Honolulu County Personal Injury Lawyer
If you've been injured in an accident in The City and County of Honolulu, Hawaii, you need a solid legal team by your side. Contact our City and County of Honolulu personal injury lawyers at Leavitt, Yamane & Soldner to explore your legal options.
If you were injured on Oahu or anywhere in Honolulu County, you may have the right to recover compensation under Hawaii law. A personal injury lawyer helps you prove fault, deal with insurance companies, and pursue damages for medical bills, lost income, and pain and suffering.
Honolulu County presents unique risks that shape injury claims. From dense traffic along H-1 and Kalanianaole Highway to tourist-heavy areas like Waikiki and rural roadways on the North Shore, accidents happen in very different ways here than on the mainland. Understanding those local factors is critical to building a strong case.
If you were injured in an accident due to another person’s actions, contact our Hawaii personal injury attorneys today to schedule a free consultation. Our Honolulu law office can help you protect your legal rights and hold the party that caused the accident accountable. Contact Leavitt, Yamane & Soldner today to get started on your case.
What Does a Honolulu Personal Injury Lawyer Do?
A Honolulu personal injury lawyer investigates your accident, identifies who is legally responsible, and fights for financial recovery under Hawaii law.
Beyond the basics, local representation matters. Honolulu County cases often involve:
- Rental vehicles and out-of-state drivers
- Tourists unfamiliar with local roads
- Government-owned roadways and infrastructure
- Unique weather conditions like sudden rain and slick volcanic pavement
An experienced attorney will gather police reports from the Honolulu Police Department, obtain medical records from facilities like The Queen’s Medical Center or Straub Medical Center, and negotiate with insurers who often try to minimize claims involving visitors.
How Is Fault Determined in Hawaii Personal Injury Cases?
Hawaii follows a modified comparative negligence rule. This means you can recover damages as long as you are not more than 50 percent at fault, which is covered by Hawaii Revised Statutes §663-31.
- If you are 20 percent at fault, your compensation is reduced by 20 percent
- If you are 51 percent or more at fault, you cannot recover damages
This becomes especially important in Honolulu accidents where multiple factors often overlap, such as heavy traffic, pedestrians, and unpredictable tourist driving patterns.
Our Honolulu County personal injury lawyers are committed to helping our clients build the strongest personal injury cases possible to protect their legal rights and help them get justice. Furthermore, our legal team will advocate on your behalf to ensure your best interests are protected every step of the way.
Contact our law firm to schedule a free consultation with our experienced personal injury lawyer in Honolulu, HI, as soon as possible. We are available to meet with you at your earliest convenience to discuss your case and the legal options available to help you.
What Types of Accidents Are Common in Honolulu County?
Personal injury cases in Honolulu reflect the island’s geography, tourism economy, and infrastructure.
Traffic Collisions on Oahu’s Major Roads
The H-1 freeway, Nimitz Highway, and Farrington Highway are some of the most accident-prone corridors. Congestion, sudden lane changes, and frequent stop-and-go traffic increase rear-end and multi-vehicle crashes.
Pedestrian Accidents in Waikiki and Downtown Honolulu
High foot traffic combined with distracted drivers creates serious risks. Many pedestrian accidents happen near crosswalks, hotel zones, and shopping areas like Ala Moana Center.
Motorcycle and Moped Accidents
Scooters and mopeds are extremely common among both locals and tourists. These vehicles offer little protection, and accidents often result in severe injuries.
Slip and Fall Incidents at Hotels and Resorts
Property owners must maintain safe premises. Wet tile floors, poorly lit stairways, and uneven walkways frequently cause injuries in hospitality settings.
Ocean Activities and Recreational Injuries
Surfing, snorkeling, and boating accidents can lead to liability claims, especially when rental companies or tour operators fail to follow safety protocols.
For safety awareness and statewide data, you can review resources from the Hawaii Department of Transportation by clicking here.
What Compensation Can You Recover After an Injury?
You may be entitled to financial compensation that reflects both your economic losses and personal suffering.
Economic Damages
- Emergency medical treatment and hospital stays
- Ongoing rehabilitation or physical therapy
- Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
Non-Economic Damages
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
Punitive Damages (in rare cases)
If the at-fault party acted with extreme negligence, such as drunk driving, additional damages may apply.
