Man seriously injured in Honolulu bus accident, EMS says
Three men were hospitalized following the Wednesday evening collision in Makiki
A 48-year-old man was seriously injured in a bus and van accident on South King Street near Pensacola Street in the Makiki neighborhood of Honolulu, Hawaii, on April 22, according to Honolulu Emergency Medical Services.
The collision occurred during the evening hours, leaving two vehicles damaged in the road. Paramedics evaluated five people at the scene.
Rescuers transported the 48-year-old to a local hospital in serious condition. Two other men, ages 44 and 32, were taken to the hospital in stable condition.
Two additional patients declined medical transport.
Authorities have not released the cause of the crash, though weather conditions are being examined as a potential factor. The investigation remains ongoing.
How did weather conditions affect South King Street?
Police are investigating whether weather conditions played a role in the bus crash on South King Street. Wet roads and reduced visibility can affect how a heavy bus or other large vehicle stops. National Legal Analyst Candice Bond, Managing Partner at Bond Legal.
"Bus crashes are often complex, and many factors can play a role in these types of accidents," Bond said.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration reported 18,000 injuries from bus crashes nationwide in 2021. The risk of multi-vehicle collisions increases during adverse weather, particularly in urban areas like Makiki.
What factors are examined in Honolulu bus collisions?
For the person injured in the crash, understanding their legal rights and the investigation process is important. National Legal Analyst Stefano Formica, Of Counsel at Bond Legal.
"Victims should seek legal guidance when pursuing a personal injury case, which allows them to handle insurance communications and protect a victim's rights," Formica said. "Insurance companies often try to pressure victims to settle for a quick payout for far less than the case is worth. However, an attorney will vigorously advocate for their client to ensure that they are treated with respect and compensated fairly."
Independent investigators typically review transit authority dispatch logs, driver hours-of-service records, and local weather data to determine who is responsible in commercial vehicle collisions.
Hawaii personal injury framework
Hawaii follows a modified comparative fault (51% bar) system. The statute of limitations is 2 years.
Damages include economic and non-economic losses.