Evidence is the most important part of any case. One compelling piece of evidence that can provide insight into complex topics is testimony from expert witnesses. When discussing complex topics like medicine or economics, having skilled professionals present to explain the implications of the accident can offer significant help. If you want to learn how expert witnesses can benefit your case, speak with a Bergen County car accident lawyer today.
What is an Expert Witness?
An expert witness is any person who testifies in a trial or case because they have extensive or special knowledge in a particular field relevant to the case at hand. Especially during a car accident case with significant damages and consequences, it can be difficult to explain the true impact and importance of certain issues. Expert witnesses have the ability to explain to a judge or jury the significance of certain facts, how conditions were developed, their effect on the victim, and more.
Types of experts who commonly offer testimony in car accident cases include the following.
- Medical experts like doctors, surgeons, neurologists, mental health professionals, etc.
- Accident reconstruction specialists
- Economic experts like financial advisors, accountants, economists, etc.
- Forensic experts
How Can Expert Witnesses Benefit My Car Accident Case?
An expert witness’s skill and expertise can be extraordinarily useful in a car accident case. In any personal injury case, the burden of proof lies with the plaintiff. They must provide evidence establishing that the defendant owed them a duty of care, that they breached their duty, that the breach of duty caused the accident, and that the accident resulted in real losses and damages. These are the four main elements of negligence that must generally be demonstrated during a car accident case.
Testimony from expert witnesses can benefit a car accident case in several ways. If there is doubt regarding who caused the accident or which vehicle struck first, an accident reconstruction specialist can help. Using evidence and data collected from the scene of the accident, video surveillance footage, and the damage to the vehicles, they can accurately determine how the accident occured. These experts have substantial experience in physics, engineering, and more.
Medical experts can also offer compelling evidence and informative testimony during a car accident case. Your doctor, surgeon, physical therapist, etc. can offer insight into the ways that the accident physically affected you like the type and severity of the accident, treatment required, recovery time, pain levels, and more. This helps a judge or jury gain a better understanding of the impact the crash had on your daily life. Mental health experts can also speak on your mental state during recovery.
Expert witnesses can offer compelling testimony that can change the tide in a car accident case. The information they provide courts is invaluable. To learn more about how expert witnesses may benefit your case, speak with a skilled personal injury attorney today.