Hawaii law places certain limits on non-economic damages in medical malpractice cases under the HRS §663-8.7.
If you have been injured in a personal injury accident as a result of another person’s negligence, you need a top personal injury lawyer in Honolulu, Hawaii, by your side. Our lawyers will build the strongest case possible on your behalf to ensure you are able to secure the compensation you need and rightfully deserve. Schedule a free consultation with our personal injury attorney in Honolulu, HI, today to get started on your case.
How Long Do You Have to File a Personal Injury Claim in Hawaii?
In most cases, you have two years from the date of the injury to file a lawsuit.
This deadline is set by HRS §657-7.
Missing this deadline can permanently prevent you from recovering compensation. However, exceptions may apply in cases involving minors or delayed discovery of injuries.
Because Honolulu cases often involve multiple parties, including rental companies or government entities, it is important to act quickly to preserve evidence and meet all legal deadlines.
What Should You Do Immediately After an Accident in Honolulu?
You should seek medical attention, report the incident, and document evidence as soon as possible.
Here is a practical breakdown tailored to Honolulu County:
- Call 911 and request assistance from the Honolulu Police Department
- Visit a nearby hospital such as Queen’s Medical Center or Kaiser Permanente Moanalua
- Take photos of the scene, especially if the accident occurred near landmarks like Waikiki Beach or Diamond Head
- Collect contact information from witnesses, which is especially important in tourist-heavy areas where people may leave the island quickly
- Avoid discussing fault with insurance companies before speaking with a lawyer.
Taking these steps can significantly strengthen your claim and prevent disputes later.
What Compensation Can You Recover After an Injury?
You may be entitled to financial compensation that reflects both your economic losses and personal suffering.
Economic Damages
- Emergency medical treatment and hospital stays
- Ongoing rehabilitation or physical therapy
- Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
Non-Economic Damages
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
Punitive Damages (in rare cases)
If the at-fault party acted with extreme negligence, such as drunk driving, additional damages may apply.
Hawaii law places certain limits on non-economic damages in medical malpractice cases under the HRS §663-8.7.
If you have been injured in a personal injury accident as a result of another person’s negligence, you need a top personal injury lawyer in Honolulu, Hawaii, by your side. Our lawyers will build the strongest case possible on your behalf to ensure you are able to secure the compensation you need and rightfully deserve. Schedule a free consultation with our personal injury attorney in Honolulu, HI, today to get started on your case.
How Long Do You Have to File a Personal Injury Claim in Hawaii?
In most cases, you have two years from the date of the injury to file a lawsuit.
This deadline is set by HRS §657-7.
Missing this deadline can permanently prevent you from recovering compensation. However, exceptions may apply in cases involving minors or delayed discovery of injuries.
Because Honolulu cases often involve multiple parties, including rental companies or government entities, it is important to act quickly to preserve evidence and meet all legal deadlines.
What Should You Do Immediately After an Accident in Honolulu?
You should seek medical attention, report the incident, and document evidence as soon as possible.
Here is a practical breakdown tailored to Honolulu County:
- Call 911 and request assistance from the Honolulu Police Department
- Visit a nearby hospital such as Queen’s Medical Center or Kaiser Permanente Moanalua
- Take photos of the scene, especially if the accident occurred near landmarks like Waikiki Beach or Diamond Head
- Collect contact information from witnesses, which is especially important in tourist-heavy areas where people may leave the island quickly
- Avoid discussing fault with insurance companies before speaking with a lawyer.
Taking these steps can significantly strengthen your claim and prevent disputes later.
Injured in a Motor Vehicle Accident in Honolulu County
When people are harmed in motor vehicle accidents in Honolulu County, it is important that they have a strong legal team by their side. Our Honolulu personal injury law firm, Leavitt, Yamane & Soldner, has decades of experience helping victims and their families get justice.
Some of the most common types of motor vehicle accidents that we help victims with include:
- Car accidents
- Pedestrian accidents
- Bicycle accidents
- Moped accidents
- Motorcycle accidents
- Truck accidents
- Drunk driving accidents
- Rideshare accidents (Uber or Lyft)
- Single-vehicle accidents
- Multi-vehicle accidents
Our Honolulu personal injury lawyer will stand by your side every step of the way as we fight to get you the compensation you need and deserve after being harmed in an auto accident. Contact our Honolulu, HI law firm today to schedule a free consultation with our team to discuss your personal injury case.
