Wailuku Personal Injury Lawyer
Have you or a loved one been harmed due to someone else’s careless, reckless, or negligent actions in Wailuku, Hawaii? You may be entitled to financial compensation. Our Hawaii personal injury attorneys at Leavitt, Yamane & Soldner can help you get justice. Schedule a free consultation today to get started on your claim.
Accidents take place every day in Wailuku, and across the island of Maui and the rest of the state of Hawaii. Unfortunately, a significant number of accidents result in injuries to those involved. For most people, the time following an accident can be challenging. Trying to overcome painful physical and emotional injuries can seem like a never-ending battle.
If you have been hurt in an accident resulting from another person’s careless, negligent, malicious, or reckless actions in or around Wailuku or other parts of Maui, you may be able to pursue a personal injury case against them. This type of legal claim is designed to provide accident victims with financial relief. Although no money can take away the pain and suffering you have been forced to endure as a result of such a traumatic and overwhelming experience, it can help alleviate some of the financial burdens you face throughout the recovery process. After your accident, you should reach out to a Wailuku personal injury lawyer as soon as possible.
Our Hawaii personal injury attorneys at Leavitt, Yamane & Soldner can help guide you through the legal process. We will fight to protect your legal rights and fearlessly negotiate compensation on your behalf. Our team has decades of experience handling complex legal issues for our clients, and we will fight to ensure you are in the best position possible to move forward after your accident.
Do not wait to protect your legal rights. Contact our law firm today. Our Hawaii personal injury attorneys can schedule a free consultation with you at your earliest convenience to get started on your case.
Personal injury Cases We Handle
When looking for a personal injury lawyer, it is important to find one with the right experience, who has dealt with similar cases before, and with whom you will feel comfortable representing you on your case. If you are looking for experienced personal injury attorneys in Wailuku, our team at Leavitt, Yamane & Soldner is here for you. Some of the personal injury cases we have handled in the past include those involving:
Motor Vehicle Accidents: At Leavitt, Yamane & Soldner, we understand the importance of taking care of your legal needs after an accident in Wailuku or elsewhere. Our attorneys are well-versed in handling motor vehicle accident cases and will work hard to get you the best possible outcome. Our law offices handle auto accident claims, including:
- Car accidents
- Truck accident cases
- Pedestrian accident cases
- Scooter accident cases
- Bicycle crashes
Medical Malpractice : We handle medical malpractice cases for clients throughout Hawaii, including Wailuku and the island of Maui. Our team of skilled personal injury attorneys has decades of experience handling claims for residents of Wailuku, Hawaii, who have been harmed by negligent doctors, nurses, and other medical professionals. We will work diligently to ensure that your rights are protected. We understand the needed balance between protecting patients and holding doctors accountable for their mistakes, and we will do everything in our power to ensure a successful outcome for you.
Premises Liability Cases: Premises liability cases can be complex and challenging, but our team of personal injury attorneys is experienced in handling these cases in and around Wailuku. We will work diligently to help you secure the maximum compensation possible for your injuries. Some of the cases our team handles for clients include those involving:
- Elevator accidents
- Slip and fall
- Swimming pool
- Dog bites
Recreational Activity Accident Cases: Wailuku and its surroundings on Maui offer countless opportunities for recreation in the ocean, beaches, and mountains. Majestic Haleakala, world famous Ho’okipa beach, quaint and historic Paia, and the historic I’o Valley are just a portion of the exciting and beautiful places where visitors and residents engage with nature. Unfortunately, recreational activity accidents happen, and can be serious for those involved. When a recreational activity accident occurs, it is important that individuals have the resources they need to cope with the aftermath and get justice. Our personal injury attorneys at Leavitt, Yamane & Soldner are experienced in handling recreational activity accident cases for our clients on Maui, including in Wailuku. We will work diligently to ensure that your rights are protected and that you receive the compensation you deserve.
Product Liability Claims: If a product has injured you or a loved one, it is essential to seek the advice of an attorney. Product liability claims can be complex and time-consuming legal issues and may require extensive independent research into the applicable law. If you are unsure whether you have a valid claim, it is best to consult with a personal injury attorney immediately.
