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The Role of Expert Witnesses in Car Injury Cases

Published on Jul 24, 2024 at 3:40 pm in Car Accidents.

The Role of Expert Witnesses in Car Injury Cases

When it comes to car injury cases, your legal team needs to build a strong case that centers around the facts. One way to establish fault and show causation for your injuries is with the help of expert witnesses.

These knowledgeable professionals play an important role in unraveling the intricacies of accidents, injuries, and liability. At DiPiero Simmons McGinley & Bastress, PLLC, we have worked with many expert witnesses to help with our clients’ cases. These individuals can be invaluable resources when it comes time to take your claim to trial.

Here are a few points to know about the role of expert witnesses in car injury cases.

What Is Expert Testimony?

In the courtroom, there are many witnesses called to testify. One of the most important are those experts. When they take the stand, they are there to provide their professional and authoritative opinions about the accident. The history of expert witnesses dates back well over 250 years, with them helping in both criminal and civil cases, according to a 2017 Academic of Forensic Pathology journal article published by the National Library of Medicine.

Most personal injury cases focus on causation. If it weren’t for the defendant’s actions, then the plaintiff would not have been injured. This is known as proximate cause. It focuses on the direct relationship between the defendant’s conduct and the harm suffered by the plaintiff. Many times, these witnesses can determine whether the defendant’s actions were a substantial factor in causing the accident.

There are several types of professionals who can be used to provide expert testimony.

Accident Reconstruction

When a car accident occurs, putting the pieces of the puzzle together can be hard. While police departments may have their own specialists who can assist with accident reconstruction, these experts are excellent at helping the judge or jury understand the facts of the case.

Most of the time, they will piece together the events that led up to the crash. Often, they will use advanced technology, physical evidence, and mathematical models to decipher the causation factors. Their analysis can even help to recreate the accident scene. In turn, that can establish fault and provide context for the jury.

Medical Opinions

If your case is heading to trial, chances are you’ve been injured in the accident. With that, you will need a medical professional to help bolster your claim. These experts will assess your injuries and make the connection to the car accident.

Orthopedic surgeons, neurologists, and rehabilitation specialists are just a few of these experts who can provide detailed accounts of the physical harm suffered due to the accident. With their testimony, the court will understand the severity of your injuries, your recovery prospects, and the long-term effects of the crash.

Engineering Analysis

Sometimes, the accident is not the fault of another driver but a mechanical error. In these situations, you will need an engineering expert. These professionals can help to investigate defects, malfunctions, and design flaws.

With their help, your legal team can determine whether a faulty brake system contributed to the crash or a defective airbag caused more injuries. Engineering experts can help you get the answers to the cause of an accident. In turn, you can hold the responsible manufacturer or even the repair shop accountable for their actions.

Vocational Rehabilitation

Motor vehicle accidents can leave behind permanent injuries. Sometimes, a person may be unable to return to work. As a result, a vocational rehabilitation expert is needed to evaluate employability. These individuals will consider physical limitations, cognitive impairments, and emotional trauma.

Along with their assessments, they can also assist with compensation calculations. Whether retraining for a new career or adapting to modified work, their testimony can help qualify for lost earning capacity.

How Expert Witnesses Can Help Your Case

Expert witnesses are available to establish liability, quantify damages, and educate the jury.

Many times, they provide the necessary expertise to understand complex technical aspects of the case. With their presence, your legal team can boost the credibility of your legal argument.

Additionally, expert witnesses can quantify economic or noneconomic damages. For example, medical experts quantify medical expenses, future treatments, and rehabilitation costs. On the other hand, engineers can calculate property damage.

Finally, expert witnesses are important in educating the jury and even judges. Sometimes, these technical terms are difficult to understand. With the assistance of expert witnesses, they can break down the facts so that these individuals can determine who was responsible for the accident.

Personal injury limitations can be challenging. However, when you need someone to solidify your claims, establish liability, and calculate damages, expert witnesses take center stage. Their knowledge, credibility, and ability to simplify complicated matters are invaluable assets to your claim.

Many lawyers rely on these experts to make sure that justice prevails. If you have been injured in a Charleston car accident, you may need the help of these professionals. With the assistance of expert witnesses and the team at DiPiero Simmons McGinley & Bastress, PLLC, you’ll put yourself in a situation to secure the best possible outcome in your case.