Personal Injury Statistics in Hawaii
Understanding personal injury statistics in Hawaii helps you benchmark your case value, understand the legal environment, and set realistic expectations for your claim.
For informational purposes only. Not legal advice. Consult a licensed attorney.
$15,000 – $65,000
Average Settlement Range
Varies widely by injury severity and case type
Pure comparative fault
Fault System
Directly affects how damages are calculated
2 years
Statute of Limitations
Time to file from date of injury
No-Fault (PIP)
Auto Insurance System
Own insurer pays initial medical bills
Hawaii Injury Cases — By the Numbers
11,000 cases/yr
PI Cases Filed Annually
$49,000
Average Settlement
$30,000
Median Settlement
47%
Plaintiff Trial Win Rate
15 mo
Avg. Time to Settle
Slip and Fall
Top Injury Type
12 mo
Civil Court Backlog
34%
Avg. Contingency Fee
Key Facts About Hawaii Injury Law
Hawaii is a no-fault auto insurance state under H.R.S. § 431:10C-301, requiring all drivers to carry personal injury protection (PIP) coverage that pays medical expenses and lost wages regardless of fault up to policy limits.
Hawaii follows pure comparative negligence — injured victims can recover compensation even if they are primarily at fault for the accident, with their damages award simply reduced by the percentage of fault attributed to them.
The statute of limitations for personal injury in Hawaii is 2 years under H.R.S. § 657-7, though the discovery rule can extend the filing deadline in cases where the nature or cause of the injury was not immediately apparent.
Hawaii Personal Injury Law Overview
Hawaii combines a no-fault PIP auto insurance requirement with a pure comparative fault system for tort claims that exceed the no-fault threshold. PIP coverage pays for initial medical expenses and lost wages regardless of fault. For serious injuries that qualify for tort claims, Hawaii's pure comparative fault rule allows full recovery reduced proportionally by the plaintiff's own negligence. The statute of limitations is 2 years, with discovery rule tolling available. Hawaii's tourism industry generates significant premises liability and negligent security claims at hotels, resorts, and recreational facilities. Ocean and water activity injuries present unique legal questions addressed by state courts. Hawaii has no general cap on compensatory damages. Medical malpractice cases require compliance with the Medical Claims Conciliation Panel process before trial. Workers' compensation is separate and exclusive for workplace injuries under Hawaii's Disability Compensation Law.