Hawaii Accident Attorney

Hawaii accident attorney

Hawaii is another beautiful place to stay in and taking a long drive on the meandering roads can be fun. But at the same time it is very important that you should be aware of the other drivers also. It is believed that in Hawaii there is an auto accident every fifteen minutes. If you are found at fault in an accident in Hawaii beware you can charged with a heavy penalty. It is best to seek legal advice if you are caught in an accident.

If you get caught in an accident in Hawaii then the most important thing is to remain calm and composed. If you are not injured seriously then check the other passengers for injury. If you are aware of the first aid procedures then provide the person with first aid. Do not leave the scene of the accident but move further away and turn the emergency flashlights on to warn the oncoming traffic.

The next step should be to call the police and inform them about the accident. Wait till the police come and exchange information with the other driver. Get the name and address of the other driver, his license number, the make of his car and the name and address of his insurance agent. If there are any witnesses to the accident then take down their names and details. The next thing you should do is examining your vehicle as well as the other drivers? vehicle for the damages.

Remember never to accept your fault even if think you are at fault because if you make any statement it can be used against you in the future. Moreover you may be unaware of certain circumstances involved in the accident that can make the other person more responsible for the situation. It is always advised not to discuss the accident with anyone else except your lawyer or insurance agent. The last thing you should inform your local or state authorities according to the laws of the state.

Accident attorney in Hawaii

If you meet with an accident in Hawaii you should contact a well-qualified accident attorney who can help you out in getting the deserved compensation.

In cases of accidents you are supposed to provide your lawyer with information regarding the conditions under which the accident took place. The circumstances in which the accident took place plays a major role in Hawaii accident cases. There are certain factors like speed; weather conditions, road conditions, traffic signals etc are taken into consideration.

The lawyer in most of the cases investigates the accident by

interviewing the witnesses so that your statement can be authenticated. According to the Hawaii accident laws you are liable to get compensation from the other party in case the negligence and fault of the other driver is established. Because of this reason it is very essential that you seek legal advice.

The compensation for which the lawyer would claim includes both economic as well as non-economic losses. He will look for compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, any extra treatment that you have to undergo because of injuries caused as a result of the accident.

Hawaii also follows the No Fault law. Under this law regardless of the fault your personal injury protection insurer is liable to pay for your damages. This law does not include motorcycle owners. This is compulsory coverage in Hawaii insurance packages.

The statute of limitation in Hawaii is for two years i.e. you can file a claim for compensation for the damages caused within two years of the date of the accident. Though in some cases the time period can be extended.

Don?t forget to ask your lawyer about the fees structure that he charges. Be sure to ask him about the upfront fees. Generally, the first meeting is free of cost.

The types of charges that the lawyer can charge include:

Contingency fees this is the type that most of the lawyers charge. Under this if the lawyer is successful in winning your case then he receives one-third of your compensation amount; if he looses the case then he does not get anything. But you may have to pay the filing fees.

The other types include

Hourly fees ? this is based on the experience of the lawyer Retainer fees ? under this you need to make an escrow account where in you pay in advance and the lawyer takes his hourly fees according to his rates timely from this account.

The lawyer will help you in dealing with your insurance agent. He will direct you on how to deal with the arguments that the insurance agent comes up with. Most of the times the insurance agent does not give the full compensation. They convince the victim to settle for a lesser amount. Your lawyer will help you out in such situations.

Looking for a accident lawyer in Hawaii

Whenever you are involved in an accident it is best to get legal advice. Looking for a lawyer in Hawaii is not a difficult task. You can start by getting referrals from friends and family members. You can also look over the Internet. It is flooded with information. You can also try contacting lawyers with the help of the local BAR association.

Remember when you select a lawyer you should always check for his past experience. Check with your local BAR association whether he has been ever been penalized or have there been any complaints against him. Also always keep in mind to be honest with your lawyer. Even if you are at fault he can help you out with the legal formalities of the insurance company.