If you were injured in an accident in Mountain View, Hawaii, you may have the right to pursue compensation under Hawaii law. Whether your injury occurred along Highway 11, on a rural side road, at a private property, or at a local business, legal options may be available to protect your recovery.

Mountain View is situated in the Puna District of Hawaii County and functions as a residential and agricultural community located between Hilo and Volcano. Although the area is rural and less densely populated than urban centers, serious accidents do still happen, especially along Highway 11 and on privately maintained roads.

Leavitt, Yamane & Soldner represent injury victims across Hawaii County and throughout the state.

Call 808-537-2525 for a free consultation.

What Is “Personal Injury”? 

A personal injury refers to physical, emotional, or psychological harm that an individual experiences due to the negligence or wrongdoing of another party, which can include businesses, government agencies, insurance companies, or individuals. 

Personal injury laws are established to help victims seek compensation for their damages and recover from their losses. In Hawaii, while these laws are intended to protect individuals, they can be quite complex.

Why Are Serious Accidents Increasing in Hawaii County?

Although Mountain View is rural, Hawaii County consistently reports significant crash activity due to its roadway design and tourism traffic.

According to the Hawaii Department of Transportation (HDOT), Hawaii County accounts for a substantial share of statewide fatal crashes, particularly on rural highways.
https://hidot.hawaii.gov/highways/safety/

Contributing factors often include:

• High speeds on open highways
• Limited roadway lighting
• Weather conditions
• Distracted driving
• Impaired driving

Highway 11, which runs directly through Mountain View, is a primary route between Hilo, Volcano, and Kona. Traffic includes commuters, tourists, and commercial vehicles.

How Do Rural Road Conditions Affect Mountain View Injury Cases?

Rural Big Island roads present unique safety challenges.

Common issues include:

• Narrow shoulders
• Potholes and surface deterioration
• Heavy rainfall
• Fog and low visibility
• Livestock or wildlife crossings
• Limited emergency response times

When investigating rural crash cases, roadway design and environmental conditions are often examined.

What if poor road maintenance contributed to my accident?

If hazardous roadway conditions played a role, liability may involve a government entity. Claims against government agencies may involve specific notice requirements and shorter deadlines.

Early investigation is critical.

What Types of Personal Injury Cases Do You Handle in Mountain View?

We represent clients in:

• Premises liability cases
  • Slip and fall accidents
  • Physical assaults due to inadequate security
  • Swimming pool accidents
  • Dog bites or animal attacks
• Medical malpractice
  • Diagnostic error
  • Surgical negligence
  • Medication / Pharmaceutical error
  • Birth injury
  • Emergency room error
  • Hospital malpractice (faulty policies or practices)
  • Nursing error
  • Anesthesia malpractice
  • Laboratory error
• Workplace accidents
  • Construction site accidents
  • Incidents caused by improper training
  • Safety code violation accidents
  • Slip and fall accidents
• Catastrophic injury cases
  • Traumatic brain injuries
  • Burn injury
  • Spinal cord injury
• Product liability cases
• Ocean drowning incidents
• Nursing home accidents
• Parasailing and other boating accidents
• Helicopter accidents
• Scuba and snorkeling accidents
• Wrongful death claims

We know how financially overwhelming getting injured can be for you and your family. That is why we represent you and your best interests on a contingency fee basis. This means that you do not pay any initial fees. There are no upfront costs, and you pay nothing out of pocket unless we make a recovery. If our attorney fails to secure a favorable jury verdict or settlement award on your behalf, you owe us nothing. 

What Injuries Are Common in Mountain View Accidents?

Because of roadway speed and terrain, injuries can be severe.

Common injuries include:

• Traumatic brain injuries
• Internal bleeding
• Spinal cord damage
• Broken bones
• Severe lacerations
• Crush injuries
• Burn injuries

Some injuries require transfer to Hilo Medical Center or specialized facilities on Oʻahu.

Can emergency transport costs be recovered?

Yes, if ambulance or air transport was medically necessary, those expenses may be included as recoverable damages.

How Is Compensation Calculated in a Mountain View Personal Injury Case?

Compensation generally includes:

• Medical expenses
• Future medical care
• Lost wages
• Reduced earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Permanent disability

Under Hawaii Revised Statutes §657-7, most injury claims must be filed within two years.

If the injury involves medical negligence, HRS §657-7.3 may apply.

What Are the Steps in a Hawaii County Personal Injury Lawsuit?

If the settlement fails, the process may include:

1. Filing the complaint
2. Discovery
3. Mediation
4. Trial
5. Appeal

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) emphasizes the importance of preserving crash evidence early in serious injury cases.
https://www.nhtsa.gov

How Our Mountain View Personal Injury Lawyers Help

We assist clients by:

• Investigating crash scenes
• Consulting accident reconstruction experts
• Preserving medical evidence
• Calculating lifetime financial impact
• Negotiating with insurers
• Preparing for litigation

Even in rural communities, insurance carriers use aggressive tactics.

How Do I Know If I Need a Hawaii Personal Injury Lawyer? 

If one or more of the following scenarios apply to your case, then you should speak with our Mountain View personal injury attorney to get their opinion on how you should move forward.  

