When a motor vehicle accident occurs in Hawaii involving a motorcycle and another vehicle, the motorcyclist is likely to sustain more serious injuries. Motorcycles are smaller and lighter than most other vehicles on the roads, which means the riders are typically less protected in an accident.
Here are some of the most common causes of motorcycle accidents in Hawaii. Knowing these causes can help you stay safe on the road and watch for dangerous situations.
Failing to see motorcyclists
Drivers often treat motorcyclists as nuisances on the road, as if the motorcyclists do not belong there. As a motorcyclist, you have the same rights as other drivers on the road.
Be aware that drivers may not always be looking for you and that you might be less visible to drivers. Prepare yourself for drivers potentially tailgating you or otherwise ignoring your presence on the road and prepare to act accordingly.
Distracted driving
Distracted driving continues to be a problem in Hawaii. Distracted driving is any activity that takes your attention away from the task of driving. Although there are many types of distracted driving, texting or using a cell phone while driving is one of the most dangerous forms.
Watch for evidence that other drivers are distracted. Signs include driving at varying speeds, weaving between lanes or failing to stop at stop signs or stop lights.
Left turns and poor road conditions
Left turn situations often cause motorcycle accidents. Drivers making left turns can misjudge the distance between their vehicle and a motorcycle. The same could happen in reverse, when you are turning left and the oncoming driver misjudges the distance between the vehicles.
Sometimes a motorcycle accident is not caused by another driver. Roads that contain hazards cause danger to motorcyclists. Damaged or hidden signs, potholes, or poorly maintained surfaces can cause accidents. If you are injured because of road conditions, you could have a legal claim against a local government entity.
Lane splitting
Lane splitting is illegal in Hawaii. Lane splitting involves a motorcyclist riding between two lanes of traffic going in the same direction to arrive at their destination faster. You should avoid lane splitting as you risk another vehicle moving into your path.
You have a right to pursue compensation when you are the victim of a motorcycle accident in Hawaii. Recovering compensation requires proving negligence, which means the other driver failed in their legal duty to drive safely and reasonably and that failure caused your accident.
Hawaii negligence law
Hawaii follows a modified comparative negligence standard in personal injury cases. This means that your recovery is reduced by your own percentage of negligence in the accident and if you are found to be 51% or more negligent you cannot recover at all.
Because you can expect that the other driver will try to prove that your negligence was the cause of the accident, you must be prepared to put on a strong defense. Understanding the law and thoroughly preparing to put on your case is essential.