It only takes one accident to saddle you with thousands in medical bills. You might also need to cope with property damage and lost income for weeks or even longer.
In simple accident cases, it’s possible to recover damages without ever stepping foot into court at all. Sometimes, though, an expert witness can make a big pedifference in the outcome of your case.
What Role Do Expert Witnesses Play in Personal Injury Cases?
Unlike your average witness, expert witnesses have experience and education in subject matter that’s directly related to your case. Layperson witnesses might give their opinion about what they saw and how they think your accident happened. Expert witnesses, on the other hand, can provide more details that may help the court better understand your case.
The role of expert witnesses includes testifying before a judge and jury according to their area of expertise. The court may call an expert witness if there’s a conflict of interest between parties or other witnesses. Expert witnesses have a high level of credibility, so their testimony can heavily affect the outcome of the case.
Expert witnesses don’t simply testify, though. Your lawyer might talk to an expert witness to learn more about your accident as they put together your case.
Types of Expert Witnesses
The role of expert witnesses differs based on their area of expertise. Here, learn more about witnesses your lawyer may consult.
Medical Experts
Medical experts have specialized knowledge and can explain to the court just how severe your injuries really are. They may show why you’re unable to work or tell the court that you’ll need treatment for a long time. If your accident left you unable to cook, clean, or do chores on your own, a medical expert will explain that too.
Job Rehabilitation Experts
If you’re temporarily disabled or lost your job because of your injuries, a job rehabilitation expert can explain this to the court. This is helpful if you’ve lost wages and are facing difficulty finding another job in the same industry.
Accident Reconstructionists
Sometimes, it’s fairly easy to prove who was at fault in a car accident. If the other driver ran a red light, for instance, it’s clear that they were to blame. But if the details surrounding your car accident aren’t clear enough, a lawyer can consult an accident reconstructionist to learn exactly how the crash happened.
An accident reconstructionist can prove liability using factors such as speed, video, phone records, weather conditions, and more.
Engineering Experts
If you were hurt because of a faulty product or building defect, who can you hold responsible for your injuries? An engineering expert can demonstrate manufacturing defects, building code violations, road hazards, and other factors that led to your accident.
Chemical engineering experts can also testify on toxicology reports. For example, if a report showed that the at-fault party was using drugs at the time of your accident, this could affect the amount of compensation the court awards you.
Contact Law Offices of James A. Welcome if You Need an Expert Witness for Your Case
While not every personal injury case requires an expert witness, if you’re dealing with a complicated case where liability isn’t quite clear-cut, their help can be invaluable. The Law Offices of James A. Welcome attorneys have years of experience working with expert witnesses. We’ll consult the right individuals to build a strong case for your personal injury lawsuit.
To learn more about the role of expert witnesses and find out whether your case may benefit from one, call us at (203) 753-7300 for a free consultation today.