Act Quickly to Protect Your Rights
After a serious accident in Hawaii, the steps you take in the days and weeks that follow can make or break your injury claim. Evidence disappears, witnesses forget details, and legal deadlines can permanently extinguish your right to compensation.
Attorney William Lawson emphasizes prompt action. The sooner you involve an experienced injury attorney, the better positioned you will be to build a compelling case.
Preserving Evidence
One of the most important early tasks in any injury claim is preserving evidence. This typically involves:
- Locating witnesses and documenting witness statements
- Taking and preserving photographs and video of the accident scene
- Securing physical evidence before it is repaired, destroyed, or lost
- Obtaining police reports, incident reports, and other official records
- Documenting your injuries with photographs and medical records
- Gathering and preserving medical records and bills
It often takes an experienced lawyer to identify what must be done and to move quickly enough to preserve critical evidence. William Lawson will take these steps for you.
Medical Treatment
Seek prompt medical attention after any serious accident, even if you feel you may not be severely injured. Delayed medical treatment can both harm your health and weaken your legal claim. Follow your doctors' recommendations carefully and keep records of all treatment, expenses, and how your injuries affect your daily life.
Understanding the applicable Statute of Limitations
Every type of personal injury claim has a deadline — called the statute of limitations — for filing a lawsuit in court. In Hawaii, this deadline varies depending on the type of claim:
- Most personal injury claims: 2 years from the date of injury
- Most motor vehicle accidents: 2 years from the date of the last no-fault PIP payment
- Some federal and maritime claims: 3 years from the date of injury
- Some federal motor vehicle accidents: 2 years from the date of injury
- Claims against government entities: may have shorter notice requirements
- Minors: special rules may extend or modify deadlines
Warning: After the statute of limitations expires, your claim is generally lost regardless of how strong it might have been (although there are some exceptions). Do not assume you have time to wait. Contact Injury Lawyer Hawaii as soon as possible after your accident.
Working With an Attorney
William Lawson will guide you through every stage of the claims process — from initial investigation and evidence gathering through negotiation and, if necessary, trial. He handles most serious injury cases on a contingency fee basis: no fee unless we win.