Auto Accidents

Hawaii Car Accident Attorney

For the past 45 years, the Law Offices of Ian Mattoch has successfully represented numerous victims and their family members that were injured in a car accident.  Our firm has obtained settlements, judgments, and verdicts from injury and death claims arising out of auto accidents involving buses, cars, bicycles, pedestrians, mopeds, motorcycles, motor scooters, and trucks.

IF YOU WERE INVOLVED IN AN AUTO ACCIDENT:

Make sure you seek immediate medical care and follow your physician’s recommendations in a timely manner.  The longer you wait to seek treatment the more likely an insurance adjuster will say that the injury is not related to the accident.

Call the Law Offices of Ian Mattoch for a free consultation.  We can advise you of your rights, limitations on treatment, and your benefits prior to giving a recorded statement to any insurance company.  In addition, the Law Offices of Ian Mattoch will also be able to assist you in setting up claims for payment of your medical expenses and property damage.

HAWAII CAR/BUS/TRUCK ACCIDENTS:

As an occupant of a motor vehicle in the State of Hawaii, you are entitled to a minimum of $10,000 of Personal Injury Protection (PIP)/No-Fault benefits for payment of medical expenses arising out of injuries sustained in a motor vehicle accident.  The medical fees and some medical treatment (i.e. chiropractic, naturopathic, and acupuncture treatment) are limited. You are entitled to PIP benefits regardless of who caused the accident.  PIP benefits are paid for by the insurance company of the vehicle that you occupied at the time of the accident.

HAWAII PEDESTRIAN/BICYCLE/MOPED ACCIDENTS:

As a pedestrian or operator of a bicycle or moped (as defined by Hawaii law), you are entitled to $10,000 of Personal Injury Protection (PIP)/No-Fault benefits for payment of medical expenses arising out of injuries sustained in a motor vehicle accident.  The medical fees and some medical treatment (i.e. chiropractic, naturopathic, and acupuncture treatment) are limited.  You are entitled to PIP benefits regardless of who caused the accident. PIP benefits are paid for by the insurance company of the vehicle that hit you, your bicycle, or your moped.

HAWAII MOTORCYCLE/MOTOR SCOOTER ACCIDENTS:

As an operator of a motorcycle, you are NOT entitled to Personal Injury Protection (PIP)/No-Fault benefits for payment of medical expenses arising out of injuries. Any treatment of injuries sustained in a motorcycle accident must be paid for by your health insurance or application must be made immediately for coverage through State of Hawaii’s Medicaid/MedQuest program. Most health insurance plans and all Medicare, Medicaid/MedQuest insurance plans do NOT cover alterative medical treatment such as chiropractic, naturopathic, and acupuncture treatment.

PROPERTY DAMAGE:

Take pictures of the property damage of your vehicle and the adverse driver’s vehicle for your records. If you are at the accident scene, and you are able to take pictures of the accident scene safely, make sure that you include landmarks and any skid marks that may be on the roadway.

To avoid having to pay for a deductible to fix your car, motorcycle, motor scooter, moped, or bicycle, call the insurance company for the adverse driver. If your insurance handles the property damage claim, the adverse driver’s insurer will reimburse you for your property damage/collision coverage deductible; however, it make take up to 6-12 months to receive the reimbursement of the deductible paid.

Ask the insurer handling property damage if there is rental coverage while your vehicle is being repaired. Although your auto policy may not have rental coverage, the adverse driver’s insurer may include this cost as part of the property damage claim.

RECORDED STATEMENTS:

It’s okay to tell insurance companies that you are not ready to give a recorded statement until you have retained counsel. The attorney you hire to represent you will prepare you by informing you of what to expect during a recorded statement and the types of questions that will be asked. Your attorney will then sit with you throughout the recorded statement to make sure that the adjuster asks appropriate and relevant questions, to make sure objections are made on record, if any.

AUTHORIZATIONS/APPLICATIONS:

As soon as you report an auto accident to the insurance companies involved, you will receive applications to fill out and authorizations to be signed. These signed authorizations will allow your medical providers to release your medical records which contain confidential and personal information. These records are protected under HIPAA guidelines and regulations. After you retain a lawyer to represent you for personal injury claims arising out of the subject accident, your lawyer and legal team will be able to help you complete these applications and to review the authorizations to protect your patient rights.

Contact us. It can be overwhelming and complicated.

Call us today for a free, no obligation consultation. If you would like to learn more about our evaluation process prior to contacting us, please read about our FREE CONSULTATION.

Check out OUR ATTORNEYS to find out more about the Law Offices of Ian Mattoch.

“Hibiscus” by Wendy Albios, a neurotrauma survivor, speaks to her creativity and courage.  This beautiful painting was purchased through the Rehabilitation Hospital of the Pacific’s Art Program.