06/04/2026
I've handled many accident cases over the years, but there is one that I still think about from time to time. It's a story that has stayed with me not because of the legal work involved, but because of the people.
A grandfather and his young grandson were traveling late at night in a pickup truck. They had been on the road for hours, and everyone was tired. At some point, the little boy asked his grandfather if he could take off his seatbelt so he could lie down across the seat and sleep with his head on his grandpa's lap.
His grandfather hesitated. He knew it wasn't the safest thing to do. But it was late, the boy was exhausted, and after some thought, he agreed.
Sometime later, the grandfather briefly fell asleep behind the wheel. Just for a moment. But sometimes a moment is all it takes. The truck drifted off the road and crashed.
When I later heard what happened next, it broke my heart.
Everyone managed to get out of the vehicle. The little boy complained that his stomach hurt, but otherwise seemed okay. In fact, he wanted to run toward the roadway to get help.
His grandfather immediately called him back. He was worried another vehicle might come by and hurt him. The boy listened and came running back.
When he reached his grandfather, he wrapped his arms around him and gave him a hug.
Then he said three words:
"I love you."
Just then, he passed away in his grandfather's arms.
I can still remember sitting with that family and seeing the pain in their eyes. I remember the grandfather carrying a burden that no grandparent should ever have to carry. He replayed that night over and over in his mind.
As a lawyer, you see firsthand how quickly lives can change. One moment a family is driving home together, and the next, they're facing the unimaginable.
Nothing I did could bring that little boy back. No settlement, no lawsuit, and no amount of money could ever make things right. But I was grateful that I could help the family through one of the darkest times in their lives. I was able to stand beside them, guide them through the legal process, and help them find some measure of support when they needed it most.
Years later, I still think about that little boy. I still think about his grandfather. And I still think about those final words.
Cases like these are a reminder that behind every file on my desk is a real family, a real story, and real people whose lives have been changed forever.
Some cases stay with you.
This is one for me.