The National Safety Council reports that there were 3,680 motor vehicle deaths in 2016. This is more than tragic and heartbreaking for thousands of California families. Given Hackard Law’s strong presence in disputed estate litigation, we are often asked whether we can represent one or more family members in a wrongful death lawsuit. Our counsel and consideration starts with whether the family member meets California’s requirements of standing to bring the claim for wrongful death. We all must start with what is a “wrongful death” under California law? A wrongful death is the death of a person caused by the wrongful act or neglect of another. It is California’s public policy to compensate survivors, deter future conduct and pro[...]

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