Auto accidents can be extremely destructive, causing massive damage to your personal property and serious personal injury. In Hawaii and other no-fault states, injured drivers and their passengers will be covered by their own insurance policy, along with additional funds from the other driver's insurer if they were responsible for the accident. However, the law creates a narrow window in which you can file a claim, known as the statute of limitations.

Hawaii's Statute of Limitations in Auto Accident Claims

In Hawaii, drivers who have suffered personal injury in an auto accident have only two years to file a claim with their insurer. While this time limit typically begins from the day of the accident itself, the window may open at the date of your last payment for insurance or additional coverage benefits, or the final judgment in an arbitration case. Additional complications may arise if you need to file a claim for uninsured motorist benefits alongside your bodily injury claim.

State of Limitations on Uninsured Motorist Coverage

Uninsured motorist coverage pays for bodily injury damages that exceed the limits of your personal injury policy when the other driver lacks sufficient coverage. In many instances, you may not know whether you need to file an uninsured motorist claim until after your bodily injury damages have been paid, which may be more than two years from the date of the initial accident. To ensure drivers get the full compensation they deserve, Hawaii state law dictates that claims against uninsured motorist injuries are valid for two years after the payment of bodily injury benefits.

If you've been injured in an auto accident, Charles H. Brower Law Corporation will guide you through the process, serving as your advocate and protecting your interests. Visit their website to learn more about their tradition of highly customized representation, or call (808) 526-2688 for a consultation with an attorney today.