Like in many states, native Hawaiians find it difficult to negotiate the legal system. Despite making up 24.3% of Hawaii’s population, native Hawaiians are routinely taken advantage of and experience higher levels of poverty than other racial groups within the state.
But that is steadily changing, as Glenn T. Honda of Recovery Law Center Hawaii says. Organizations like his are focused on providing legal representation in recovery law cases to native Hawaiians.
He helps poorer people get the help they deserve through providing a no win, no fee policy on all cases.
However, why do indigenous Hawaiians find it so difficult to deal with Hawaii’s legal system and how is the Recovery Law Center Hawaii helping?
The Hawaii Legal System is Confusing
Native Hawaiians often inadvertently give up their rights when they’re involved in a dispute, whether resulting from an accident or otherwise.
There is a range of laws in Hawaii that differ from the mainland. These are confusing and often means native people can be taken advantage of by dishonest people.
For example, like every state, there’s a statute of limitations on cases involving accident and injury. But, unlike other states, the statute of limitations law changes when it comes to auto accidents.
Glenn from the Recovery Law Center Hawaii says this is just one example of a law that can trip people up and prevent them from getting justice.
Another example comes from the PIP system in Hawaii. If you’re involved in an automobile accident in Hawaii, PIP means that if your medical expenses are above $10,000, any award will be reduced by $10,000.
Fees are taken off the top and it could effectively leave the claimant with nothing. This was seen in action during Weite v. Momohara.
It was designed to avoid frivolous lawsuits, but in doing so it has only punished respectable Hawaiians.
What Can a Personal Injury Attorney in Hawaii Do for You
Indigenous people shouldn’t accept being taken advantage of by Hawaii’s confusing and illogical legal system. They need help.
Glenn says he gets many inquiries through his site www.recoverylawcenterhawaii.com about personal injury and accident cases. He says that the best thing a native Hawaiian can do in any crisis is to call a lawyer.
Glenn regularly educates his clients on what to say and what not to say, so they retain their rights and can get the justice they deserve.
You need to make sure you follow the instructions of your lawyer every step of the way. One of the biggest mistakes indigenous Hawaiians make is attempting to go at it alone.
There’s a big risk of reducing your ability to get compensation just by doing the wrong thing, so make sure you call a lawyer the moment you’re involved in some sort of accident.
Last Word – Have a Reputable Lawyer Waiting and Ready
The Recovery Law Center Hawaii recommends people already have a lawyer they can contact at short notice in the event they’re involved in an accident of some kind.
Be proactive, not reactive so you’re prepared for whatever happens!
