Hilo, HI – Fatal Head-On Crash on Hwy 200 Near Mauna Kea Access Rd
May 6, 2026
Hilo, HI (May 6, 2026) – A head-on collision killed one person and left another seriously hurt on Tuesday, May 5, in Hilo. The crash happened on Highway 200, also known as Saddle Road, near the 23-24 mile marker and Mauna Kea Access Road.
According to authorities, the two vehicles collided head-on, leaving both drivers unconscious after impact. When emergency units arrived, one driver was pinned inside a vehicle. That driver became responsive but drifted in and out of consciousness during the rescue effort.
The second driver did not survive. Emergency responders confirmed that the person died at the scene. Authorities have not released the names of those involved.
Officials shut down the road for several hours while crews worked at the scene. Authorities continue to investigate the cause of the crash.
We extend our sincere condolences to the family and loved ones of the person who died in this tragic accident.
Compensation Available After a Fatal Crash in Hawaii
When a loved one dies in a car crash in Hawaii, surviving family members may have the right to file a wrongful death claim. These claims can cover funeral costs, lost financial support, loss of companionship, medical bills from before the death, and the pain and suffering the victim experienced. Each case depends on the specific facts involved.
After an unexpected death, funeral and burial costs often arrive without warning. A wrongful death claim can seek to recover those expenses. You should keep all receipts and invoices related to funeral arrangements.
If the person who died supported the household financially, the family may be able to recover that lost income. This includes wages the victim would have earned in the future. Courts may look at the victim’s age, occupation, and earning history when reviewing this type of loss.
Beyond financial losses, the family also loses the daily presence and support of someone they depended on. Loss of companionship may apply to a spouse, children, or parents who relied on the victim for care and guidance. Hawaii courts recognize that these losses carry real value even though they are not tied to a receipt.
When a crash victim receives emergency treatment before passing, those medical expenses may also be recoverable. Hospital care, procedures, ambulance transport, and related bills may fall into this category. You should gather billing records from every provider who treated the victim.
If the victim was conscious and in pain between the crash and the time of death, the family may also seek compensation for that suffering. This can include physical pain as well as emotional distress before death. Medical records and witness statements can help support this part of the claim.
When insurance companies push back on wrongful death claims, families may face low settlement offers or disputes over fault. Adjusters may question liability, challenge medical costs, or pressure families to accept a fast payout. A wrongful death lawyer can handle those conversations and help the family understand what a fair resolution may look like.
An attorney gathers evidence from crash reports, medical records, and witness statements to build a strong case. This support helps families focus on healing.
Our team at Leavitt, Yamane & Soldner reviews fatal crash cases across Hawaii and explains the options available to surviving family members. We can walk you through the claim process, help gather key records, and deal with the insurance company on your behalf.
If you lost a loved one in a crash in Hilo or anywhere in Hawaii, call Leavitt, Yamane & Soldner at (808) 537-2525 to speak with our wrongful death lawyers about your options.
Notes: Our team of writers uses secondary sources such as news reports, local and state police incident reports to create these posts. We have not independently verified all of the facts surrounding this particular accident, so if there is any information that is incorrect, please contact Leavitt, Yamane & Soldner so that we can update the post to reflect the most accurate information available.
Disclaimer: This post is not a solicitation for business. The photo used in this post was not taken at the actual accident scene. None of the information in this post is intended to be legal advice or medical advice. If you are injured in an accident, seek medical assistance immediately.