Resources for Victims and Families of Accidents in Hawaii

Accidents in Hawaii can be devastating—whether they occur on Oahu’s busy H-1 freeway, during a bicycle ride on Maui, or as a result of a fall or workplace incident. If you or someone you love has been seriously injured or killed in an accident, it can be hard to know what to do first.

This guide offers critical Hawaii accident victim resources to help you get the care, support, and legal guidance you need. From medical treatment and crash report access to grief support and financial aid, these resources are designed to help individuals and families after both injury and fatal accidents.

Help for Injury Victims After Accidents in Hawaii

Hawaii’s remote geography and limited hospital infrastructure make fast action even more important after an accident. Whether you were injured in a car crash, pedestrian collision, or other serious incident, it’s important to seek care and protect your rights.

Medical and Rehabilitation Services

Hawaii has trauma centers on Oahu and access points across the islands to provide initial and ongoing care:

• The Queen’s Medical Center (Honolulu) – Hawaii’s only Level I trauma center
• Maui Memorial Medical Center – Provides emergency care and rehabilitation services
• Hilo Medical Center (Big Island) – Emergency and post-acute care
• Rehab Hospital of the Pacific – Offers specialized therapy for spinal, brain, and orthopedic injuries

For follow-up care, contact the Hawaii Department of Health for local resources and community health clinics across the islands.

Legal Rights After an Injury Accident

Hawaii uses a no-fault insurance system for motor vehicle accidents. That means your own PIP (Personal Injury Protection) insurance will cover your medical expenses up to the policy limit—regardless of who was at fault.

However, if your injuries are serious, you may step outside the no-fault system and file a personal injury claim for:

• Additional medical expenses
• Pain and suffering
• Lost income

The statute of limitations in Hawaii is two years from the date of injury to file a lawsuit. Exceptions apply for minors and some other circumstances.

Support for Families After Fatal Accidents in Hawaii

When an accident leads to the death of a loved one, the grief is compounded by legal and financial concerns. Whether the loss resulted from a traffic collision, work-related incident, or dangerous conditions on someone’s property, Hawaii provides resources to help.

Grief Counseling and Emotional Support

These services offer support to individuals and families experiencing traumatic loss:

• Hospice Hawaii (Honolulu) – Offers grief counseling and bereavement groups for all ages
• The Dougy Center (Online support accessible statewide) – Grief resources and peer support for families
• Catholic Charities Hawaii – Counseling for families facing trauma, loss, and crisis
• Hawaii CARES Crisis Line – 24/7 support at 1-800-753-6879 or dial 988

Wrongful Death Claims in Hawaii

Under Hawaii Revised Statutes § 663-3, certain family members may file a wrongful death lawsuit if a loved one dies due to someone else’s negligence. Eligible parties include:

• Spouses
• Children
• Parents
• Personal representatives of the estate

Wrongful death damages may include:

• Funeral and burial expenses
• Medical bills
• Loss of financial support
• Emotional loss and companionship

The deadline to file a wrongful death lawsuit is generally two years from the date of death.

Accessing Police and Accident Reports in Hawaii

Crash reports are important for insurance claims and legal cases. These documents provide the official summary of what happened and who may have been at fault.

How to Get a Crash Report in Hawaii

Crash reports are issued by the responding law enforcement agency. Here’s how to get them:

• Honolulu Police Department: Visit https://www.honolulupd.org and request through Records and Identification Division
• Maui Police Department: Visit https://www.mauipolice.com or call the Records section
• Hawaii County Police Department (Big Island): Visit https://www.hawaiipolice.com

You will need:

• Date and location of the accident
• Names of those involved
• Report or case number (if available)
• Small processing fee (typically $5 to $10)

Most reports are ready within 7 to 10 business days.

Financial Help and Social Services for Accident Victims in Hawaii

Recovery can take a toll on your finances. If you’re unable to work or facing unexpected medical or funeral costs, Hawaii offers several programs that may help.

Hawaii Department of Human Services (DHS)

DHS provides state-run assistance programs, including:

• Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) – Financial help for families with children
• Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) – Grocery support
• Med-QUEST (Medicaid) – Healthcare for individuals and families who qualify
• General Assistance Program – Support for single adults with disabilities or serious injuries

Visit https://humanservices.hawaii.gov to apply or locate a service office.

Crime Victim Compensation Commission (CVCC)

If the accident involved criminal conduct (such as DUI or hit-and-run), the CVCC can help cover:

• Funeral expenses
• Medical bills
• Counseling services
• Lost wages

Learn more or apply at https://ag.hawaii.gov/cvcc or call (808) 586-2880.

Frequently Asked Questions About Accidents in Hawaii

If you’re navigating the aftermath of a serious accident, you probably have a lot of questions. Here are some answers to common concerns.

How long do I have to file a lawsuit in Hawaii?

You typically have two years to file a personal injury or wrongful death claim. It’s best to act quickly so evidence doesn’t go missing and deadlines aren’t missed.

Can I sue even though Hawaii is a no-fault state?

Yes. If your injuries are serious, you can go outside the no-fault system and file a lawsuit against the at-fault party. “Serious” injuries include permanent disfigurement, significant loss of function, or more than $5,000 in medical expenses.

What happens if I was partially at fault?

Hawaii uses comparative negligence, meaning you can still recover damages if you’re partly at fault. However, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault.

What should I do if I can’t afford medical treatment?

Use your PIP insurance for immediate care. You may also qualify for Med-QUEST, charity care programs, or crime victim compensation if the accident involved criminal activity.

Do I need a lawyer?

In serious or fatal cases, yes. A lawyer can help you access records, deal with insurance companies, and protect your rights under Hawaii law.

Call a Hawaii Accident Attorney Today

Whether you’re recovering from injuries or coping with the sudden loss of a loved one, the days following an accident are overwhelming. But you don’t have to go through it alone.

A Hawaii accident attorney can help you:

• Get your crash report and medical documentation
• File claims and meet deadlines
• Deal with insurance adjusters
• Seek the full compensation you’re owed

Time matters. Call a Hawaii accident lawyer today to get the guidance and support you and your family need to move forward with confidence.