fault, value claims, prepare legal documents, and fight to recover adequate compensation for their clients. Most lawyers in this practice area also handle car and truck accidents and other personal injury claims.

• What is my motorcycle accident injury claim worth?

  Injured motorcyclists may be eligible for several types of compensation depending on their losses, state of residence, and level of fault. Whether or not they were wearing a helmet may also come into play. A lawyer can help to evaluate claims based on medical expenses, property damage, past and future lost wages, loss of earning capacity, pain and suffering, and emotional trauma.

• How long after a motorcycle accident can you claim an injury?

  The statute of limitations for personal injury claims is typically two years from the date of the accident. However, each state has its own rules. In Tennessee and Louisiana, for example, victims of motorcycle accidents have just one year to file a lawsuit. In Maine, Minnesota, and North Dakota, individuals have up to six years to initiate a claim.

• What is the average settlement for a motorcycle accident injury?

  Based on eight years of national data, the average verdict in motorcycle accident cases ranges from $74,000 to $560,000. Also note that the majority of claims are settled out of court. Riders may receive compensatory damages for medical bills, property damage, and lost wages, as well as general damages for emotional trauma, pain and suffering, and loss of consortium. Additionally, in states that follow a comparative negligence model, the plaintiff’s claim may be reduced according to his or her level of fault.

• What is the first thing I should do after a motorcycle accident?

  The steps that you take immediately after a collision can be instrumental in proving an accident or injury claim. In general, you should follow these guidelines:

  • Gather insurance and contact information from the other driver and any witnesses.
  • Contact law enforcement to report the collision and complete an accident report.
  • Document injuries, property damage, and road conditions.
  • Visit a doctor or hospital within 24 hours.
  • Avoid discussing the accident with the other driver or their insurance company.

  
  

• How does the motorcycle injury claim process work?

  Motorcycle accident cases typically start with an insurance claim. After documenting their client’s losses and establishing fault, attorneys generally prepare a demand letter requesting compensation from the other driver’s insurance company. It can take anywhere from one to six months for insurance adjusters to make a settlement offer. If the company denies the claim or the parties can’t reach an agreement, the lawyer can prepare a notice of intent to sue and file a formal lawsuit with the appropriate court.

• How do many motorcycle crashes happen?

  The most common causes for motorcycle collisions are drunk driving, exceeding the speed limit, and left turns. In 42% of all motorcycle collision fatalities, another vehicle turned left in front of an oncoming motorcycle. Motorcycle accidents are also caused by dangerous road conditions, such as crumbling pavement, debris in the road, and potholes. Other factors that contribute to motorcycle accidents include unsafe lane changes, sudden stops, lane splitting, inexperienced drivers, motorcycle defects, and car doors opened in the path of a motorcycle.

• How many motorcyclists get into accidents?

  In 2017, of the over 8 million motorcycle riders that year, approximately 89,000 were injured in motorcycle accidents and over 5,000 motorcycle collisions resulted in fatalities. The fatality rate for 100 million miles driven is 25.67, which is largely attributed to the lack of helmet use. Most fatal crashes involving motorcycles happened during the heaviest traffic times between 3 p.m. and 9 p.m.

• Are motorcycles more dangerous than cars?

  Motorcycles are more dangerous than cars because they lack any protection for the rider in the event of an accident. Motorcyclists are 27 times more likely to die in a crash and more than five times more likely to be injured than those riding in enclosed vehicles. Because of their small size, motorcycles’ lack of visibility is a major contributing factor in collisions with other vehicles. Motorcycles are also more vulnerable to weather conditions and road hazards than other automobiles.

• How do you check a motorcycle after a crash?

  For a minor crash with no injuries, the immediate danger is being struck again by oncoming traffic, so moving your bike off of the road as soon as possible is imperative. Check your mirrors, brake lights, headlight, and controls. You should also check to make sure there is no leaking fluid, such as fuel or oil.