Riding along Ala Moana Boulevard, through Kakaako, or near Waikiki Beach should not end with flashing lights and a trip to the emergency room. Yet bicycle crashes involving motor vehicles happen throughout Honolulu every year. When a driver turns without looking, runs a red light, or drifts into a bike lane, injuries can be severe.
If you were injured in a bicycle accident in Honolulu, you may be wondering what your options are. A Honolulu bicycle accident attorney from Shaheen & Gordon can help you move forward with a clear plan. Our firm represents injured cyclists and families seeking compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Call (808) 730-1875 to request a free consultation.
Strong advocacy when a Honolulu bicycle accident changes your life
A bicycle accident case is rarely simple. Hawaii’s no-fault insurance rules can affect how medical bills are paid. Insurance companies may begin evaluating your claim quickly. Questions about fault for the accident can become disputed within days.
Since 1981, Shaheen & Gordon has represented individuals and families facing serious personal injury claims. We don’t represent insurance companies. When adjusters request statements or review your medical records, that distinction matters.
Cyclists often suffer head injuries, fractures, and lasting physical limitations. Some injuries heal slowly. Others change how a person works or moves for years. We take time to understand how the crash has affected your daily life.
You won’t be treated like a file on a desk. We provide clear communication and steady, determined advocacy from start to finish.
Why Honolulu bicycle accidents often cause serious injuries
Honolulu roads are busy and compact. Drivers, buses, delivery vehicles, and tour vans of all shapes and sizes all share space with cyclists. In areas like King Street, Beretania Street, and Downtown Honolulu intersections, traffic moves quickly, and visibility can be limited.
Even at moderate speeds, a collision between a car and a cyclist can cause significant harm. Unlike occupants of motor vehicles, cyclists have no steel frame or airbags for protection.
Common injuries include:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Broken bones and joint damage
- Internal injuries
- Severe road rash
Some cyclists require surgery or extended rehabilitation. Others face weeks or months away from work. The physical and financial impact can be overwhelming.
Common causes of bicycle accidents in Honolulu
Many Honolulu bicycle accidents happen at intersections. A driver may turn without checking for a cyclist. A vehicle may open a door into a bike lane. In other cases, a motorist may follow too closely or pass without leaving enough space.
We frequently see accidents caused by:
- Failure to obey traffic signals
- Distracted driving
- Speeding through city corridors
- Unsafe lane changes
Determining fault for the accident requires reviewing the police report and any available evidence. Details like video footage and witness accounts often make all the difference in a bicycle accident case.
Who can be held responsible for a Honolulu bicycle accident?
In most cases, a negligent driver of a motor vehicle is responsible. But liability can extend beyond the driver depending on the circumstances.
A Honolulu bicycle accident claim may involve:
- A private driver
- A commercial vehicle operator
- An employer, if the driver was working
- A government entity responsible for unsafe road conditions
Hawaii follows a comparative negligence system. If you share some responsibility, you may still recover compensation, though the amount can be reduced. Each case turns on its specific facts, which is why talking to an attorney can make all the difference.
How Hawaii’s no-fault insurance system applies to bicycle accidents
Hawaii requires drivers to carry Personal Injury Protection (PIP). In many bicycle accidents involving a motor vehicle, that coverage may pay for medical treatment up to certain limits, regardless of fault.
Serious injuries often exceed those limits. When injuries meet legal thresholds, an injured cyclist may file a personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault driver to seek additional damages, including pain and suffering.
What compensation can you recover after a Honolulu bicycle accident?
A bicycle accident can create both financial losses and lasting personal hardship.
Compensation might include:
- Medical bills and future medical treatment
- Lost wages
- Damage to your bicycle and equipment
- Pain and suffering
If a crash results in wrongful death, certain family members may pursue damages under Hawaii law. The amount available depends on the severity of your injuries, the insurance coverage involved, who was at fault, and how the crash has affected your ability to work.
What clients say about working with Shaheen & Gordon
No two cases are the same. What often helps most is having someone explain things clearly and stay in touch. Clients frequently tell us they appreciate honest answers and consistent updates.
“Shaheen & Gordon, P.A., helped me tremendously with a liability case. As someone who didn’t know where to start or if I was getting lowballed offers from an insurance adjuster, this firm was able to negotiate and get me what was deserved.”
“This law firm is great, they take the time to talk with you about everything, they keep you informed about everything they do, and they go out of their way to help you. I truly don’t know of another law firm that would go out of their way for you.”
Evidence that matters in a Honolulu bicycle accident case
Bicycle accident cases often depend on evidence that decays quickly. Acting quickly can help preserve:
- Police reports
- Witness contact information
- Surveillance or traffic camera footage
- Medical records
Insurance companies begin reviewing claims early. Protecting evidence at the start can strengthen your Honolulu bicycle accident lawyer’s ability to present your case clearly.
How long do you have to file a Honolulu bicycle accident claim?
In Hawaii, most personal injury lawsuits must generally be filed within two years of the date of injury under Hawaii Revised Statutes § 657-7. Wrongful death claims must generally be filed within two years of the date of death under Hawaii Revised Statutes § 663-3.
Missing a deadline can prevent you from pursuing compensation. Speaking with a bicycle accident lawyer in Honolulu early helps protect your options.
Frequently asked questions about Honolulu bicycle accidents
Do bicyclists have the same rights as drivers?
In most situations, yes. Cyclists generally have the same rights and responsibilities as drivers of motor vehicles under Hawaii traffic laws.
What if I was hit while riding in a marked bike lane in Honolulu?
Drivers have to yield when turning across bike lanes and must share the road safely with cyclists. If a motor vehicle crossed into your lane or turned without checking for you, that can support a negligence claim. This is especially relevant in areas like King Street and South Street, where bike lanes run alongside busy traffic corridors.
What if I was partially at fault?
Hawaii’s comparative negligence system allows recovery even if you share some fault, though compensation may be reduced.
What if the driver who hit me was a tourist in a rental car?
Tourism is a big part of everyday traffic in Honolulu. If you were hit by someone driving a rental car, there may be more than one insurance policy involved. The driver’s own insurance may apply, and the rental company may have coverage as well. These cases can take a little more sorting out, but you can still pursue compensation if the driver caused the crash.
Local Honolulu resources for bicycle accident and traffic injury matters
Honolulu Police Department – District 1 (Central Honolulu)
801 South Beretania Street
Honolulu, HI 96813
Responds to traffic collisions and prepares accident reports within Honolulu city limits.
Hawaii State Judiciary – First Circuit Court
1111 Alakea Street
Honolulu, HI 96813
Handles civil personal injury filings for Honolulu County.
The Queen’s Medical Center – Punchbowl Campus
1301 Punchbowl Street
Honolulu, HI 96813
Level I trauma center serving Honolulu and Oahu.
Straub Medical Center
888 S King Street
Honolulu, HI 96813
Provides emergency and follow-up medical treatment.
Talk to a Honolulu bicycle accident attorney today
A serious bike accident in Honolulu, HI, can leave you facing medical bills and insurance company calls. You don’t have to navigate that process alone. If you were injured in a Honolulu bicycle accident, contact Shaheen & Gordon at (800) 451-1002 to request a free consultation. We will listen and help you understand the next steps.
