Truck accident
Truck Accident Attorneys in Honolulu, Hawaii
The firms in this guide
- Potts and Potts Call Potts and Potts: (808) 537-4575
- Recovery Law Center Call Recovery Law Center: (808) 202-2211
- Law Office of Jon S. Jacobs, LLLC Call Law Office of Jon S. Jacobs, LLLC: (808) 367-1125
- Leavitt, Yamane and Soldner Call Leavitt, Yamane and Soldner: (808) 523-5080
- Rosenberg McKay Hoffman Call Rosenberg McKay Hoffman: (808) 529-4500
1. Potts and Potts
Practice Focus: Truck accidents, semi-truck accidents, commercial vehicle accidents, tractor-trailer accidents, delivery vehicle accidents, construction truck accidents, catastrophic injuries from truck accidents, wrongful death from truck accidents
Case Types Handled: Rear-end truck collisions, jackknife accidents, T-bone truck crashes, rollover accidents, driver fatigue accidents, brake failure accidents, improper loading accidents, cargo shift accidents, distracted driving accidents, impaired driving accidents
Legal Services: Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSA) compliance investigation, trucking company negligence claims, driver negligence claims, hours of service violation investigation, vehicle maintenance investigation, cargo securement investigation, insurance claim negotiation, litigation, trial representation, settlement negotiations, wrongful death claims, medical expense recovery, lost wage claims, pain and suffering claims
Background: Dennis W. Potts has over five decades of practicing personal injury law in Honolulu and has handled countless truck accident cases. Dennis Potts holds an AV rating from Martindale-Hubbell, reflecting exceptional legal expertise and ethical standards. Trevor Potts continues the family’s legal tradition with strong expertise in Hawaii’s modified comparative negligence system and FMCSA regulations. Reported results include a $1.2 million settlement for a rear-end truck collision, $850,000 for a jackknife accident victim, and $600,000 for a T-bone truck crash victim.
Location: 841 Bishop Street, Suite 1628, Honolulu, HI 96813
Contact: (808) 537-4575 | https://www.pottsalc.com/
Consultation: Free consultation available
2. Recovery Law Center
Practice Focus: Truck accidents, commercial vehicle accidents, semi-truck accidents, tractor-trailer accidents, personal injury, wrongful death from truck accidents, catastrophic injuries
Case Types Handled: Truck collisions, rear-end accidents, rollover accidents, jackknife accidents, driver fatigue accidents, distracted driving accidents, improper maintenance accidents, cargo securement failures, brake failure accidents
Legal Services: FMCSA compliance investigation, trucking company negligence claims, driver negligence claims, evidence gathering, insurance claim negotiation, litigation, trial representation, settlement negotiations, wrongful death claims, pain and suffering claims, medical expense recovery, lost wage claims
Background: Recovery Law Center has been helping injured victims throughout Hawaii for more than 25 years. The firm has earned recognition including Hawaii’s Best 2025 Award. Attorney Glenn T. Honda is the founding attorney and is committed to delivering compassionate yet results-oriented legal services. The firm focuses on getting maximum compensation for accident victims and handles communication with insurance companies on behalf of clients.
Location: Honolulu, Hawaii (serves all Hawaiian Islands)
Contact: (808) 202-2211 | https://recoverylawcenterhawaii.com/
Consultation: Free consultation available
3. Law Office of Jon S. Jacobs, LLLC
Practice Focus: Truck accidents, commercial vehicle accidents, tractor-trailer accidents, catastrophic injuries from truck accidents, traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, wrongful death from truck accidents
Case Types Handled: Truck collisions, rear-end accidents with trucks, head-on truck collisions, rollover accidents, driver fatigue accidents, distracted driving accidents, speeding truck accidents, impaired driving accidents, improper maintenance accidents
Legal Services: FMCSA compliance investigation, trucking company negligence claims, driver negligence claims, expert witness consultation, insurance claim negotiation, litigation, trial representation, settlement negotiations, wrongful death claims, catastrophic injury claims, medical expense recovery, lost wage claims
Background: Jon S. Jacobs has decades of legal experience and has helped countless clients navigate injury claims. Since 2013, the firm has been representing clients in Honolulu County and surrounding areas. Attorney Jacobs has unique experience as a former deputy prosecutor and insurance defense attorney, providing insight into how insurance companies approach cases. The firm has recovered tens of millions of dollars for clients involved in vehicular accidents.
