FAQS

Hawaii is a no-fault state. “No fault” means that when you are in a car accident, medical bills are paid quickly by your own car insurance company, regardless of who is at fault. However, damage to your automobile or property, unlike bodily injuries, is the responsibility of the at-fault driver or their insurance company. Additionally, if medical bills exceed $5,000, you can file a lawsuit against the other driver or make a claim against their insurance to be compensated for all of your damages. For serious injuries needing extensive medical care, we are generally able to negotiate a settlement that will not only cover all medical bills but also compensate you for your lost income, pain and suffering, emotional and psychological trauma, and diminished quality of life. Please see our representative verdicts and settlements here.

If you have been injured on Maui, personal injury claims or lawsuits can be filed through an attorney to start the process immediately after your injury. The attorneys at Ranken & Shnider, Attorneys at Law file claims, gather police and medical reports, hire investigative professionals as needed, and negotiate with insurers and other parties. If necessary, we represent you in personal injury litigation in a Maui court of law to get you full compensation for your injuries.

Even though you are not a resident of Maui, a personal injury lawsuit can be filed for automobile accidents, bicycle accidents, boating accidents, pedestrian accidents, slip and fall accidents, or any other injury that is the fault of another. You do not need to remain on Maui in order to pursue your rights in court or obtain a settlement through our firm. We can help you “long-distance” to coordinate your medical care with our legal representation of your rights. Some people feel more comfortable working with an attorney they know back home. An attorney who is not licensed to practice in Hawaii will not be able to follow through with your case alone, but we are happy to join forces and coordinate with your home-town attorney to ensure that your case is brought to a successful conclusion.

If you suspect a family member has died due to the negligence or wrongful act of another party, immediate family members (spouses, children, and parents) may file a civil action. Damages may be awarded to family members through a Maui personal injury lawsuit. The law offices of Ranken & Shnider, Attorneys at Law has achieved several six-figure and seven-figure awards in wrongful death cases.

The statute of limitations for filing personal injury lawsuits in Maui is 2 years in most cases. In auto accident cases, however, it is extended to two years after the last date that your own auto insurance makes a payment for your medical bills.

• Personal Injury: 2 years

• Fraud: 2 years

• Libel / Slander / Defamation: 2 years

• Injury to Personal Property: 2 years

• Product Liability: 2 year

Please keep in mind that we will need time to investigate your case, so please contact us as soon as possible if you have been injured, even if you are unsure if you have a lawsuit. We will evaluate your case at no charge and with no commitment on your part, and help you determine if you have a good case. If so, we will offer you a contingent-fee contract to handle your claim or lawsuit and you will owe nothing until or unless the case is resolved in your favor.