Anderson v. Hacker

Case Background

Max Anderson and Jacqueline Anderson, an elderly couple, filed an auto negligence lawsuit seeking damages after they both sustained injuries in a failure-to-yield motor vehicle accident. The lawsuit was filed in the Monroe Circuit Court, Indiana. Judge Geoffrey J. Bradley presided over this lawsuit. [Case number: 53C01-2006-PL-1106]

Cause

On the afternoon of July 13, 2018, 85-year-old Max Anderson drove toward the intersection of S.R. 46 and Hartstraight Road in Monroe County. His wife, Jacqueline Anderson, also 85, rode in the front passenger seat. Meanwhile, Richard Hacker drove in the same area.

Anderson entered the intersection with a green light. At that moment, Hacker attempted a left turn but failed to use his turn signal. He pulled into Anderson’s path, and their vehicles collided.

Authorities cited Hacker for failing to yield. Emergency responders transported both Max and Jacqueline Anderson to IU Health Bloomington for treatment.

Injury

Jacqueline later reported injuries to her face and head, along with widespread pain. She also claimed that glass entered her eye, affecting her vision. Max stated that he suffered head trauma, heart complications, and a brain injury.

Damages

The Plaintiff couple sought compensation for their medical expenses and the injuries suffered as a result of the collision.

Key Arguments and Proceedings

Legal Representation

  • Plaintiff(s): Max Anderson | Jacqueline Anderson | Estate of Max Anderson and Jacqueline Anderson
    • Counsel for Plaintiff(s): Robert D. Jones | Jerry L. Siefers, Jr.
  • Defendant(s): Richard Hacker
    • Counsel for Defendant(s): John W. Richards
    • Experts for Defendant(s): Dr. Robert Gregori

Claims

Max and Jacqueline sued Hacker, arguing that his left turn caused the crash. Nearly four years later, on April 1, 2022, Max died of unrelated causes at age 88. Jacqueline passed away on February 5, 2023, at age 89.

After their deaths, their estates took their place in the lawsuit.

Defense

Hacker defended himself by arguing that Max was partly responsible for the crash.

Expert Testimony

Dr. Robert Gregori, a physical medicine specialist from Indianapolis, served as the defense’s medical expert. He stated that Max and Jacqueline suffered only mild soft-tissue injuries from the crash. He also noted that Max sustained a skin tear on his left arm. However, he attributed their other health issues to age and preexisting conditions, including Max’s early-stage Alzheimer’s disease.

Jury Verdict

On August 20, 2024, the trial lasted two days in Bloomington. After deliberating for two hours and nineteen minutes, the jury found Hacker 80% responsible for the crash. It awarded $20,000 in damages each to Max and Jacqueline.

After adjusting for comparative fault, the final award totaled $16,000 each, bringing the total to $32,000. The court entered judgment for that amount, and it has been paid.

Court Documents:

Documents are available for purchase upon request at jurimatic@exlitem.com