How long do you have to sue after an injury in Hawaii?
Last checked November 8, 2026
In Hawaii you generally have 2 years from the date of your injury to file a lawsuit, under Haw. Rev. Stat. § 657-7. If a city, county or the state is responsible, the deadline can be much shorter: 2 years.
Calculate your deadline
Your general deadline would be
This is a general estimate. Exceptions can change it. We do not need your details to show it.
Hawaii injury deadlines at a glance
| Situation | Deadline | Law |
|---|---|---|
| Most injuries, including car accidents | 2 years | Haw. Rev. Stat. § 657-7 |
| Motor vehicle crashes | 2 years from the latest of the accident or last benefit payments listed in § 431:10C-315(b) | Haw. Rev. Stat. § 431:10C-315(b) |
| Wrongful death | 2 years | Haw. Rev. Stat. § 663-3 |
| Claim against the government (Claims against the State) | 2 years | Haw. Rev. Stat. § 662-4 |
| After the government claim | 2 years to give written notice | Haw. Rev. Stat. § 46-72 |
What the law says
“Actions for the recovery of compensation for damage or injury to persons or property shall be instituted within two years after the cause of action accrued”
Haw. Rev. Stat. § 657-7
“A tort claim against the State shall be forever barred unless action is begun within two years after the claim accrues”
Haw. Rev. Stat. § 662-4
When does the clock start?
Usually on the day you were hurt. In Hawaii, Haw. Rev. Stat. § 657-7 sets the period. If an injury was discovered later, or the injured person is a minor, the date can change. Confirm it with a lawyer.
What does not stop the clock
Talking to an adjuster, having an open insurance claim or still being in treatment usually does not stop the deadline to sue. Filing the lawsuit on time or reaching a settlement does.
What happens if you miss it?
Usually the court dismisses the case and you lose the right to be paid, even if your claim is strong. That is why it helps to talk to a lawyer well before the date.
Other states with the same deadline
Sources
- Haw. Rev. Stat. § 657-7, Official text, 2026-11-08
- Haw. Rev. Stat. § 431:10C-315(b), Official text, 2026-11-08
- Haw. Rev. Stat. § 663-3, Official text, 2026-11-08
- Haw. Rev. Stat. § 662-4, Official text, 2026-11-08
- Haw. Rev. Stat. § 46-72, Official text, 2026-11-08