Wrongful Death Cases: Wrongful death claims are a difficult and emotional process for everyone involved. Our Hawaii wrongful death lawyers at Leavitt, Yamane & Soldner are experienced in handling these claims on behalf of our clients. We will work diligently to obtain the best possible outcome for our clients.
Our personal injury attorneys help injured parties pursue personal injury claims after being harmed. We can help to educate you on your legal rights and provide you with advice so you know your legal options. Schedule a free consultation at our personal injury law firm today to get started on your case.
The Types of Injuries from Accidents in Wailuku, Hawaii
Accidents happen daily, and a large percentage result in injuries. Although no two accidents are alike, people in Wailuku, Hawaii can suffer from the same injuries suffered elsewhere. These include:
Spinal Cord Injuries: Spinal cord injuries can be devastating and difficult to recover from. In Wailuku, Hawaii, spinal cord injuries can result from accidents. Many people suffer these types of injuries in slip and fall accidents, auto collisions, and recreational activity accidents.
Neck and Soft Tissue Injuries: Most neck and soft tissue injuries heal relatively quickly if treated promptly by a doctor. However, some neck injuries may require surgery. Injuries to the cervical spine area in the neck often cause severe pain and can lead to difficulty breathing and paralysis down one or both sides of the body.
Cuts, Scrapes, and Lacerations: Cuts, scrapes, and lacerations are extremely common injuries in accidents across Hawaii . Unfortunately, these injuries can be incredibly painful and lead to permanent scarring and disfigurement. In severe cases, injured individuals may experience nerve and muscle problems.
Broken Bones: Broken bones are common in an array of accident types. Unfortunately, these injuries can be incredibly painful and require surgery. Many injured parties have to go through therapy and rehabilitation to recover.
Internal Organ Damage: Internal organ damage is a common injury from accidents in Wailuku, Hawaii. These injuries can be life-threatening and require immediate medical attention. Some of the most common internal organ injuries are:
- Damage to the liver
- Damage to the pancreas
- Damage to the spleen
- Damage to the intestines
- Injury to the kidneys
- Injury to the bladder
- Injury to the lungs
- Damage to the heart
- Injury to the brain
- Damage to other vital organs
Internal organ injuries are not typically visible. However, they can have life-threatening consequences. This is especially true if injured parties are not treated quickly.
Traumatic Brain Injuries : Traumatic brain injuries are the leading cause of death and disability in young adults. These injuries can result from a car accident, fall, assault, or another traumatic event.
If you have suffered a serious injury due to another person’s careless, reckless, or negligent actions in or near Wailuku, you may have legal options available to help you recover. Our personal injury attorneys offer free consultations so we can discuss your specific situation and determine the best way to move forward. We also have several resources available to us, so you can depend on our lawyers to fight for your legal rights and best interests every step of the claims process.
Schedule a free consultation at your earliest convenience to discuss your Wailuku personal injury case and the options available to you.
Recoverable Damages After An Accident in Wailuku
If you have been involved in a severe accident in Wailuku, there is a good chance that you will experience some type of injury. In many cases, you can receive compensation for your injuries or damages through legal action.
Our personal injury lawyers will build the most robust case possible after your accident to prove your damages. We will demand total and timely compensation for the damages you suffer, including:
- Medical expenses: If you are injured in an accident, medical bills will likely pile up. Make sure to document all your medical expenses and keep any receipts.
- Lost wages: If you are out of work due to the accident, you may be able to claim lost wages. Talk to your lawyer about what documentation would be necessary for this type of claim.
- Lost earning capacity: If you have lost time from work due to the accident, you may be able to claim lost earning capacity. This includes things like loss of income from past jobs or inability to start new ones due to physical disabilities.
- Pain and suffering: Accidents can cause immense pain and suffering. If you have been injured in an accident in Wailuku, make sure to speak with our Hawaii personal injury lawyers about your potential case. They can help document how much pain and suffering you have experienced.