Getting Justice for Premises Liability Accidents
Being injured as a result of a negligent property owner is never anyone’s goal when visiting homes, businesses, and other commercial premises across Honolulu County. However, we continue to see many people suffer serious and life-altering injuries in accidents.
In Hawaii, we see many people suffering growing injuries as a result of inattentive lifeguards, inadequate security measures, and other acts of negligence.
Additionally, we see many people suffering severe injuries in slip and fall accidents across Honolulu County. Some of the most common causes of slip and fall accidents include:
- Broken stair rails
- Damaged floor surfaces
- Wet and slippery floors
- Inadequate lighting
- Ripped and torn carpeting
Slip and fall injuries can be excruciating to deal with. It is crucial that you have a skilled personal injury attorney by your side while fighting to protect your legal rights.
Some of the most common types of premises liability claims our Honolulu personal injury lawyer handles include those involving:
- Drowning incidents
- Slip and fall accidents
- Dog attacks
- Elevator and escalator accidents
- Defective conditions of the premises
- Inadequate security measures
- Flooding and water leaks
- Fire incidents leading to severe burn injuries
- Toxic fume or chemical exposure
If you have been injured in a premises liability accident, contact our personal injury attorney at Leavitt, Yamane & Soldner to schedule a free initial consultation to discuss your legal rights as a victim.
Frequently Asked Questions About Honolulu Personal Injury Claims
1. Do I need a lawyer if the insurance company already made an offer?
Yes, you should still consult a lawyer even if the insurance company has already made you an offer. Initial insurance offers are often much lower than what your case is actually worth, and a lawyer can evaluate whether the offer accounts for all your damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
2. Are moped and scooter accidents treated differently under Hawaii law?
Moped and scooter accidents in Honolulu may be treated differently under Hawaii law due to factors like rental agreements, helmet use, and specific roadway restrictions for mopeds and scooters. These factors can affect who is found liable and how your claim is handled.
3. Can I file a claim if I was injured while snorkeling or surfing?
Yes, you can file a claim if you were injured while snorkeling or surfing in Honolulu, especially if negligence by a tour operator, rental company, or guide contributed to your injury. To pursue a claim, you will need to show that someone failed to act reasonably or provide safe equipment or supervision.
4. What happens if both drivers blame each other?
If both drivers blame each other for the accident, Hawaii’s comparative negligence law allows fault to be shared between the parties. The final determination of fault will be based on evidence like crash reports, photographs, and witness statements. Your percentage of fault may reduce your compensation, but you can still recover damages as long as you are not more than 50 percent responsible.
5. Is there a difference between claims on Oahu and the neighbor islands?
There is no difference in the legal framework between claims on Oahu and the neighbor islands. However, personal injury cases in Honolulu are often more complex because of factors such as higher traffic density, increased tourism, and more commercial activity, all of which can affect liability and the claims process.
6. Will my case go to court?
Most personal injury cases in Honolulu settle out of court through negotiations with insurance companies or the at-fault party. However, if a fair settlement cannot be reached, your lawyer should be ready to take your case to trial to pursue the compensation you deserve.
Speak With a Honolulu County Personal Injury Lawyer Today
If you have been injured in Honolulu County, you should not have to deal with insurance companies or legal complexities on your own. A local personal injury lawyer can protect your rights and help you pursue the compensation you deserve.
Most personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, which means:
- You pay nothing up front
- Legal fees are only collected if your case is successful
- Your lawyer is motivated to maximize your recovery
Time is critical after an accident. Evidence can disappear quickly, and legal deadlines apply. Contact a Honolulu personal injury lawyer today for a free consultation and take the first step toward securing your financial recovery.
Our Honolulu personal injury lawyers at Leavitt, Yamane & Soldner want you to be able to concentrate on recovering as quickly as possible after being injured in an accident. Once you decide to work with our law firm, our lawyers will get to work immediately on helping you protect your legal rights.
Our lawyers are genuinely committed to helping personal injury clients in Honolulu, HI, get the justice and compensation they deserve after suffering injuries in accidents due to the negligence of others. If you were injured in an accident, contact our Honolulu County personal injury lawyer today by calling (808) 537-2525. We can meet at your earliest convenience for a free consultation to discuss your case and the legal services we can provide to help you get justice and receive compensation.