• Your Injury Is Serious: A serious injury can lead to long-term disability, meaning you cannot work or provide for your family. In that case, a personal injury attorney can help you achieve compensation for your lost wages, current and future. 
• The Insurer Acts in Bad Faith: The grim truth is that insurance carriers do not have your best interests at heart following an accident. It is common practice for them to refuse to pay a fair settlement or outright deny legitimate claims.   
• Liability is Unclear: In a personal injury case, it is not always clear where the fault lies. The other person might even be trying to put the blame on you. A skilled attorney can investigate the accident on your behalf and collect evidence that will help you obtain a favorable settlement award, even if you were partly to blame.  
• You Have Questions: At any point, if you find you are confused about your rights or feel you would benefit from some sound legal advice, then you should speak with a Mountain View personal injury attorney.  

Hawaii County Crash Data & Rural Injury Trends

Hawaii County often reports higher fatal crash rates per capita compared to more urban counties due to rural roadway factors.

HDOT data consistently highlights:

• Speed-related crashes
• Impaired driving
• Rural highway fatalities

Mountain View’s proximity to Highway 11 makes this data directly relevant.

This strengthens geographic authority and search alignment.

Frequently Asked Questions About Personal Injury in Hawaii 

1. Are rural crashes more likely to result in severe injuries?  

Yes, rural crashes are often more severe due to factors such as higher speeds and longer emergency response times, which can significantly increase injury severity.

2. What if the accident happened on private agricultural land?  

In cases of accidents on private agricultural land, liability can vary based on the maintenance of the property, the safety of the equipment involved, and the level of supervision during the incident.

3. Does fog or heavy rain reduce a driver’s responsibility?  

No, adverse weather conditions such as fog or heavy rain do not diminish a driver’s responsibility. Drivers are required to adjust their driving behavior according to the prevailing weather conditions to ensure safety.

4. Can I still file a claim if I didn’t feel pain immediately?  

Yes, you can file a claim even if you didn’t experience immediate pain. Many injuries can develop gradually, and these may still be eligible for compensation.

5. What if I cannot return to physically demanding work?  

If you’re unable to return to physically demanding work, your loss of earning capacity can be assessed based on your current occupation and your long-term health prognosis.

6. Are cases resolved locally or on another island?  

Most cases in Hawaii County are typically resolved locally. However, some legal proceedings may take place on another island, depending on the jurisdiction involved in the case.

What Are The Steps in a Personal Injury Lawsuit? 

If you are unable to reach a fair settlement with the opposing party during the initial negotiations, you and your personal injury attorney in Hawaii can proceed to file a personal injury lawsuit. The subsequent steps in this legal process are as follows:

1. Filing the Lawsuit

Your attorney will initiate the process by filing a formal complaint with the appropriate court on your behalf. This document outlines your case and the basis for your claim. The defendant, the person or entity you are suing, is then required to respond with an answer to your complaint.

2. Discovery Phase  

Once the lawsuit is filed, the case enters the discovery phase. During this stage, both parties exchange evidence and relevant documentation about the case. Discovery is crucial because the quality and quantity of evidence presented can significantly influence the amount of financial compensation you may receive. Having a knowledgeable attorney during this phase is essential to ensure that your case is effectively represented.

3. Mediation 

After discovery, the court may encourage both parties to engage in mediation. This process involves meeting with a neutral third party, known as a mediator, who facilitates discussions aimed at settling. Mediation can be a pivotal moment, as it often leads to an amicable agreement that avoids the need for a lengthy trial.

4. Trial 

If mediation does not result in a settlement, the case will proceed to trial. During the trial, both parties will present their arguments and evidence to a judge or jury, who will then determine the outcome. If the court finds in your favor, damages may be awarded to compensate you for your injuries. It’s worth noting that most insurance companies prefer to settle out of court, particularly when faced with a strong legal representation.

5. Appeal

Both sides have the right to appeal the decision made by the judge or jury. This can result in further delays in receiving your compensation. The appeals process may prolong the final resolution of your case, meaning you’ll need to be patient until all legal avenues have been exhausted.

Each of these steps plays a significant role in the outcome of your personal injury lawsuit, and having a skilled attorney by your side can greatly enhance your chances of a successful resolution.

Why Choose Leavitt, Yamane & Soldner? 

The success of our hardworking team of Mountain View personal injury lawyers is the outcome of decades of experience across Hawaii, tireless advocacy, and a desire for justice.  

• We help our clients regain their quality of life by providing them with experienced legal representation 
• We combine big firm resources with small firm-style attention to every case 
• We are not afraid to take your case to trial in our fight for maximum financial compensation 
• We know how expensive an injury can be, so we represent our personal injury clients on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t pay until we obtain compensation for you. 

If you or a member of your family was seriously injured, reach out to us as soon as you can. 

Contact a Mountain View, Hawaii Personal Injury Attorney Today 

If you or a family member has been seriously injured, or if you have lost a loved one due to someone else’s negligence, the experienced personal injury lawyers at Leavitt, Yamane & Soldner in Mountain View are here to help. We will work to ensure you receive the full financial compensation you need and deserve.

With decades of legal experience, we understand which strategies are effective and how to build a strong legal case. You can reach out to us by filling out the form on our website or by calling us at 808-537-2525 to schedule your free consultation.