Expert witnesses are a valuable resource in many car accident cases. Testimony from a qualified expert can help lawyers support a client’s claim for maximum compensation. Experts in personal injury cases can come from various fields, offering opinions on what caused the accident, who should be held liable, the severity of the victim’s injuries, and the amount of their long-term financial losses. These objective, unbiased witnesses typically have considerable credibility in the eyes of the insurance companies, judges, and juries that handle personal injury cases.
Types of Expert Testimony in Car Accident Cases
Expert witnesses are uniquely qualified to testify in a car accident case because of their educational background, specialized knowledge, or expertise in a particular field. Types of expert witnesses include:
- Engineers – An engineer can testify about the composition of the road where the accident occurred, the inherent hazards of local road systems, and other physical factors that might have contributed to the crash.
- Accident reconstruction specialists – Accident reconstruction professionals, who might also be engineers, offer different testimony in car accident cases. These experts use photographs, crash reports, and other evidence to reconstruct traffic scenarios and prove how accidents occur.
- Medical experts – A medical expert can review medical records, perform an independent medical exam, and offer professional opinions about a victim’s injuries. This could include the most likely causes of the injuries or how they might affect your future.
- Economists – If you suffer a disabling crash injury that causes you to miss work or renders you unable to work, an economist can testify about how your disability might affect your lifetime earning capacity.
How Expert Testimony Can Help Your Case
When you work with a trusted car accident attorney, they can find and retain experts with the specialized knowledge necessary to build a robust case for compensation. Many law firms already have relationships with respected experts with reputations for excellence. These experts can provide written statements or oral testimony to prove the facts of your case and convince the insurance company or the courts that you are entitled to compensation for your losses.
Does Every Case Require Expert Testimony?
Expert testimony is not necessary in all car accident cases. Some crashes are straightforward and yield ample evidence, eliminating the need for expert testimony. Hiring an expert witness can be costly, so your lawyer will likely only retain expert help if you have a complex case where disputes are anticipated.
Contact a Skilled Car Accident Lawyer
The Colorado car accident lawyers at Lee, Myers & O’Connell, LLP build solid, effective personal injury cases that help injured people navigate the aftermath of a crash and rebuild their lives. Let us take the pressure off your shoulders and fight for the money you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation with a skilled car accident attorney.
