12/24/2020 Q&A: How Can Expert Testimony Help My Car Accident Claim?
Working with an attorney can do a lot to help your car accident case, and one of the main advantages they provide is access to expert testimony. In car accident cases, in particular, expert witnesses can be indispensable. They can testify--in court or during insurance settlements--about the severity of injuries, the cost of future medical treatment you will need to recover, and more, often increasing your settlement.
Depending on your case, you may need a variety of expert witnesses. I’ll give you more details below about why having access to expert witnesses is so important. I’ll also let you know when a Passaic county car accident attorney at Bavagnoli & Bavagnoli may be able to help.
What is an Expert Witness?
Under New Jersey law, certain people with scientific, technical, and other types of specialized knowledge and experience may testify in order to help the judge or jury understand evidence or facts about the case. If, for example, in a car accident case the jury needs to understand complicated medical information, an expert witness can be brought in to explain it. As long as the witness has sufficient expertise in a state-of-the-art field to provide a reliable opinion, they can testify.
While we often think expert witnesses are only utilized in courtroom settings, they are actually invaluable in cases that never go to court, such as during negotiations with insurance companies.
What Types of Experts Testify in Car Accident Cases?
When we think of expert witnesses, we tend to think of medical providers, but there are also other experts who often testify in court or participate in the insurance settlement process in car accident cases. Here are some types of experts that commonly participate in car accident settlements:
Medical Professionals: A wide variety of medical specialists may be relied on for their expertise during a settlement. They can testify as to the cause and extent of injuries, as well as the need for future treatment. Doctors, orthopedic surgeons, neurologists, and other doctors may be enlisted to help, depending on the circumstances of the accident.
Car Accident Reconstructionists: If a car accident does not have a clear cause, or if it is not clear who was at fault for the accident, a car accident reconstructionist may be brought in. They will reconstruct the details around the collision including opinions about what caused the accident, and who was at fault. They use highly scientific methods for determining speed, stopping distances, and other factors, so their opinions carry a lot of weight.
Vocational Specialists: If your injuries in a car accident affect your ability to work, a vocational specialist’s expertise can be invaluable. They can provide an opinion on how suitable you remain for your current job, other jobs that you may be able to do, and how much income you may lose due to your injuries.
Cell Phone Records Specialist: When distracted driving is potentially to blame for an accident, a cell phone records specialist can determine what time calls or texts were made and if they were involved in the accident.
How Can Expert Testimony Help My Case?
Whether you are struggling to negotiate with your insurance company or are having difficulty proving fault in an accident that has resulted in serious injuries and, thus, a lawsuit, a New Jersey car accident lawyer and expert testimony may be able to help.
If your case goes to trial, you must be able to prove that the other party’s negligence caused your injuries, and an expert witness can testify about the severity and prognosis of your injuries, what caused the accident, how extensive your economic damages may be, and more.
At Bavagnoli & Bavagnoli, we work closely with expert witnesses when they can potentially benefit your settlement. Our top priority is helping clients get the compensation they need to make a full recovery. Our caring staff will treat you like family every step of the way.
If you are suffering injuries after an accident, get in touch with us at (973) 785-9522.
