Tourists or locals in Hawaii involved in a car accident need to ensure their safety. They should also check the safety of those around them. First and foremost, always stay calm and assess the situation. If anyone is injured, call 911 immediately. Once you have checked on everyone’s welfare, here are some additional steps.
Take photos of the scene
If you are not seriously injured, take photos of the accident scene, including all vehicle damage and visible injuries. Seasoned legal practitioners from a reputable Hawaii law firm recommend that you also capture what the weather is like or the road conditions during the accident. This can affect who is ultimately found to be at fault. Remember that the photos you take can help establish the extent of your injuries and damages suffered, so be sure to get plenty of shots from different angles. These will also be necessary during the claims process with your insurance company. Ask somebody to take photos for you if you cannot do it yourself.
Get contact information
Obtain the other party’s name, address, phone number, driver’s license number, insurance company, and policy number involved in the accident. These pieces of information are necessary when you are filing a claim. Your insurance company will most likely ask this from you. In addition, if there are any witnesses to the accident, get their names and contact information. You might need to call on them to testify on your behalf later on.
File a police report
In Hawaii, you are required by law to file a police report if the accident caused injuries or death or resulted in damages that exceed $1000. In cases of serious injuries, the police report can be filed by the attending medical personnel. The police report will most likely contain the officer’s assessment of who was at fault for the accident, making this an important piece of document. It will also have information on the other driver, including their insurance company. You will be given a copy of this report for your records as soon as it is filed. This document will be handy when filing an insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit.
In case you are not seriously harmed, do not leave the scene. Leaving the scene of an accident can result in criminal penalties, so you must stay put until the police arrive. While waiting for them, do not discuss what happened to anyone else, as this could be used against you later. It is enough to exchange insurance information with the other driver and wait for the authorities to arrive. Additionally, if you were involved in a hit-and-run accident in Hawaii, you must notify the police within 24 hours.
See a doctor
Make sure to see a doctor following the accident. Some injuries, such as whiplash, may not be immediately apparent, but a medical professional can assess your condition and provide any necessary treatment. If you are a tourist in Hawaii, many urgent care facilities and hospitals can attend to your needs. Remember to keep all medical documents and receipts, as these will be important when filing an insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit. If you can, keep track of any missed work days and the wages you lost due to the accident.
Contact your insurance company
After the accident, call your insurance provider as soon as possible. They will need to know what happened and likely start an insurance claim. If you are a tourist in Hawaii and do not have car insurance, you should still notify your insurance company of the accident. It is possible that they can help you out with expenses, depending on your policy.
Call a lawyer
Finally, contacting a lawyer is a good idea if you were injured in the accident or unsure how to proceed. A lawyer can help you understand your rights and options and represent you in any dealings with the other driver’s insurance company. In Hawaii, many experienced personal injury lawyers can help you get the compensation you deserve. Whether you are a tourist or a local, if you were involved in a car accident, these are the steps you should take. By following these instructions, you can ensure that you are taken care of and that your rights are protected.
These are just a few things you need to do if you are involved in a car accident in Hawaii. Getting into a car accident is never a pleasant experience, but knowing what to do afterward can help make the situation less stressful. Be sure to follow the steps listed above to ensure that you are cared for physically and legally. Rest assured that with some planning, you will be back on the road in no time.
