1. Recovery Law Center
Practice Focus: Motorcycle accidents, moped accidents, car accidents, truck accidents, pedestrian accidents, wrongful death, personal injury
Case Types Handled: Motorcycle vs. car collisions, motorcycle vs. truck collisions, left-turn motorcycle accidents, intersection motorcycle accidents, hit-and-run motorcycle accidents, drunk driver motorcycle accidents, distracted driver accidents, uninsured motorist motorcycle accidents, wrongful death motorcycle cases
Legal Services: Negligence investigation, accident reconstruction, insurance claim negotiation, PIP claims handling, uninsured/underinsured motorist claims, litigation, trial representation, settlement negotiations, medical expense recovery, lost wage claims, pain and suffering damages, wrongful death claims
Background: Glenn Honda has been helping motorcycle accident victims in Hawaii for more than 20 years. The firm’s personal injury attorneys have experience pursuing maximum compensation through satisfactory settlements or favorable verdicts. Works with health care insurers, motorcycle insurers, personal automobile insurers, health care providers, and all necessary experts to increase client financial recovery. Licensed and in good standing with the Hawaii State Bar.
Location: Honolulu, Hawaii
Contact: https://recoverylawcenterhawaii.com
Consultation: Free consultations available. Contingency fee arrangement (no fees unless compensation is secured).
2. Law Office of Jon S. Jacobs, LLLC
Practice Focus: Motorcycle accidents, car accidents, personal injury, wrongful death, premises liability
Case Types Handled: Motorcycle vs. car collisions, motorcycle vs. truck collisions, intersection motorcycle accidents, left-turn motorcycle accidents, distracted driver motorcycle accidents, drunk driver motorcycle accidents, lane change motorcycle accidents, hit-and-run motorcycle accidents, wrongful death motorcycle cases
Legal Services: Negligence investigation, insurance claim negotiation, litigation, trial representation, settlement negotiations, medical expense recovery, lost wage claims, pain and suffering damages, wrongful death claims
Background: Jon S. Jacobs has over 20 years of experience fighting for clients’ interests against insurance companies. Experienced in handling motorcycle accident claims and helping victims reduce the stress of filing claims while maximizing settlements. Licensed and in good standing with the Hawaii State Bar.
Location: Honolulu, Hawaii
Contact: (808) 468-6484 | https://www.jonsjacobs.com
Consultation: Free consultations available. Contingency fee arrangement.
3. Daniel T. Pagliarini AAL
Practice Focus: Motorcycle accidents, car accidents, truck accidents, pedestrian accidents, personal injury, wrongful death
Case Types Handled: Motorcycle vs. car collisions, motorcycle vs. truck collisions, right-of-way violation motorcycle accidents, hit-and-run motorcycle accidents, drunk driver motorcycle accidents, distracted driver accidents, road hazard motorcycle accidents, wrongful death motorcycle cases
Legal Services: Negligence investigation, accident reconstruction, evidence preservation, insurance claim negotiation, litigation, trial representation, settlement negotiations, medical expense recovery, lost wage claims, pain and suffering damages, wrongful death claims
Background: Attorney Pagliarini is experienced in handling complex motorcycle accident litigation. Understands that approximately two-thirds of motorcycle accidents are caused by larger vehicles violating motorcyclists’ right of way. Works efficiently to begin investigations and preserve vital information quickly after accidents. Licensed and in good standing with the Hawaii State Bar.
Location: Honolulu, Hawaii
Contact: https://injurylawhawaii.com
Consultation: Free consultations available. Contingency fee arrangement.
4. Miyashita & O’Steen
Practice Focus: Motorcycle accidents, car accidents, truck accidents, personal injury, wrongful death, slip and fall accidents
Case Types Handled: Motorcycle vs. car collisions, motorcycle vs. truck collisions, intersection motorcycle accidents, drunk driver motorcycle accidents, distracted driver accidents, negligent driver motorcycle accidents, fatal motorcycle accidents, wrongful death motorcycle cases
Legal Services: Negligence investigation, evidence gathering, insurance claim negotiation, litigation, trial representation, settlement negotiations, medical expense recovery, lost wage claims, pain and suffering damages, punitive damage claims, wrongful death claims, burial expense recovery
Background: Fierce advocates for clients, working tirelessly to get full compensation for losses. Represents clients throughout Hawaii who have been hurt in all types of accidents including motorcycle crashes. Can provide ballpark estimates of case value during free initial consultations. Licensed and in good standing with the Hawaii State Bar.
Location: Honolulu, Hawaii
Contact: https://molawhawaii.com
Consultation: Free consultations available. Contingency fee arrangement.
5. Trecker Fritz & Williams, Attorneys at Law
Practice Focus: Motorcycle accidents, moped accidents, car accidents, personal injury, wrongful death
Case Types Handled: Motorcycle vs. car collisions, motorcycle vs. truck collisions, moped accidents, intersection motorcycle accidents, drunk driver motorcycle accidents, distracted driver accidents, negligent driver motorcycle accidents, wrongful death motorcycle cases
Legal Services: Negligence investigation, insurance claim negotiation, litigation, trial representation, settlement negotiations, medical expense recovery, lost wage claims, pain and suffering damages, wrongful death claims
Background: The firm has more than 150 years of combined legal experience. Received the Best Law Firms award from Best Lawyers in two practice areas. Regional Tier 1 ranking in Personal Injury Litigation for Plaintiffs. One of the only personal injury focused law firms with a location in Lihue, Kauai. Licensed and in good standing with the Hawaii State Bar.
