What to Do If Hit by a Car on a Hawaii City Street

Getting hit by a car on a city street in Hawaii is a frightening experience. Your mind races. Your body hurts. You might not know what to do next. But the steps you take in the minutes and hours after the accident can affect your health, your legal rights, and your ability to recover compensation. This article walks you through exactly what to do, step by step, so you can focus on healing.

What should I do immediately after being hit by a car on a city street in Hawaii?

The moments right after a pedestrian accident are chaotic. Your first priority is safety. If you can move without causing more injury, get out of the road to a safe spot on the sidewalk or shoulder. Do not get up if you feel sharp pain, cannot move a limb, or hit your head. Wait for emergency responders.

Check for injuries and call 911

Even if you think you are fine, call 911. Adrenaline can mask serious injuries like internal bleeding, fractures, or head trauma. Tell the dispatcher where you are and that a pedestrian was hit by a vehicle. Stay on the line until help arrives. Paramedics will evaluate you at the scene. Let them check you over, even if you want to refuse.

Stay at the scene and get information

Do not leave the scene, even if the driver says everything is okay. If the driver tries to leave, take note of the license plate number, car make and model, and direction they go. For your own safety, do not chase the vehicle.

Ask the driver for their name, phone number, driver’s license number, and insurance information. Also get the names and contact details of any witnesses who saw the accident. Their accounts can be valuable later.

Report the accident to the police

In Hawaii, you should always file a police report after a pedestrian accident on a city street. The responding officer will document what happened, note visible injuries, and write down statements. Get the police report number and ask how to obtain a copy later. This official record is important for insurance claims and legal cases.

Should I go to the hospital even if I feel fine?

Yes. Many pedestrian injuries do not show symptoms right away. Whiplash, concussions, and soft tissue damage can take hours or days to appear. A doctor can spot problems early and document your injuries in your medical records. This documentation directly connects the accident to your injuries, which is critical for any claim. If you skip the hospital, the insurance company may argue your injuries are not serious or were caused by something else.

What information do I need to collect at the scene?

Driver’s name, phone number, driver’s license number, and insurance details
License plate number and vehicle description (make, model, color)
Names and contact information of witnesses
Photos of the intersection, street signs, your injuries, the vehicle, and skid marks
Time, date, and weather conditions

Take these photos with your phone if you can. If you are too hurt, ask a witness or family member to do it. This evidence helps recreate the accident later.

When should I contact a lawyer after a pedestrian accident in Hawaii?

As soon as possible. Even before you talk to an insurance adjuster. A local pedestrian accident lawyer understands Hawaii’s laws, including comparative negligence. That rule means if you are found even partially at fault, your compensation gets reduced. A lawyer can protect your rights and handle the insurance company for you.

You can use our Hawaii pedestrian accident settlement calculator to get a rough estimate of what your claim might be worth based on your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Then schedule a free consultation with a pedestrian accident lawyer in Hawaii to discuss your case in detail. For a complete step-by-step overview, read our detailed guide on what to do after being hit by a car on a city street in Hawaii.

What common mistakes should I avoid after a pedestrian accident?

Apologizing or admitting fault. Even saying “I’m sorry” can be used against you later. Stick to the facts when talking to police or insurance.
Posting about the accident on social media. Insurance adjusters look at your public posts. Anything you say can be twisted to reduce your claim.
Signing any documents or giving a recorded statement without a lawyer. Insurance companies may try to get you to accept a quick, low settlement before you know the full extent of your injuries.
Delaying medical treatment. A gap in treatment can make it look like you were not seriously hurt.
Forgetting to document everything. Keep a folder with medical bills, receipts, police report, and a journal of your pain and recovery.

What are my legal rights as a pedestrian in Hawaii?

Hawaii law gives pedestrians the right of way at crosswalks and intersections, but you also have a duty to use reasonable care. If a driver hits you while you are in a crosswalk with the walk signal, they are usually at fault. If you are jaywalking or crossing against the signal, you may share some blame. Under Hawaii’s comparative negligence rule, your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault. A lawyer can help you argue that the driver’s negligence was the main cause, even if you made a mistake.

For more information on pedestrian safety laws, visit the Hawaii Department of Transportation pedestrian safety page.

Real next steps

Go to the emergency room or your doctor for a full checkup.
Request a copy of the police report online or from the responding precinct.
Collect all your medical records, bills, and any proof of lost income.
Do not talk to the at-fault driver’s insurance company without legal advice.
Call a Hawaii pedestrian accident lawyer to go over your options during a free consultation.
Use the settlement calculator to understand potential compensation.

Taking these steps quickly protects your health and your legal rights. You do not have to handle this alone. A lawyer can guide you through the process so you can focus on getting better.