KNOWLEDGEABLE REPRESENTATION FROM HAWAII LAWYERS
The consequences of a truck or bus accident can be severe. The imposing size of trucks and buses causes significant injuries resulting in physical, emotional and financial hardships to the victims of these collisions. Often, the effect to the injured is catastrophic. With more than 40 years of experience, the attorneys at the Law Offices of Tateishi & Tanaka have the knowledge and commitment to obtain fair compensation for these accident victims. Our solid legal reputation on Maui is built upon our dedication to our clients and our extensive experience in personal injury law.
COMMON CAUSES OF TRUCK AND BUS ACCIDENTS IN MAUI
Like with auto accidents, there are many different reasons that a truck or bus accident can occur. Some common causes include:
- Distracted driving
- Fatigued driving
- Drunk driving
- Reckless driving
- Defective parts
- Weather conditions
If you or a loved one has been involved in a truck or bus accident in Hawaii, get help from our experienced personal injury attorneys today. We can help you prove fault and hold the responsible parties accountable.
WHO CAN I RECOVER COMPENSATION FROM IF I’M INJURED IN A MAUI TRUCK OR BUS ACCIDENT?
In Hawaii, the insurance company for the vehicle you were in is responsible for paying your treatment bills. Payment of these bills is made under the personal injury protection (PIP) part of the automobile insurance policy. Typically, the amount of insurance money available is $10,000. In most situations, payment for medical doctor care, chiropractic care, physical therapy and massage therapy is permitted. If the $10,000 is used up, private medical insurance — such as HMSA, Kaiser Permanente or other medical insurance plans may be available to pay for some treatment expenses. Our firm will assist in making sure that your treatment expenses are paid by the PIP insurance and by your private medical insurance.
The wrongful driver can be required to pay for your losses, such as replacement of loss of income, payment for future treatments and lifestyle changes caused by your injuries. Hawaii law requires that your injuries are serious before making these claims. If your injuries are permanent or the total treatment expenses paid by the PIP insurance carrier are over $5,000, you can make a claim against the wrongful driver. We work hard to obtain fair compensation for your losses from the responsible driver’s insurance.
TRUCKING RULES AND REGULATIONS IN HAWAII
To legally operate certain types of commercial vehicles in Hawaii, a driver must obtain a commercial driver’s license (CDL). To get this license, the driver must pass a test based on the type of vehicle being driven. A CDL driver must be at least 21 years old, and cannot drive any other type of vehicle than the ones in their licensed class. The three classes are separated by the size and weight of the vehicles. If they violate the law and regulations, a driver can lose their CDL temporarily or permanently, depending on the severity of the violation. Some of the worst violations include:
- Driving while intoxicated
- Refusing to take an alcohol test
- Leaving the scene of an accident
- Using the vehicle to commit a felony
- Causing a fatality with the vehicle
Other less serious infractions include speeding, driving recklessly, tailgating and others. If you have been involved in an accident with a commercial driver, we can help you determine if the driver was behaving negligently or illegally.
Get help from experienced truck and bus accident attorneys in Maui
Because of the possible catastrophic consequences of a truck or bus accident, it is imperative that you hire an experienced attorney who can fight for you to get the compensation you need. The Law Offices of Tateishi & Tanaka is prepared to represent you. Call us today at 808-244-3933 or contact us online to schedule a free initial consultation at our Wailuku, Maui office.
