BIKE ACCIDENT ATTORNEY
IN HONOLULU, HAWAII

Between 2017 and 2018, Hawaii saw a larger increase in pedestrian fatalities than any other state. Many of these accidents involved walkers, but as the number of bikers on the roads has increased, so has the number of bicycle accidents. There are no complete statistics about the number of bicyclists injured on the islands, but in our minds, even one is too many.

Drivers choose to put everyone else on the road in danger when they engage in negligent behaviors.

These behaviors include:

• Use of phones
• Ignoring traffic signals
• Or driving at dangerous speeds

Bicyclists are more likely than drivers to sustain serious or even fatal injuries—especially when they are involved in an accident with a car or truck. Daniel T Pagliarini AAL is here to support the victims of bad bicycle crashes who need help with their recovery.

Between 2007 and 2010, an average of 3 bikers died in Hawaii each year, and 1300 others were injured.

Their damages ranged from mild (scrapes and bruises) to catastrophic (traumatic brain injury). Data show that at least 50% of all recorded bicyclist injuries were sustained in accidents with automobiles.

Injuries also vary with bikers’ locations and circumstances. Trends suggest Kauai County is the most dangerous place for riders. In Honolulu County, there is the lowest average number of hospitalizations in the state.

A survey of hospital records found that the most common injuries are:

• Contusions and open wounds
• Lower arm or hand fractures
• Sprains and strains
• Internal injuries
• Rib or pelvic fractures

Between 2007 and 2011, 18% of bicyclist injuries involved a traumatic brain injury. Many riders are lucky to escape with superficial wounds. However, for those who suffer fractures, internal injuries, or brain damage, treatment may be long and costly.

A bicyclist might never regain full use of the injured parts of their body. Between missed work and medical costs, victims in these types of accidents may fall behind on their bills and other expenses.

Personal injury lawsuits exist to bridge that monetary gap as the injured party recovers.

Drivers and bikers both have to follow the rules of the road. Transgressions by either (or even by third parties) endanger others. Here are some scenarios that often lead to bicycle accidents:

• Biker enters the road from a driveway, alley, curb, or sidewalk
• Driver enters road from alley or driveway
• Driver runs a stop sign or red light
• Driver turns right or left into bicyclist
• Driver passes a bicyclist
• Driver opens a door that blocks the bike lane without checking for nearby riders

As bikers, there is only so much that can be done to keep yourself safe. Bikers rely on others to use caution and foresight to prevent accidents. Drivers who break this trust have a duty to help anyone injured by their carelessness.

One of the most important questions in any accident is who will pay for the damages. Luckily for the bikers and pedestrians on the roads, Hawaii is a no-fault insurance state.

That means the driver’s Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance will help you access treatment—up to $10,000—no matter who was at fault.

What if the at-fault driver is uninsured, or leaves before you can identify them? Even though you’re not driving a car, your uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage will likely cover your injuries as well as lost wages and suffering.

Rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft have special insurance in case of accidents. This is not the case with Biki.

The company’s insurance only covers damages to their bikes and/or injuries caused by bicycle malfunctions. Because PIP and most auto insurance policies cover bike riders, Biki doesn’t need to offer its own options.