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
Truck Accident Laws and Regulations in Hawaii
Statute of Limitations for Truck Accident Personal Injury Claims: Two years from the date of the accident under Hawaii Revised Statutes section 657-7. However, if Personal Injury Protection (PIP) payments are involved, the statute of limitations may be extended under Hawaii Revised Statutes section 431:10C-315.
Statute of Limitations for Property Damage Claims: Two years from the date of the accident.
Statute of Limitations for Wrongful Death Claims: Two years from the date of death. If someone dies more than two years after the accident from injuries sustained in the crash, a wrongful death claim may be filed within two years of the death itself.
Fault vs. No-Fault Insurance State Status: Hawaii is a no-fault insurance state. Drivers are required to file claims with their own Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance first, regardless of who caused the accident.
Serious Injury Threshold: Injured parties can step outside of Hawaii’s no-fault system and file a lawsuit against the at-fault driver when the accident causes serious and permanent injuries (loss of use of a body part or function, or permanent and serious disfigurement) or when expenses exceed the $10,000 PIP threshold.
Comparative Negligence Rules: Hawaii follows a modified comparative negligence standard under Hawaii Revised Statutes sections 663-1 et seq. You can recover damages if you share blame for an accident, but only when your percentage of fault is not more than 50%. If you are 51% or more at fault, you cannot recover any damages. Your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault.
Minimum Auto Insurance Requirements: Hawaii requires minimum coverage of $20,000 per person and $40,000 per accident for bodily injury liability, $10,000 for property damage liability, $10,000 in Personal Injury Protection (PIP), and uninsured motorist coverage matching liability limits.
Commercial Truck Insurance Requirements: Hawaii follows Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) requirements for commercial trucks operating in interstate commerce. Trucks carrying non-hazardous cargo weighing less than 10,000 pounds require $300,000 minimum coverage. Trucks weighing 10,001 pounds or more require $750,000 minimum coverage. Trucks carrying hazardous materials require higher limits depending on cargo type.
Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) Requirements: Hawaii requires commercial truck drivers to obtain a CDL through the Hawaii Department of Transportation. Requirements include passing knowledge and skills tests, meeting medical certification requirements, and maintaining appropriate endorsements for the type of cargo transported.
Hours of Service Requirements: Hawaii truck drivers must comply with federal Hours of Service regulations enforced by FMCSA. Drivers may drive a maximum of 11 hours after 10 consecutive hours off duty. Drivers may not drive beyond 14 consecutive hours after coming on duty. A 30-minute break is required after 8 hours of driving.
Vicarious Liability and Employer Liability: Hawaii recognizes respondeat superior, holding employers liable for negligent acts of employees within the scope of employment. Trucking companies can be held directly liable for negligent hiring, training, supervision, or vehicle maintenance.
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations Applicability: FMCSA regulations apply in Hawaii state courts. Violations of federal regulations including hours of service rules, driver qualification standards, and vehicle maintenance requirements can serve as evidence of negligence.
Damage Caps: Hawaii generally limits non-economic damages (pain and suffering) to $375,000 in personal injury cases unless certain exceptions apply, such as multiple at-fault parties or intentional acts of harm.
Punitive Damages: Punitive damages may be available in Hawaii truck accident cases involving gross negligence, such as drunk driving or willful disregard for safety.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the deadline to file a truck accident lawsuit in Honolulu, Hawaii?
In Hawaii, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims from truck accidents is generally two years from the date of the accident under Hawaii Revised Statutes section 657-7. However, there are exceptions. If you are receiving Personal Injury Protection (PIP) payments, the statute of limitations may be extended under certain circumstances. Wrongful death claims must be filed within two years of the date of death. It is critical to consult with an attorney promptly because missing these deadlines typically results in losing your right to pursue compensation.
How does Hawaii’s modified comparative negligence rule affect my truck accident claim?
Hawaii follows a modified comparative negligence standard. This means you can recover compensation for your injuries if you share some fault for the accident, but only if your percentage of fault is 50% or less. If you are found to be 51% or more at fault, you are barred from recovering any damages. Your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you are found 20% at fault and your damages total $100,000, you would recover $80,000. Insurance adjusters and defense attorneys often try to attribute fault to injured parties to reduce payouts.
How does Hawaii’s no-fault insurance system work in truck accident cases?
Hawaii is a no-fault state, meaning after an accident you generally first file a claim with your own Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance regardless of who caused the crash. PIP covers medical expenses and lost wages up to policy limits (typically $10,000). However, you can step outside the no-fault system and file a claim or lawsuit against the at-fault truck driver or trucking company if your injuries are serious and permanent (involving loss of use of a body part or function, or permanent disfigurement) or if your expenses exceed the PIP threshold.
What parties can be held liable in a Hawaii truck accident case?
Multiple parties may be held liable depending on the circumstances of your truck accident. Potentially liable parties include the truck driver for negligent driving, the trucking company for negligent hiring or supervision or for pressuring drivers to violate safety regulations, the company responsible for loading cargo if improper loading caused the accident, maintenance companies if mechanical failures contributed to the crash, and manufacturers if defective truck parts were involved. An experienced truck accident attorney can investigate all potential sources of liability.
Are there caps on damages in Hawaii truck accident cases?
Hawaii generally limits non-economic damages (pain and suffering) to $375,000 in personal injury cases. However, there are exceptions that may allow recovery beyond this cap, including cases involving multiple at-fault parties, intentional acts of harm, or certain types of severe injuries. Economic damages such as medical expenses, lost wages, and property damage are not subject to caps. Punitive damages may be available in cases involving gross negligence or willful misconduct. An experienced attorney can evaluate how damage caps may affect your specific case.