The role of an expert witness in a big rig truck accident case is to apply their expertise to give a professional opinion on one or more aspects of the accident. For example, an expert witness may be needed if there is a dispute between two parties regarding how the accident occurred or who was at fault. The expert comes in to provide an objective and unbiased opinion.
When you hire a big rig truck accident attorney, they can connect you with expert witnesses to help in your case. In addition, they can use their knowledge to uncover evidence that could help prove the claims you make.
What Does an Expert Witness Do in a Big Rig Truck Accident Case?
An expert witness has extensive training in a particular field. Their knowledge of a specific subject is typically far beyond the knowledge of a typical person. When cases go to a trial, the prosecution or defense could call an expert witness to testify on behalf of either party. Sometimes, one party could have an expert witness testify or provide documentation during negotiations to help prove their claim.
The benefits of hiring an expert witness include the following:
- They have extensive knowledge within their area of expertise.
- They will thoroughly investigate to provide the most accurate information possible.
- They will form an unbiased opinion based on the facts of the truck accident.
The role of expert witnesses in big rig truck accidents is typically to provide information to assist with the judge and jury decision-making process.
Types of Expert Witnesses in a Big Rig Truck Accident Case
Expert witnesses can have expertise in various disciplines. Depending on the case’s circumstances, either party could hire one or more expert witnesses to help their case.
Accident Reconstruction Expert
An accident reconstruction expert can reconstruct the accident by reviewing the evidence and other relevant factors. Reconstructing the accident can provide a clearer picture of what happened. An accident reconstruction expert may use sophisticated computer programs to build a model or diagram of what happened at the accident scene.
When reconstructing an accident, the expert may be able to determine the following based on physics, weather, points of impact, and other factors:
- The speed the vehicles were traveling at the time of the accident
- The severity of the impact when the vehicles collided
- If either driver dealt with visibility issues when the accident occurred
- Any negligent behavior a driver may have engaged in before the accident happened
By answering these questions, the expert can provide both parties with more information about who was at fault for the accident. Typically, either party may seek assistance from an expert when there is a dispute over who caused the accident.
Economist
An economist can provide expert testimony to help you prove that you seek fair compensation for your losses. For example, if you work as a painter and broke both arms in the truck accident, you could lose your ability to work while you recover. An economist understands the financial loss you could sustain because of your injury if you cannot work.
The economist will consider your income, inflation, taxes, and the expected time you will have to miss work while making calculations. By having an expert provide information about your potential losses, the opposing party’s insurance company could be more likely to pay you the compensation you seek.
Medical Experts
According to StatPearls, medical experts can add significant value to a case. By receiving a scientifically sound and unbiased opinion, either or both parties in the case could gain clarity to make decisions.
Once the medical expert formulates an opinion by reviewing the case’s facts, they can prepare a statement or visual aid to explain their thoughts. For example, a medical expert could testify that the injuries you suffered will likely cause you long-term pain, affecting your quality of life and/or requiring you to miss work for an extended period.
Mental Health Professional
Mental health professionals could help when an injured party hopes to collect compensation for the emotional distress of their injuries. They can also consult on behavioral health, cognitive processing, and trauma. A mental health expert could provide information about the current and potential future mental state of someone involved in the claim after conducting a full evaluation.
A mental health professional can also determine whether a particular witness is fit to testify in court. This could either help or hurt your claim based on the circumstances of your case.
The Value of an Expert Witness in a Big Rig Truck Accident Case
If you have sustained injuries in a big rig truck accident, you can seek compensation for your losses. To win compensation, you must have strong evidence to prove you sustained damages.
Expert witnesses can have a huge impact on a case. If an expert witness provides strong testimony, it can provide credibility to one party and discredit the other. It’s important to find a good expert witness to ensure they add value to your case.
Sometimes, an expert witness can help prove you were not at fault for the accident. In other cases, they may be able to prove the severity of your injuries, the pain you feel, and the value of your losses. An expert witness could make the difference between reaching a successful outcome with your case and walking away with nothing.
An Attorney Can Hire an Expert Witness to Help With Your Case
If you need an expert witness to prove your claim, contact the big rig truck accident attorneys at Loncar Lyon Jenkins. Our lawyers understand the value they can add to your case and can connect you with an appropriate expert witness.
