Hawai‘i has a well-deserved reputation as a tropical paradise. It is little wonder, then, that Hawai‘i is such a popular tourist destination. In 2024 alone, nearly 10 million people visited the Aloha State.
While Hawai‘i is undeniably a great place to vacation, it also comes with certain risks. In addition to the types of incidents that can happen anywhere, like car accidents, there are also dangers associated with recreational activities, like boating, surfing, swimming, scuba diving, and ATV riding. If you get hurt while on vacation in Hawai‘i, our Honolulu personal injury lawyers will represent your best interests long after you return home and help you get the compensation that you deserve.
Miyashita & O’Steen represent both Hawaiians and tourists who are hurt in all types of accidents across Hawai‘i. Whether you have been hurt in Hilo, Honolulu, Kahului, Kailua-Kona, Līhuʻe, Pearl City, Waimea, or Waipahu, we will fight to get you maximum compensation for your injuries. To learn more or to schedule a free consultation with a Honolulu personal injury attorney, contact our law offices today.
Common Causes of Accidents in Hawai‘i
While Hawai‘i is a paradise, it still has certain dangers…just like anywhere else in the world. In fact, unintentional injuries are a leading cause of death in Hawai‘i. This includes things like falls, motor vehicle crashes, pedestrian accidents, drownings, and motorcycle accidents.
Of course, the unique nature of Hawai‘i means that there are also other risks that may not be present in other states. With 137 islands making up the Hawaiian chain (including the 8 main islands of Hawai‘i, Maui, O‘ahu, Kauai, Molokaʻi, Lānaʻi, Niʻihau, and Kaho‘olawe), there is simply a different way of living here. We also have a steady stream of tourists to the state, many of whom might be unfamiliar with the potential dangers on Hawai‘i’s waters, beaches, mountains, and streets.
For example, car accidents are a major concern in Hawai‘i because tourists drive rental cars that they may not feel comfortable operating on roads that are foreign to them. This can increase the risk of motor vehicle accidents.
Hawai‘i also has a lot of recreational opportunities for tourists and locals alike that can be dangerous. This includes:
- Boating
- Moped riding
- Surfing
- Jet skiing
- Parasailing
- Scuba diving
- Snorkeling
- Swimming in pools and the ocean
- ATV riding
- Ziplining
- Riding in helicopters
- Horseback riding
- Hiking
If you are hurt while engaging in a recreational activity in Hawai‘i, our law firm can help. We are adept at representing tourists who are injured on vacation in Hawai‘i. We can handle your case for you after you return to your home state or country, working hard to get you the compensation that you are entitled to under Hawai‘i law.
What Should You Do If You Are Hurt While on Vacation in Hawai‘i?
If you are injured while visiting Hawai‘i, there are certain steps that you can take to protect yourself and your legal rights. Keep in mind that this advice is based on your ability to do each of these things. If you are seriously injured, then you probably won’t be able to get the names of witnesses or take pictures and videos of the area.
The first thing that you should do after an accident is get medical attention as soon as possible. This may involve calling 911 for an ambulance or visiting urgent care or the emergency department after the injury. Getting medical treatment is crucial because there are often injuries that may not immediately be obvious (especially if you are in shock).
Immediate medical care helps you get the proper diagnosis and treatment. It also establishes a link between your accident and the injuries that you suffered. Too often, insurance companies try to claim that a person’s injuries were pre-existing or caused by something else. When you get medical attention promptly, it helps to create a connection that can be important evidence in a personal injury claim.
Second, report the incident to the appropriate person. Depending on how and where you are hurt, this might mean filing a report with the owner of the property or attraction, or simply filing a report with the local police by calling 911.
Third, if you are able to do so, start to gather evidence. You can do this by taking photos and videos of the accident scene and your injuries. You can also get the names and contact information of any witnesses who may have seen what happened.
Fourth, while you are still in Hawai‘i, you should schedule a free consultation with an experienced personal injury attorney. Having local counsel is incredibly important when it comes to these types of claims. They will be able to thoroughly investigate the case by:
- Gathering police reports
- Seeking photos and videos of the accident scene
- Talking to local experts
- Interviewing witnesses
- Collecting medical records
They will also be able to start negotiations with local insurance adjusters, working towards getting you a settlement that represents the true value of your losses. If the insurance company will not offer you a fair settlement, they can also file a lawsuit in the appropriate local court.
Most personal injury lawsuits are resolved without going to trial. That being said, Hawai‘i has a 2-year statute of limitations for most personal injury cases. Filing a lawsuit is often necessary to protect your legal rights and ability to pursue a claim.
You will need local counsel to file that lawsuit and go through the next steps in the litigation process, such as exchanging information during the discovery process and attending court hearings. Even if your case is resolved before trial, having a Honolulu personal injury lawyer is key to representing your best interests while you are recuperating at home.
Our law firm regularly represents tourists who are injured while on vacation in Hawai‘i. We take extra care to make sure that our clients are fully informed of what is happening in their cases so that they have peace of mind that their case is being handled appropriately. For both locals and tourists, we will work hard to help you get the compensation that you deserve for your injuries.
Hurt on Your Hawaiian Dream Vacation? Give Us a Call for a Free Consultation.
The last thing that anyone wants to deal with while on vacation is an injury. If you do find yourself hurt after an accident in Hawai‘i, we will advocate for you within the Hawai‘i legal system and help you get maximum compensation for your injuries. We handle all personal injury cases on a contingency fee basis, which means that you will never pay a fee unless we recover money for you.
Based in Honolulu, Miyashita and O’Steen represent clients throughout all Hawaiian islands who have been hurt in all types of accidents, including car crashes, medical malpractice, dangerous products, and recreational activities. We offer experienced, compassionate legal representation to our clients, working hard to get them the best possible outcome. To learn more or to schedule a free initial consultation with a Honolulu personal injury law firm, call our law firm at 808-300-0068 or fill out our online contact form.
