Hawaii · Deadline to sue · Updated Oct 2026
Deadline to sue after a car accident in Hawaii
Time limits, government claims and a calculator.
Short answer
In Hawaii, you generally have 2 years from the crash to sue, for car damage and for an injury. Tort claims against the State of Hawaii must be filed within 2 years (HRS § 662-4).
- Property damage (your car)
- 2 years
- Injury
- 2 years
- Law
- Haw. Rev. Stat. § 431:10C-315(b) (tort suits from a motor vehicle accident: the later of 2 years after the accident or 2 years after the last no-fault or other benefits payment); § 657-7
- Small claims limit
- $5,000
Claims against a government in Hawaii
- Tort claims against the State of Hawaii must be filed within 2 years (HRS § 662-4).
- Before a county can be liable, you must give the county written notice of the injury or damage, with when, where and how it happened and the amount claimed, within 2 years (HRS § 46-72).
Deadline to sue in Hawaii
Protecting your deadline in Hawaii
- Deadline for both kinds of claim in Hawaii: 2 years.
- If a government was involved, act fast. Tort claims against the State of Hawaii must be filed within 2 years (HRS § 662-4).
- Small claims, for car damage up to $5,000: Hawaii small claims guide on Small Claims Map
- Don't wait for the insurer: talks with an adjuster don't stop the clock.
Free help in Hawaii
Questions about deadlines to sue in Hawaii
How long do you have to sue after a car accident in Hawaii?
2 years from the crash, for car damage and for an injury.
How do claims against a government work in Hawaii?
Tort claims against the State of Hawaii must be filed within 2 years (HRS § 662-4). Before a county can be liable, you must give the county written notice of the injury or damage, with when, where and how it happened and the amount claimed, within 2 years (HRS § 46-72).
What is the small claims limit in Hawaii?
$5,000.
More for Hawaii drivers
- All car accident rules in Hawaii
- Comparative fault
- Reporting a crash
- Uninsured driver
- Deadlines to sue in every state
- Small claims court for car damage
- Fault and payout explainer
- Insurance claim letter
- Police report request letter
Nearby states
Sources
- HRS § 291C-16 Immediate notice of collision
- HRS § 431:10C-301 Required coverage
- HRS § 431:10C-306 Abolition of tort liability
- HRS § 431:10C-315 Statute of limitations
- HRS § 431:10C-304 PIP payment
- HRS § 431:10C-117 Penalties
- HRS § 431:13-103 Unfair practices
- HRS § 663-31 Comparative negligence
- Hawaii Insurance Division – Auto Minimum Limits FAQ (effective Jan 1, 2026)
- Honolulu Police Department – Police reports
- HRS § 662-4 State tort claims – statute of limitations
- HRS § 46-72 County liability – notice
- HRS § 431:10C-103.5 PIP benefits and limits
Last checked: Oct 24, 2026.