A car accident can result in minor to severe injuries, property damage, hospitalization, wage loss and loss of earning capacity. Hawaii personal injury laws allow motor vehicle accident victims to seek damages for their injuries by filing a claim against the at fault driver. If you need assistance when filing your injury claims, you should hire an experienced Hawaii attorney to protect your rights and recover the compensation you deserve.
Attorney Daniel T Pagliarini is committed to offering compassionate representation and skilled guidance to clients in their car accident cases. As your legal counsel, Mr. Pagliarini will review all of the facts of your unique circumstances, walk you through the claims process, and help you seek the financial justice you’re entitled to. Our firm proudly serves clients across Oahu, Maui, Lanai, Kauai, Big Island, and Molokai.
Why Speak with an Experienced Auto Accident Attorney?
Being involved in a traffic collision can be a devastating and unsettling experience. Auto accident lawyers have the extensive knowledge and experience to help you file your injury claim, recover damages, and hold the negligent party liable for your injuries. Here are some crucial reasons to speak with an auto accident attorney after a motor vehicle accident:
Understanding Fault States vs. No-Fault States
Hawaii is a no-fault auto insurance state. That simply means that your auto insurer will cover your medical expenses up to your PIP limits, usually $10,000, regardless of fault.
However, if you intend to pursue a bodily injury claim against the wrongdoer, you need to prove their fault, as well as have $5,000 or more in paid PIP medical expenses by your insurer before you qualify for such a claim.
An experienced Hawaii auto accident attorney can evaluate the magnitude of your injuries and determine whether you meet the statutory threshold to step outside the no-fault system and seek damages from the at-fault driver.
Seeking Damages for Serious Injuries
Some accident injuries are severe or catastrophic, and you may need a lengthy recovery period, surgery, or future medical treatment. Generally, it can be very complex to recover damages for severe or catastrophic injuries. You need to fully recover or reach maximum medical improvement (MMI) before you can intelligently know the full nature of your injuries and negotiate with the responsible driver’s insurer.
Your personal injury attorney can work with your doctor to learn when you reach MMI or a full recovery, and then draft a comprehensive demand letter highlighting your medical treatment, bodily injuries and losses and the overall compensation amount you’re seeking. Also, your legal counsel can help you seek financial compensation for non-economic damages, such as loss of enjoyment of life, pain and suffering, and mental anguish.
Negotiating With the Insurance Company
It was once said “One who represents themself has a fool for a client.” Retaining an experienced Hawaii car accident lawyer soon after your accident is important. It prevents unnecessary communications with the adverse insurer which may often reduce the value of your claim. Let your attorney handle those communications, including the property damage claim if necessary, while you focus on your treatment and recovery.
Negotiating or even communicating with the adverse insurer is NOT ADVISED. Remember “what you say will be used against you” is still true today. The insurance company can propose an absurd first settlement offer that may not cover all your medical expenses, damages, and accumulated losses. Daniel T. Pagliarini, a skilled accident attorney, can evaluate the insurer’s offer, attempt to negotiate a better settlement offer, or take further legal action, if necessary, by filing a lawsuit and taking your claim to court.
Questions to Ask a Personal Injury Attorney
Here are some important questions to ask a personal injury attorney before you hire them:
- For how many years have you been practicing personal injury law?
- What is my motor vehicle accident case worth?
- Have you previously handled similar accident cases to mine?
- How much time and resources will you commit to my case?
- How much do you charge for your legal services?
- Do you prefer going to trial or reaching an out-of-court settlement?
- What are the potential issues and difficulties you see with my accident case?
- Can you provide testimonies or references from previous clients?
- How long do you think it will take to resolve my case?
- If I lose my case, who will cover the case-related costs?
Asking the questions above can help you make informed decisions and ensure that you retain a qualified car accident attorney with the necessary experience and resources to assist with your case. Speak with attorney Daniel T Pagliarini today for a free one-on-one consultation and case evaluation.
Get the Experience You Deserve
Having the right legal team on your side is crucial to improve your chances of a successful car accident claim. Daniel T Pagliarini AAL is poised and ready to help you hold those responsible for your injuries accountable. He and his team will guide you through the complicated claims process and help you seek fair financial compensation for your injuries, damages, and losses.
Contact Daniel T Pagliarini AAL today to schedule a simple case assessment with a seasoned personal injury attorney. Dan can offer you the personalized attention, support, and vigorous representation you need in your car accident claim. We proudly serve clients across Oahu, and throughout the Hawaiian islands, including Maui, Lanai, Kauai, Big Island, and Molokai.