There was no shortage of eyewitnesses when the driver of a semi-truck slammed into your minivan on the highway last month. Dozens of people—other drivers alongside, patrons standing in a nearby car dealership parking lot just off the access road, and more—saw the whole thing unfold and nearly universally agreed that you were a defenseless victim. That’s the good news; well, that and the fact that you and your family walked away with minimal injuries. But unfortunately, most truck accidents aren’t this clear-cut and require guidance and testimony from what we in the personal injury world call expert witnesses.
If you have never been in a truck accident before or had to file a personal injury case, you may think expert witnesses and the everyday witness on the scene are one and the same. But that couldn’t be further from the truth. Both are extremely helpful and necessary to improve your case, but expert witnesses offer a higher level of validation and sought-after testimony.
Let’s explore examples of expert witnesses and 10 ways they can help your personal injury case.
Who Can Be an Expert Witness?
An expert witness is a professional who testifies on your behalf about what happened and who is at fault. Beyond a traditional eyewitness, expert witnesses support your claims and the argument your personal injury attorney will ultimately make on your behalf.
Examples of professionals who typically fit the bill for the ideal expert witness include, but aren’t limited to, the following:
- Accident reconstruction specialists
- Trucking industry experts
- Highway safety experts
- Doctors, surgeons, and other specialists
- Mental health professionals
- Mechanical or vehicle engineering experts
- Economists and financial experts
For instance, your attorney might call on an accident reconstruction specialist to compile crash site data, physics, and engineering to recreate how the accident happened, refute claims by the defense with verifiable statistics, and help build a strong case that supports your compensation claim. Doctors, particularly surgeons and mental health professionals, can corroborate the extent of your injuries (if they’ve been called into question) and assess the long-term effects.
Mechanical or vehicle experts can also be called in to provide detailed information on existing truck defects and other mechanical failures that may have contributed to the accident. This is especially important when trying to place blame on one or more parties.
Additional Ways Expert Witnesses Can Help Your Personal Injury Claim
- Break down complex concepts into clear, understandable explanations for judges and juries
- Their authority and opinion can persuade difficult insurance adjusters and opposing counsel
- Establish liability for one or several parties
- Explain industry standards and support settlement negotiations
- Help you and your attorney craft a more compelling argument
A truck accident often leads to more significant injuries, lost wages, extensive medical bills, and higher compensation claims for the victims and their families. Navigating all this and more in the aftermath requires more than general knowledge.
Your truck accident attorney is your advocate during what will undoubtedly be a catastrophic time in your life. They can help you calculate medical costs, lost wages, and more. They are highly skilled at negotiating, researching federal law, and fighting for your rights in court. At Keys Law, we will work tirelessly to investigate your case, identify all responsible parties, and hold them accountable for your injuries and losses. We will also work with accident reconstruction specialists and other expert witnesses to build a strong case that supports your compensation claim. You deserve compassionate and knowledgeable legal advice, and we are here to help.
Call Keys Law Offices Today!!
Large truck accidents can occur for various reasons, including fatigue, distracted driving, speeding, inadequate training, and drug and alcohol use. Sometimes, the trucking company can be liable for an accident if it fails to properly maintain or inspect the truck or violates federal or state regulations. At Keys Law Offices, we are dedicated to representing victims of truck accidents and their families, including those involving semi-trucks.
We understand the complex legal and regulatory issues involved in truck accident cases and know how to investigate and litigate these cases to ensure that our clients receive the compensation they deserve. Please do not hesitate to contact us for a free consultation.
Our staff is always available. Call us today!