An early morning collision on the H-1 freeway in Honolulu occurred just before 5:30 am on Wednesday, August 21, 2024.
The accident involved two vehicles and occurred just before the Kunia off-ramp, according to Honolulu Emergency Medical Services (EMS).
When paramedics arrived on the scene, they treated two patients, a 40-year-old woman and a 50-year-old man. The man was in serious condition and given advanced life support before being transported to the hospital. The woman suffered minor injuries and declined to be taken to the hospital.
Hawaii has about 10,000 serious car accidents per year, according to the state’s Department of Transportation (HDOT).
Data from HDOT reveals that there are between 120-150 vehicle collision-related fatalities each year. The main cause of serious and fatal accidents is speeding. Speeding can greatly reduce the time a driver has to react to changing conditions on the road. Whether they abruptly come upon halted traffic, the car in front of them suddenly brakes hard, or a hazard or pedestrian is on the road, speeding decreases the time they have to notice the change and stop safely in time to avoid a collision.
Other factors that can contribute to serious accidents include:
- Distracted driving – when drivers divert their attention from the road by engaging in behaviors like texting, talking on the phone or to vehicle passengers, eating, or adjusting the radio or in-car technology, they increase their likelihood of being involved in an accident.
- Impaired driving – driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol greatly reduces drivers’ reflexes, reaction time, and impairs their ability to make safe and rational decisions, leading to an increased probability of being involved in or causing an accident.
- Adverse weather conditions – driving in inclement weather conditions such as heavy rainfall or fog can decrease visibility and increase the likelihood of drivers losing control of their vehicles and being involved in a collision. It is important for drivers to adjust their speed according to weather conditions.
- Poor road conditions – debris in the road, potholes, and lack of proper signage can cause confusion and foster unsafe road conditions that may lead to collisions.
Legal Options for Those Involved
“The victims of Wednesday’s crash may wish to take legal action, as is their right,” says Brett Schreiber, partner and attorney of Singleton Schreiber, “depending on the circumstances that led to the accident, they may have several options to obtain compensation for the damages they suffered in the accident.”
The victims involved in the accident may be able to pursue claims such as:
- Personal injury claims – if a driver was responsible for causing the accident that resulted in property damage, injuries, and more.
- Product liability claims – if the manufacturer of one of the vehicles was responsible for a malfunction that caused the collision that injured the driver(s).
- And more
The type of claim that victims may be able to pursue depends on the circumstances of the crash and what or who officials determine to be the cause.
If you or a loved one have been injured in a car crash, contact the team at Singleton Schreiber today to learn how they may be able to help you. Call (808) 582-8062 or email info@singletonschreiber.com to get started today.
