Augment LeadsHawaii crash claims turn on a handful of state rules. Below: what the 2024 fatality data shows, how Hawaii handles fault and insurance, and what to ask callers. Compare deadlines in the statute of limitations by state table.
Hawaii traffic deaths in 2024
In 2024, 102 people died in Hawaii traffic crashes, a population rate of 7.1 per 100,000 (46th highest among the states and DC) and 0.96 per 100 million vehicle miles.
- Bicyclists: 7 killed, 7% of deaths in Hawaii, compared with 3% for all states combined.
- People on foot: 35 pedestrian deaths, or 34% of the Hawaii total (18% nationally).
- Motorcyclists: 26 deaths, 25% of Hawaii's total, against 16% across all states.
- Speeding was involved in 43 Hawaii deaths, 42% of the total, versus 29% nationwide.
Figures come from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety's state-by-state fatality table (FARS data); the national comparisons add up all 51 rows.
The legal rules behind a Hawaii car accident case
No-fault or at-fault in Hawaii
Hawaii is one of the 12 no-fault states listed by the Insurance Information Institute. Under HRS 431:10C-306, tort liability for accidental harm in a Hawaii motor vehicle accident is abolished unless the accident causes death, a significant permanent loss of use of a part or function of the body, or a permanent and serious disfigurement that causes mental or emotional suffering, or the personal injury protection benefits incurred reach $5,000.
Under HRS 431:10C-103, the maximum limit for basic personal injury protection benefits is $10,000 per person for any one accident. The no-fault rules don't cover property damage; 431:10C-306(f) leaves tort liability for property damage in place.
Minimum liability coverage
HRS 431:10C-301(b), as amended by Act 138 of 2024, requires liability coverage of at least $40,000 per person and $80,000 per accident for bodily injury and $20,000 for property damage.
How shared fault is handled
Hawaii uses modified comparative negligence. Under HRS 663-31, contributory negligence doesn't bar recovery if it was not greater than the negligence of the person, or the combined negligence of the persons, against whom recovery is sought; damages are reduced by the plaintiff's share, and a plaintiff found more negligent gets a judgment for the defendant.
Statute of limitations
HRS 657-7 requires actions for damage or injury to persons or property to be brought within two years after the cause of action accrued.
This isn't legal advice; check the linked statutes before relying on them.
Screening a Hawaii car accident lead
- Ask how much personal injury protection has been spent on treatment so far, and whether there's a permanent injury or disfigurement. Under HRS 431:10C-306, a tort claim needs one of those, a death, or PIP benefits reaching $5,000.
- Ask whether the caller's vehicle was damaged too. Property damage claims sit outside the no-fault limits.
- Write down the exact accident date; with two years under HRS 657-7, flag any crash approaching that limit for an attorney.
- Ask which insurers are involved, theirs and the other driver's. Hawaii's required minimum is $40,000 per person for bodily injury, so in a serious injury case ask about the caller's own coverage too.
- Ask whether the caller was on a bicycle. Bicyclists were 7% of Hawaii's 2024 deaths, above the 3% all-state share.
- Ask whether the caller was walking or standing near the road when hit; pedestrians made up 34% of Hawaii crash deaths in 2024. Route those to your pedestrian accident screen.
Exclusive Hawaii car accident leads
Our Hawaii leads come from our own nationwide campaigns, are filled in by the injured person and go to one firm only, with replacements for unqualified leads. Founded in 2025 and based in Canada, we generate 10,000+ leads every month. Read how MVA leads work, or plan lead routing and CRM delivery.
Spanish-speaking MVA leads are part of our regular product.
Frequently asked questions
What is the statute of limitations for a car accident in Hawaii?
Generally two years, under HRS 657-7. Exceptions apply, so confirm the deadline on every file.
When can someone sue after a Hawaii car accident?
Under HRS 431:10C-306, when the accident causes death, a significant permanent loss of use of a body part or function, or a permanent and serious disfigurement, or when personal injury protection benefits incurred reach $5,000.
How much liability coverage must Hawaii drivers carry?
HRS 431:10C-301(b), as amended by Act 138 of 2024, requires liability coverage of at least $40,000 per person and $80,000 per accident for bodily injury and $20,000 for property damage.
How many people died in Hawaii car crashes in 2024?
IIHS counted 102 crash deaths in Hawaii in 2024, or 7.1 per 100,000 people.
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