Lawyers who represent clients in wrongful death lawsuits have challenges unlike those encountered in regular civil litigation. Our work environment is a blend of respect and empathy for great human suffering tied to our professional obligation to represent our clients to the best of our ability. Over the years I’ve represented decedent’s estates, spouses, parents, children, and siblings in wrongful death actions. These actions are complex and become particularly so when families are divided and file separate actions. While complex, there are legal mechanisms to advance all of these cases to resolution. Our news is full of tragedies. And, some of these tragedies involve some very well-known wrongful death cases. We can look at Vane[...]

“All that glitters is not gold; often have you heard that told:” Shakespeare wrote that in The Merchant of Venice. I’m not a Shakespeare scholar, though. I’m a trial lawyer. And, I know that lawyers and insurance companies usually differ over case values. I’m Dave Jones, a trial attorney with Hackard Law. I tried my first case in 2005. I loved it. It’s what I wanted to do. And, it still is. I spend most of my days preparing our cases for trial. I’ve not forgotten who I am. I’m committed to the jury system – to representing and obtaining justice for the injured. I know that our firm’s willingness to go to trial is often a driver toward pretrial settlements. Not all personal injury lawyers are the same. S[...]

It doesn’t take much driving experience to see that the Bay Area has some of the most dangerous roads in Northern California. One study says that Interstate 280 is the riskiest place to drive at any time of the day. The San Mateo Bridge can be a disaster. Highway 101 has more traffic in all directions and a higher number of collisions than 280. Major Bay Area truck routes go through cities that have heavy passenger vehicle traffic congestion. This is a dangerous mix with a high number of accidents. A passenger car weighing 5,000 lbs., is no match for an average semi truck with a loaded trailer weighing 80,000 lbs. I handled my first catastrophic injury 18-wheeler truck case over 40 years ago. Times have changed. There are more tr[...]

I decided over 40 years ago that I wanted to help people – and I became a lawyer – an advocate. It’s a role that fits me. My mom, proud of her Irish heritage, would often tell me that I was the fighting Irish. I’ve been fighting for underdogs for over 40 years. And, I’m grateful for the people that I’ve been able to help. When you’ve been in a serious wreck or you’ve had a wrongful death in your family, you want to be sure that you have the right lawyer. This matters to you – and it matters to us. Our clients need to tell their story. And they hire us to tell it – to transform them from victim to victor. We’ll fight for you. Call us today at Hackard Law – 916 313-3030 Hackard Law: Attorneys Making A[...]

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[...]