Location: Honolulu, Hawaii (serves Honolulu County and Hawaiian Islands)
Contact: (808) 367-1125 | https://www.jonsjacobs.com/
Consultation: Free initial consultation available
4. Leavitt, Yamane and Soldner
Practice Focus: Truck accidents, commercial vehicle accidents, tractor-trailer accidents, heavy truck accidents, catastrophic injuries from truck accidents, traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, wrongful death from truck accidents
Case Types Handled: Semi-truck accidents, tractor-trailer collisions, delivery truck accidents, construction truck accidents, rear-end truck collisions, rollover accidents, jackknife accidents, driver fatigue accidents, improper maintenance accidents
Legal Services: FMCSA compliance investigation, commercial driver log review, safety record investigation, truck maintenance record analysis, trucking company negligence claims, driver negligence claims, insurance claim negotiation, litigation, trial representation, settlement negotiations, wrongful death claims, catastrophic injury claims, consultation with medical experts
Background: Leavitt, Yamane and Soldner attorneys have extensive experience handling truck accident cases in Hawaii. The firm understands the unique complexities of truck accident cases compared to standard car accidents. Their attorneys conduct extensive investigations immediately after crashes, including review of commercial driver logs, safety records, and truck maintenance records. The firm consults with highly qualified medical experts to assess the full extent of compensation needed for future care and treatment.
Location: Honolulu, Hawaii
Contact: (808) 523-5080 | https://lyslaw.com/
Consultation: Contact firm for consultation information
5. Rosenberg McKay Hoffman
Practice Focus: Truck accidents, semi-truck accidents, tractor-trailer accidents, 18-wheeler accidents, commercial vehicle accidents, catastrophic injuries from truck accidents, wrongful death from truck accidents
Case Types Handled: Commercial truck accidents, delivery truck accidents, cargo truck accidents, rear-end truck collisions, rollover accidents, jackknife accidents, driver fatigue accidents, distracted driving accidents, impaired driving accidents
Legal Services: FMCSA compliance investigation, trucking company negligence claims, driver negligence claims, insurance claim negotiation, litigation, trial representation, settlement negotiations, wrongful death claims, medical expense recovery, lost wage claims, pain and suffering claims
Background: Rosenberg McKay Hoffman has been focusing on personal injury representation since 1995. The firm has helped thousands of truck accident victims and has seen the life-altering effects of truck accidents firsthand. The team of attorneys has more than 100 years of combined experience. The firm provides one-on-one attorney attention rather than handling cases through assistants. Attorneys are always available for updates on claims.
Location: Honolulu, Hawaii
Contact: (808) 529-4500 | https://www.rmhlawhawaii.com/
Consultation: Free, confidential, no-obligation consultation available
Driver Qualifications, the No-Fault Tort Threshold and Wrongful Death Damages in Honolulu Truck Crash Claims
In Honolulu, the carrier’s driver file and inspection records can show whether a qualified driver was operating an inspected truck. Hawaii law first decides whether a tort claim is allowed under its no-fault threshold, then sets the comparative negligence bar and the damages a family can recover after a fatal crash.
Who May Drive
Except as provided in subpart G, 49 CFR 391.11(b) requires a commercial driver to be at least 21, able to read and speak English sufficiently, able by experience or training to operate the vehicle safely, physically qualified, holding a currently valid commercial license issued by only one jurisdiction, not disqualified, and to have passed a road test or hold a license or certificate the carrier accepted as equivalent.
When Hawaii Allows a Tort Claim
Under HRS 431:10C-306(a) and (b), tort liability for accidental harm from motor vehicle accidents in Hawaii is abolished except where the accident causes death, a significant permanent loss of use of a part or function of the body, a permanent and serious disfigurement causing mental or emotional suffering, or personal injury protection benefits incurred that equal or exceed $5,000. Ask counsel whether the truck crash injuries meet one of those exceptions before planning a claim against the carrier.
Accident Register and Annual Inspection
Under 49 CFR 390.15(b), the carrier keeps an accident register for 3 years after each accident, listing date, location, driver, injuries, fatalities and any hazardous materials release, together with copies of required accident reports. Under 49 CFR 396.17, each commercial motor vehicle, including each unit of a combination, must have passed a periodic inspection within the preceding 12 months.
Wrongful Death Damages
Under HRS 663-3, the deceased’s legal representative or listed survivors may sue, damages are fair and just compensation for pecuniary injury and loss of love and affection, including loss of society, companionship, consortium and parental or filial care, for the surviving spouse, reciprocal beneficiary, children, parents and dependents, and the action must be commenced within two years from the death.
Honolulu Truck Accident Questions
How long do I have to sue the trucking company?
Two years after the cause of action accrues, under HRS 657-7, and two years from the date of death for a wrongful death action under 663-3. A claim over a county truck is different: HRS 46-72 makes written notice to the county, stating the injuries and the amount claimed, a condition of liability within two years after the injuries accrued.
Can I recover if I was partly at fault?
Yes, if your negligence is not greater than the aggregate negligence of those you are suing. For example, imagine $400,000 in damages and 30 percent of the negligence on the injured driver: under HRS 663-31 the recovery would be $280,000.
Is the trucking company jointly liable with other defendants?
Yes, in a motor vehicle accident case. Under HRS 663-10.9(2)(F), joint and several liability for economic and noneconomic damages remains for torts relating to motor vehicle accidents, apart from the highway maintenance and design claims addressed in (4).