- Mental anguish: Mental anguish refers to the emotional distress that can result from a traumatic event. This can include feelings of terror, helplessness, and shock. It can also lead to mental health problems such as stress or anxiety.
- Long-term care expenses: These medical expenses can include things like medical bills, rehabilitation therapy, and assisted living facilities. If you can demonstrate that your injury caused you to require long-term care, you may be able to receive money to cover these costs.
- Property damage: Property damage can include things like broken windows, scratches on your car, and loss of personal property. A lawyer can help you determine what was damaged and how much it will cost to fix or replace it. In some cases, you may be able to get the repairs or replacements by pursuing a personal injury case.
- Loss of enjoyment of life: Loss of enjoyment of life refers to the diminished quality of life that can occur after an accident. This includes things like being unable to go out due to physical limitations or losing relationships because of the trauma.
- Loss of consortium: If you or your loved one has sustained injuries that have an adverse effect on your relationship, you might be able to file a claim for loss of consortium.
If you have sustained injuries as a result of an accident in Wailuku, Hawaii, it is important to speak with a personal injury attorney as soon as possible. An attorney can help guide you through all aspects of your case and make sure that you receive all benefits available to you. Schedule a free consultation with our team today to discuss your personal injury case.
Preparing For Your Personal Injury Case
If you have sustained injuries due to another party’s negligence, there are several steps you should take to ensure you have the best chance of getting justice. These include:
- Collect as much evidence as possible. This includes eyewitness accounts, medical records, photos, and any other documentation that could help your case.
- Seek expert testimony if necessary. An attorney may be able to find expert witnesses who can testify on your behalf regarding the injuries that you sustained as a result of the accident. Experts can sometimes recreate the accident to uncover critical details surrounding what took place.
- Make sure all deadlines are met. Filing a personal injury claim can be complicated and time-consuming, so keep track of any deadlines that apply to your case (such as the statute of limitations).
You should seek legal guidance from a skilled personal injury lawyer as soon as possible. Our Hawaii lawyers at Leavitt, Yamane & Soldner have decades of experience helping residents of Wailuku and across Maui County protect their legal rights and get justice after being harmed. Contact our personal injury attorney at your earliest convenience to schedule a free consultation to get started on your case.
Help For Those Harmed in Auto Accidents
In Wailuku, Hawaii, the legal rights of motor vehicle crash victims are protected by state law. This means injured parties have the right to be treated fairly by those responsible for their injuries and receive compensation for their losses.
Additionally, those harmed in accidents in Wailuku have the right to seek justice through the civil court system. This includes filing a lawsuit against those responsible for their injuries and seeking financial compensation from those who caused the crash. There are several types of collisions that we see take place in Hawaii.
These include:
Rear-End Crash: In these accidents, the car behind you crashes into your vehicle from behind. They can be deadly if the car is large enough and you’re not wearing a seat belt.
Head-On Crash: Head-on collisions are also common in Hawaii. In these accidents, two cars collide head-on at high speeds. They can cause serious injuries to both drivers and passengers.
Sideswipe Accidents: Sideswipe crashes occur when a car crosses the path of another car at an angle, causing the second car to crash into it.
T-Bone/Broadside collisions: T-bone accidents are rare but still dangerous. In this type of accident, the front of one vehicle crashes into the side of a second vehicle. These accidents commonly occur at intersections, resulting in severe injuries for both drivers and passengers.
If you or someone you know has been involved in a motor vehicle crash in Wailuku, Hawaii, our personal injury lawyer at Leavitt, Yamane & Solder can help you pursue legal action.
Our team has decades of experience handling personal injury cases for clients in Wailuku and across Maui County who have been harmed in auto accidents that were caused through no fault of their own. Some types of motor vehicle accidents that we help clients get justice for include:
- Car accidents
- Motorcycle accidents
- Pedestrian accidents
- Scooter accidents
- Bicycle accidents
- Rideshare accidents
- Bus accidents
- Truck accidents
If you have sustained injuries in an automobile collision that was caused by someone else’s careless, reckless, or negligent actions, you may be able to recover compensation for various damages. In order to prevail, you must be able to prove that another person’s actions caused you harm. Leading causes of auto accidents in Hawaii include:
- Inattention: Drivers who are not paying attention and don’t look around are more likely to get into accidents.
