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On Saturday, June 14, 2025, 20-year-old Dakota Briley, son of famed North Shore big-wave surfer Shawn Briley, was critically injured in a devastating crash on Kamehameha Highway on Oahu’s North Shore. According to reports, Dakota was struck by a vehicle and pinned between two cars, suffering extensive trauma.
Emergency responders transported Dakota to a hospital in Honolulu, where he remains in the Intensive Care Unit. According to updates from family members and a GoFundMe campaign, he sustained severe injuries, including multiple fractures in his legs, pelvis, ribs, and skull, as well as a severely damaged spine.
As of the latest reports, Dakota is “fighting for his life,” and his family continues to ask for prayers and support during this deeply painful time.
If you or a loved one has been seriously injured in a pedestrian collision, you may be entitled to legal recourse. Contact Singleton Schreiber today for a free and confidential consultation.
What Makes These Types of Pedestrian Accidents So Dangerous
Pedestrian accidents often result in devastating outcomes, especially when a person is pinned between two vehicles. These types of incidents can cause crushing injuries that affect the legs, pelvis, spine, and internal organs, frequently requiring extensive medical intervention and long-term rehabilitation. In the most severe cases, they can lead to permanent disability or death.
Hawaii’s scenic roads and highways, like the stretch of Kamehameha Highway on the North Shore, can pose unique risks due to limited visibility, high speeds, and narrow shoulders. When a pedestrian is struck or pinned, the outcome is often catastrophic.
Several factors can lead to these tragic incidents, including:
- Distracted driving – drivers who are texting and driving, using GPS, or otherwise not focused on the road
- Speeding – reducing reaction time and increasing the force of impact
- Failure to yield – drivers not slowing down or stopping when pedestrians are near or exiting a vehicle
- Improper parking or maneuvering – particularly in areas with limited space, leading to pedestrians being pinned between vehicles
“No family should ever have to face the heartbreak of watching a loved one suffer such severe, life-threatening injuries,” says Brett Schreiber, managing partner of Singleton Schreiber personal injury law firm. “Our thoughts are with Dakota Briley and his entire family as they endure this incredibly difficult time. We’ve supported families through similar tragedies, and we are committed to providing the care, clarity, and legal strength needed when everything feels uncertain.”
Legal Options for Dakota Briley and His Family
In the aftermath of a catastrophic injury, legal action may be necessary to ensure that victims and their families have access to the financial resources and long-term care needed for recovery. When a pedestrian is severely injured due to possible negligence, holding the responsible parties accountable can be a critical part of securing a path forward.
Personal Injury Claim for Dakota Briley
If the collision was caused by driver negligence, like speeding, distracted driving, or failure to yield, Dakota and his family may be entitled to pursue a personal injury claim. Compensation could help to cover:
- Emergency medical care and hospitalization
- Long-term rehabilitation and in-home support
- Assistive devices and accessibility accommodations
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of future income or earning potential
- Permanent disability or disfigurement
A full investigation into the circumstances of the incident will be essential to identify all responsible parties and determine the appropriate course of legal action. Depending on the outcome of Dakota’s recovery, his family may need to explore additional legal and medical support options to ensure he receives the care he needs for years to come.
At Singleton Schreiber, we understand how overwhelming it can be to navigate these situations while a loved one is in critical condition. If your family has been affected by a serious pedestrian accident, we are here to help. Contact us today by calling (833) 505-5297 to schedule a free, confidential consultation.
