One moment you are cruising along a scenic coastal road in Hawaii and the next, a car accident turns your dream trip into a stressful ordeal. If this happens to you, you do not have to face the financial burden alone. Hawaii law allows tourists to recover accident-related expenses. However, the process works differently from what you may expect back home. The first thing to understand is how Hawaii’s insurance system works.
What you must know about Hawaii’s no-fault system
Hawaii follows a no-fault insurance system. This means that after a car accident, the insurance of the vehicle you were in pays your medical bills, regardless of who caused the crash. Insurers call this coverage Personal Injury Protection (PIP). Additionally, Hawaii requires PIP on all registered vehicles, including rental cars. Thus, knowing how PIP works sets the foundation for understanding how it applies to you as a tourist.
How Hawaii’s coverage rules applies to you
As a tourist, the rental car’s PIP coverage is typically your primary source for medical expenses. Meanwhile, your personal auto policy from back home may serve as secondary coverage once you reach your PIP limits. Keep in mind that some mainland health insurance providers may deny your Hawaii claims until you fully exhaust your PIP benefits. Therefore, knowing this order of coverage can help you avoid costly surprises when you file a claim. Beyond medical bills, you may also recover other out-of-pocket expenses from your accident.
Five out-of-pocket expenses you can recover
Medical bills are not the only costs you can recover after a car accident in Hawaii. Depending on the circumstances of your crash, you may qualify for compensation covering a range of expenses. Here are five types of costs you can pursue:
- Medical expenses: You can recover co-pays, deductibles, prescriptions, dental care and ambulance fees that result from your injuries.
- Lost wages and services: If your injuries prevent you from working, you can claim the income you lose, as well as costs for childcare or household help.
- Travel expenses: You can recover transportation costs to medical appointments, including rental car fees, gas or flights home if your injuries require it.
- Property damage: You can file a claim to repair or replace your rental car, clothing and any personal belongings damaged in the crash.
- Accommodation expenses: If your trip extends because of injuries or vehicle repairs, you can recover hotel stays and meal costs during that time.
These recoverable expenses can add up quickly, and knowing what you can claim puts you in a stronger position. With this information in hand, the next step is making sure you take the right steps to protect your claim.
Protect your rights while enjoying paradise
Dealing with a car accident far from home is never easy, but you do not have to figure it all out on your own. Hawaii’s no-fault system and its recoverable expense rules exist to protect everyone on the road. The more you know about your rights, the better your chances of recovering the full compensation you deserve and getting back to enjoying your time in paradise.