- Distracted driving: Cell phone use, eating, drinking, and other activities while driving can all lead to accidents.
- Drunk driving: Driving under the influence of alcohol is a major cause of automobile accidents in Hawaii.
Following your auto accident, our Hawaii personal injury lawyer will conduct an investigation, identify the at-fault driver, and take swift legal action against them.
Helping Clients with Product Liability Cases
Product liability is a term used to describe the legal responsibility of a company or individual for injuries caused by their products. When a product is sold, the manufacturer is legally responsible for making sure that the product is safe to use and does not cause any harm when used.
If someone is injured as a result of using a defective or malfunctioning product, they can file a product liability claim. This claim will be filed against the company that made the product and any other companies involved in the production or distribution of that product. Some parties who may be held liable in a product liability case include:
- The product designer
- The manufacturer
- The retailers that offer the product for sale
To win a product liability claim, it is crucial to gather evidence of what happened and how the injury occurred. This evidence can include medical records, witness statements, and pictures. Once this evidence has been gathered, it should be preserved so that it can be used in court.
Defective product claims can be divided into three types. These include manufacturer mistakes, dangerous product designs, and failure to provide adequate warning.
A manufacturer mistake is when a product manufacturer makes a mistake in the manufacturing process. This can lead to defective products that are not up to par with industry standards.
Dangerous product design occurs when the design of a product is inherently dangerous. This could include products that are easy to operate incorrectly or features that are too dangerous for consumers to use safely.
Failure to provide adequate warning is when manufacturers fail to warn consumers about potential dangers associated with their products. This could include minor risks that may not warrant a full-blown recall or dangers inherent in the product’s design but not properly disclosed to consumers.
If you have sustained injuries from a product that you believe was defective, our team of personal injury attorneys can help you collect the evidence necessary to win your case. We understand the importance of protecting your legal rights and best interests, so we will work hard to get you the compensation you deserve. Schedule a free consultation with our personal injury lawyer as soon as possible to get started.
Handling Wrongful Death Cases
When a loved one dies, it can leave families struggling to cope with an unexpected loss. Quite often, a skilled wrongful death attorney can provide a great deal of support and assistance to clients during this time.
Our Hawaii wrongful death legal team at Leavitt, Yamane & Soldner is dedicated to doing just that. While working with us, we will take control of the legal aspects of your grieving process. This allows you to focus on your family as we handle the complex legal issue on your behalf.
While handling your wrongful death claim, our personal injury lawyers will gather all relevant legal information. This includes contacting any witnesses or members of the victim’s family who may have information that could help prove or disprove what happened. We will also gather evidence such as medical records, police reports, and autopsy reports.
Once all the relevant information has been collected, we will investigate what happened. During this time, we will speak with any witnesses who may have seen or heard something that could be related to the accident. Depending on the circumstances of the accident, we may gather medical testimony, recreationists’ reports, financial expert reports, and information from other expert witnesses.
After investigating what happened and building a wrongful death case on your behalf, our outstanding lawyers will put together a settlement agreement that we will present to the at-fault party.
We understand that this is an overwhelming experience and will do everything we can to make the process as smooth as possible for our clients. Please get in touch with our office for more information if you have been affected by a wrongful death. We can meet with you for a free consultation at your earliest convenience to discuss the legal options that may be available to help your family get justice.
Handling Catastrophic Injury Cases for Clients
Many types of accidents can cause catastrophic injuries. Some of the most common include car accidents, bike accidents, work accidents, and falls. In each of these cases, an individual may be seriously injured or killed.
- Car accidents: Car crashes are the most common type of accident that results in catastrophic injuries. In a car crash, a vehicle may become airborne and strike another object or person. This can result in serious injuries or death.
