Hawaii News reports several serious motor vehicle accidents occurred over the holiday weekend.
In a multi-vehicle car crash on Christmas Eve, one woman died after a car driven by a 31-year-old male veered onto the westbound shoulder, then was sent into east bound lane. The car then struck another vehicle driven by a 19-year-old man, who had 3 passengers. A woman in the back seat died from catastrophic personal injuries sustained in the incident. Another passenger, a 71-year-old man sustained life-threatening injuries. A third passenger is identified as being admitted with serious injuries, and the driver sustained mild injuries, was treated and released. According to reports, this is Kauai’s seventh traffic fatality.
Whenever a catastrophic traffic accident occurs, it is important to begin an investigation into all of the factors that caused or contributed to the incident. For example, while driver error may be one factor leading to an accident, other potential causes may exist that increased the likelihood of an incident occurring. These include issues with the vehicles themselves, i.e. whether any of the car parts were defective or faulty, or had been subject to recalls. Other issues to look into concern the roadway itself. Was the particular roadway properly maintained, and did it have the requisite safety features required (such as guardrails, shoulder room, lights and signage)?
It also important to determine whether any witnesses to the traffic accident exist. If so, any eye witness accounts could play a crucial role in determining exactly what happened.
While the police and insurance company will conduct an investigation, if you or a loved one has been injured in a traffic accident, it is important to contact your own attorney. Having an accident lawyers on your side and representing your interests is critical to protect your rights and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
For more information, or if you or a loved one has been injured in a Hawaii motor vehicle accident, please contact the dedicated Hawaii personal injury lawyers at Bostwick & Peterson LLP for an immediate consultation.
