Hilo, HI – Two Killed, Four Injured in Head-On Crash on Daniel K. Inouye Hw
May 16, 2026
Hilo, HI (May 16, 2026) – A head-on collision killed two people and left four others injured on Friday, May 15, in Hilo. The accident happened around 4:00 p.m. between the 13 and 14 mile markers on Daniel K. Inouye Highway.
Emergency crews responded after receiving reports of the collision. Two people were pronounced dead at the scene. One person was transported to the hospital in critical condition, and three others were taken to Hilo Benioff Medical Center with serious injuries.
The highway was closed in both directions while crews worked at the scene. The public was advised to avoid the area for several hours due to the crash and ongoing investigation. Authorities continue to investigate the cause of the crash.
We extend our sincere condolences to the families and loved ones of those who lost their lives. We also wish the injured individuals a full and swift recovery.
How Wrongful Death Claims Work in Hawaii
In Hawaii, a wrongful death claim may help your family seek compensation after losing a loved one because of negligence. The process usually involves confirming who can file, proving fault, and calculating losses. Knowing these steps can help your family make informed decisions.
When your family is ready to move forward, the first step is determining who can file the claim. Hawaii law generally allows the personal representative of the estate to file for surviving family members.
Next, a wrongful death attorney can help your family show that negligence caused the fatal crash. Evidence may include the police report, witness statements, road details, vehicle damage records, and any available video footage. Preserving this information early can help support your claim.
If the evidence supports the claim, the next step is reviewing the losses tied to the death. Damages may include funeral costs, lost income, medical bills before death, and loss of companionship. A lawyer can help calculate these losses and gather tax records, pay records, medical bills, and family statements.
After the damages are reviewed, the claim may be filed with the at-fault party’s insurer. An attorney can handle the insurance process and respond if the insurer makes an offer that does not reflect the full impact of the loss.
If both sides cannot agree, the case may move to court. Some wrongful death cases settle before trial, while others require a judge or jury to decide the outcome. An attorney can explain each option and guide your family through the legal process.
Our team at Leavitt, Yamane & Soldner has years of experience helping families in Hawaii after fatal crashes. We can review your case, explain how wrongful death claims work, and help your family understand what options may apply.
If you have questions about a fatal accident claim in Hilo, you can call Leavitt, Yamane & Soldner at (808) 537-2525.
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.