- Bike accidents: Bike accidents also result in a high number of catastrophic injuries. Most bike crashes occur when someone is riding their bike without a helmet. This can lead to head and spinal cord injuries and other serious injuries.
- Falls: Falls are another common cause of catastrophic injury. These incidents happen when someone trips and falls down stairs, steps, or cliffs. They can suffer from traumatic brain injury or broken bones that require extensive surgery to fix.
When faced with catastrophic injury cases, our personal injury lawyers in Hawaii know that we must be prepared for anything. As a result, we have extensive legal resources to help them handle these cases effectively.
If you or someone you know has been injured in a catastrophic accident, it is important to have an experienced lawyer on your side. Our team at Leavitt, Yamane & Soldner has decades of experience handling these complex legal cases for our clients. Over the years, we have handled countless catastrophic cases, including those resulting in:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Internal organ damage
- Spinal cord injuries
- Loss of vision
- Hearing loss
- Severe burn injuries
- Loss of limbs
One important tool that our personal injury lawyers use is the settlement negotiation process. Our team will often work to get our clients the best possible settlement available on their personal injury cases, whether that is through negotiations or court proceedings. When it comes to dealing with insurance companies, our personal injury lawyers also have several strategies at our disposal.
If negotiations fail and litigation ensues, our personal injury lawyers in Hawaii can rely on our extensive experience and knowledge of the law to help them win the case. In addition, the Hawaii legal team at Leavitt, Yamane & Soldner always keeps an eye out for new developments in a case so that we can adapt a strategy as needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Being injured in an accident of any type can be an overwhelming experience. Trying to navigate the legal system alone can be scary and time-consuming. Many injured parties have questions regarding what they should do moving forward. Here are some of the most common questions that our clients ask our personal injury lawyers.
How long do I have to file my case?
In Hawaii, the statute of limitations for personal injury lawsuits is two years. This means that if you are injured in a car accident, you have two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit. Some circumstances can shorten the time that you have to file a claim. For example, if a lawsuit is filed against a municipal government entity, the statute of limitations is only six months from the date of the accident. You should consult with a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible to ensure you can file your case on time. This is why you should contact a well-versed Hawaii personal injury attorney as quickly as possible following your injury-causing accident. The knowledgeable attorneys at Leavitt, Yamane & Soldner offer free consultations, so don’t wait to reach out to us.
What happens if I file my personal injury case past the statute of limitations?
The statute of limitations for personal injury cases in Hawaii is two years. If you file your case within two years of the incident, it will be considered filed “on time.” If you have filed your personal injury case past the statute of limitations in Hawaii, the court may not be able to hear your case. The statute of limitations is usually two years but can be shorter in particular cases. If you believe that your case should be heard because it falls within the statute of limitations, you should contact a lawyer to discuss your options.
What is comparative negligence in Hawaii?
Comparative negligence is the doctrine under which a court will reduce the damages awarded to an injured party based on the percentage of fault each party bears. In other words, if one party is 50% responsible for their injury, that party will be awarded only 50% of the damages awarded to the injured party. In this case, a person awarded $100,000 for damages and found 50% at fault for an accident would only recover $50,000 in compensation. The total award is generally reduced by the amount of fault they share.
What is the process of filing a personal injury case?
If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident, filing a personal injury case can be confusing and frustrating. Knowing the steps to take can help to ensure you have the most robust case possible.
First, you’ll need to gather all evidence supporting your case. This includes documentation of the accident (such as police reports, photographs, and witness statements), medical records from your doctor, and any financial documents relating to your injuries (such as hospital bills).
Once you’ve gathered all of the evidence, it’s time to start drafting your lawsuit. A lawyer can help you create an effective complaint/claim form and prepare all of the supporting documentation. Be sure to include specific details about what happened during the accident and when it occurred.
Your personal injury lawyer will draft a settlement demand on your behalf and serve it on the defendant. At this point, settlement negotiations may follow. The insurance company for the defendant will review the information presented and may also submit a response to your attorney. Depending on the outcome of the settlement demand, you may have to go to court and prove your case.