Location: Honolulu, Hawaii (also Lihue, Kauai)
Contact: https://www.treckerfritzlaw.com
Consultation: Free consultations available. Contingency fee arrangement (no fee unless you win your case).
Motorcycle Accident Laws and Regulations in Hawaii
Statute of Limitations for Personal Injury Claims: Two years from the date of the accident under Hawaii law. Missing this deadline results in losing the right to pursue legal action.
Statute of Limitations for Wrongful Death Claims: Two years from the date of death.
Fault vs. No-Fault State: Hawaii is a no-fault insurance state. Injured parties must first file claims with their own insurance for Personal Injury Protection (PIP) benefits up to $10,000 per person. Negligence claims against at-fault drivers are permitted when injuries exceed certain thresholds or when medical expenses exceed PIP limits.
Comparative Negligence Rules: Hawaii follows a modified comparative negligence system. You can recover damages if you are less than 51% at fault for the accident. Your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. If you are 51% or more at fault, you are barred from recovery.
Minimum Motorcycle Insurance Requirements:
Bodily Injury: $20,000 per person / $40,000 per accident
Property Damage: $10,000 per accident
Personal Injury Protection (PIP): $10,000 per person
Helmet Laws: Hawaii has a partial helmet law. Only riders and passengers under 18 years of age are required to wear helmets. Adults 18 and over are not required to wear helmets. However, all riders must wear eye protection if the motorcycle does not have a windshield or windscreen.
Eye Protection Requirements: Required if the motorcycle does not have a windshield or windscreen providing adequate eye protection.
Lane Splitting/Lane Filtering: Lane splitting is ILLEGAL in Hawaii. Motorcyclists may not ride between lanes of traffic.
Motorcycle Licensing Requirements: Hawaii requires a Class 2 motorcycle license or a motorcycle endorsement on your driver’s license. You must pass a knowledge test and on-cycle skills test.
Motorcycle Equipment Requirements: Motorcycles must have rearview mirrors, headlights, taillights, turn signals, and a muffler.
Helmet Use as Evidence: If you are over 18 and not wearing a helmet while involved in an accident, your decision not to wear a helmet could be seen as negligence, potentially affecting your recovery under comparative negligence principles.
Damage Caps: Hawaii does not have caps on compensatory damages in personal injury cases. Punitive damages are available in cases involving wanton, intentional, or reckless conduct.
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage: Available and recommended. Provides coverage when at-fault drivers lack adequate insurance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How long do I have to file a motorcycle accident lawsuit in Hawaii?
A: Hawaii has a two-year statute of limitations for personal injury and wrongful death claims. This deadline begins on the date of the accident for injury claims and on the date of death for wrongful death claims. Missing this deadline will result in your case being dismissed and you will lose your right to pursue compensation. It is advisable to contact an attorney as soon as possible after an accident to ensure evidence is preserved and your rights are protected.
Q: Do I have to wear a helmet when riding a motorcycle in Hawaii?
A: Hawaii has a partial helmet law. If you are under 18 years of age, you must wear a helmet. Riders 18 and older are not required by law to wear a helmet. However, all motorcycle operators must wear eye protection (goggles, safety glasses, or face shield) unless the motorcycle is equipped with a windshield or windscreen that provides adequate eye protection. If you are injured and were not wearing a helmet, this could be used as evidence of negligence, potentially reducing your compensation.
Q: How does Hawaii’s no-fault insurance system affect motorcycle accident claims?
A: Hawaii is a no-fault state, which means your own Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance will cover certain expenses related to motorcycle accident injuries up to $10,000 per person regardless of who was at fault. Medical bills will be paid up to the PIP limit. However, if your medical bills exceed the PIP limits or if you suffer serious injuries, you are entitled to have an attorney file a claim for additional expenses and for pain and suffering against the driver responsible for the accident.
Q: Can I still recover damages if I was partially at fault for my motorcycle accident in Hawaii?
A: Under Hawaii’s modified comparative negligence system, you can recover damages if you were less than 51% at fault for the accident. Your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you are found 30% at fault and awarded $100,000, you would receive $70,000. However, if you are found to be 51% or more at fault, you are completely barred from recovering any damages.
Q: What compensation can I recover in a Hawaii motorcycle accident case?
A: Hawaii motorcycle accident victims may recover economic damages including medical expenses (past and future), lost wages, loss of earning capacity, property damage to your motorcycle, and rehabilitation costs. Non-economic damages include pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, and disfigurement. In cases involving wanton, intentional, or reckless conduct, punitive damages may also be available. Your PIP insurance will cover immediate medical expenses up to $10,000, and additional damages can be pursued through a negligence claim against the at-fault party.