Honolulu Drunk Driver Accident Attorney

Drunk driving accidents continue to be a threat in Hawaii despite increased awareness about the danger of drinking and driving, as well as stricter laws and criminal penalties for DUI. Hawaii is made up of several islands with a dense population. Which puts other motorists, bicyclists, and pedestrians at a greater risk of injuries from drivers who are impaired.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, every day, about 28 people in the United States die in drunk-driving crashes — that’s one person every 52 minutes. Despite the dangers, many continue to engage in this dangerous behavior. As a result, they drive too slow, too fast, make improper turns, run red lights, and drive on the wrong side of the road. In these few seconds, many lives are changed forever.

If you have been injured due to the due to the negligence of a person who was driving while intoxicated, you may be entitled to compensation under Hawaii law. Drunk driver cases can be complex, and can involve many factors other than just the drunk driver, such as:

• Where was the alcohol consumed?
• Who provided the alcohol?
• Was the driver of legal age to consume alcohol?

Drunk drivers can cause catastrophic and fatal injuries to other drivers. Since Impaired drivers have slower reaction times, make reckless decisions, and may be driving at higher rates of speed than sober drivers. Victims of drunk drivers can end up with severe and life-changing injuries.

Victims who were injured by drunk drivers can seek compensation for accident-related expenses such as:

• Medical bills
• Rehabilitative costs
• Pain and suffering
• Lost wages

Statute of Limitations
With some exceptions, most drunk driver or dramshop claims in Hawaii is two (2) years from the date of the injury. Exceptions to this would be claims against the City and County of Honolulu as well as other Counties. These claims must be filed with the appropriate agency within six (6) months of the date of the accident.

SO, WHAT ABOUT A DRUNK DRIVER WHO CAUSES AN ACCIDENT AFTER DRINKING EXCESSIVELY AT A HOUSE OR WORK PARTY/EVENT?
The law provides that social hosts responsible for serving alcoholic drinks at a party can be held legally responsible for accidents caused by individuals who were served alcohol at the event. Though the host is not compelled by the law to monitor the condition of guests, they are deemed responsible in cases where they continue to serve alcohol to a guest whom they can reasonably establish is too drunk. This action can only be pursued under Hawaii’s general negligence laws.

Victims of drunk drivers may be able to collect compensation from the driver, and potentially the establishment that served the alcohol. In the state of Hawaii, under the Dram Shop laws, victims of drunk driving related injuries may be able to bring a lawsuit against the establishment that continued to serve alcohol, when the individual was already impaired.

• Bars
• Restaurants
• Individual homeowners

A considerable number of drunk drivers are individuals under the legal drinking age. Sellers responsible for selling alcohol to such individuals are responsible for any destructive actions of the individual. Hawaii’s Dram Shop laws are one of the most useful tools when it comes to establishing legal responsibility of reckless alcoholic beverage sellers, be it restaurants, liquor stores or bars.

Contact the Attorneys for Freedom Law Firm – Honolulu or call our office at 808-647-2423 and get a free evaluation and initial consultation on your boating injury case. Our experienced boating accident attorneys are prepared to assist you.

HOW SOON SHOULD I CONTACT AN ATTORNEY?

It is recommended that you contact an attorney that is experienced in drunk driver injury cases as soon as possible. This is especially important as specific statute of limitations could prevent any recovery if not acted in time. It is recommended that all evidence be properly preserved, and an investigation commences as soon as possible while all facts are still fresh in witness’ minds. The victim of the drunk driver accident should get a professional physical assessment of their injuries to ascertain the extent of physical harm.

When it comes to drunk driving accidents, we will help you recover the maximum compensation allowed under the law. We have over 30 years of experience and the knowledge to handle every aspect of your case. Millions have been recovered on behalf of our injured clients. Our attorneys understand what people are going through after being injured by drunk drivers. We provide exceptional representation that can defend your rights and best interests to help ensure that you have access to the medical care and financial support you need. We are fully committed to helping you on your path to recovery.

You should not have to struggle with financial hardships because of somebody else’s careless actions. Our team at the Attorneys for Freedom Law Firm – Honolulu can help you seek the justice you deserve. We can be reached in Honolulu by calling 808-647-2423.

Hawai’i Office Address:
1003 Bishop Street, Suite 1260 Pauahi Tower
Honolulu, Hawai’i 96813
Phone: 808-647-2423