Insurance companies frequently blame whiplash symptoms on pre-existing conditions rather than accident trauma. However, Hawaii law allows compensation if the accident aggravated or accelerated pre-existing problems, with Barlow leveraging medical testimony and thorough documentation to establish causation, even in complicated cases.
Despite Hawaii being a no-fault state, drivers can still file claims against at-fault motorists under certain circumstances. The key factor is whether your injuries meet the “tort threshold”, which includes incurring more than $5,000 in medical expenses or suffering serious injuries such as disfigurement, permanent impairment, or death. Once this threshold is met, you can pursue a liability claim for damages not covered by PIP—like pain and suffering or lost future income. Honolulu auto accident lawyer David W. Barlow carefully evaluates each client’s medical records and expenses to determine when it’s time to pursue additional compensation through a third-party claim
If you have been injured in a car accident in Hawaii, the legal terms you face can be overwhelming. This glossary breaks down the most important words and phrases, including liability, damages, personal injury protection (PIP), and wrongful death, to give victims the tools they need to understand the process. It explains how Hawaii’s no-fault system works, the significance of filing deadlines, and why evidence like medical records and accident reports play such a crucial role in proving claims. By learning this vocabulary, accident victims can better navigate insurance negotiations, arbitration, or litigation, and work with their attorneys to pursue maximum compensation.