Should your case go to trial, your attorney will fight to help you seek the maximum amount of compensation possible.
How long will it take to settle my personal injury claim?
Your personal injury claim will likely take some time to settle, depending on the circumstances of your case. This can range from a few months to a few years. Generally, you should expect the process to take somewhere between six and twelve months to settle. However, some cases that go to court may require several years to reach a verdict. The length of time will be based on the complexity of your case and whether you are pursuing legal action through a lawsuit or an insurance claim. In general, however, the services of a personal injury attorney will help you keep up with your case progress and stay informed about any changes in your situation.
How much is my personal injury case worth?
It is impossible to say how much your case may be worth without a thorough examination of the facts of your crash and the insurance policies. However, the compensation you receive will depend on several factors, including the nature and severity of your injuries. If you have sustained serious personal injuries, your case may be worth millions of dollars. However, even if your injury is not as severe, it could still be worth pursuing legal action if someone else’s negligence caused the injuries.
Am I required to file a personal injury case after an accident?
You are never required to pursue a personal injury case after an accident. However, many people believe that it is always beneficial to pursue legal action in cases where someone has been injured as a result of another person’s negligence.
If you have suffered physical injury due to someone else’s negligence, filing a personal injury lawsuit may be your best option to recover compensation. Not only can you recover damages for your physical pain and suffering, but it can also help you get justice and hold the person responsible for your injuries accountable.
What do I do if an insurance adjuster approaches me?
If an insurance adjuster has approached you, the first thing to do is to contact a lawyer or personal injury attorney who can help you understand your rights and what you should do next. You must do certain things before talking to anyone else, such as filing a police report and getting copies of all of your medical records. It is important to understand that anything you say to the insurance adjustor can be used against you. For this reason, you are strongly advised to refrain from speaking to them until you consult your attorney.
How is fault proven in a personal injury case?
Fault is established in a personal injury case when there is evidence that the person who caused the injury was at fault. Fault can be determined through circumstantial evidence, direct evidence, or a combination of both. Circumstantial evidence includes factors such as whether the person had been drinking alcohol, using drugs, being distracted, or not wearing a seatbelt. Direct evidence may include witness testimony, medical records, and physical evidence.
In a car accident, for example, direct evidence may include witness testimony about who was at the wheel and where the accident took place.
Do I have to hire a personal injury lawyer for my Hawaii accident case?
In Hawaii, you are not required to hire a personal injury lawyer to represent you. However, doing so can provide you with several benefits.
Legal representation can help ensure that your rights are protected and that you receive the full amount of money you are owed. A lawyer can also negotiate on your behalf with the other party’s insurance company, saving you time and money.
A personal injury lawsuit can involve complex legal terminology and procedures, making it difficult for someone without experience or training in this area to handle things independently. Hiring an attorney will allow them to take on most of these duties for you while allowing you the best chances of securing the maximum compensation for your case.
If you still have questions regarding your rights and responsibilities or would like to schedule a consultation to discuss your legal issue, contact our personal injury lawyers at Leavitt, Yamane & Soldner right away to get started. If you were injured by someone else’s careless, reckless, or negligent actions, don’t wait to reach out to us. Our attorneys offer free initial consultations so contact us today to learn about your right to compensation.
Schedule a Free Consultation to Get Started on Your Case
If you or a loved one has been hurt in an accident in Wailuku, contact our personal injury law firm today. We have been fighting for justice for decades and are committed to helping you get fair compensation.
Our personal injury lawyers at Leavitt, Yamane & Soldner handle cases on a contingency fee basis, which means that you pay us fees only if we win your case. This allows us to focus on getting you the best possible representation and results.
We also offer free consultations to help you understand your legal options and decide if we are the right law firm for you. We can get started on your personal injury case at your earliest convenience. Schedule a free consultation today by calling our law offices at 808-537-2525. Our Hawaii personal injury lawyers at Leavitt, Yamane & Soldner are here to help you get justice.