A person who is permitted to testify at a trial because of special knowledge or proficiency in a particular field that is relevant to the case. It is somebody who, based on their education, training, or experience that has knowledge or information beyond the understanding of most people. A local automobile collision lawyer could explain the use of expert witnesses in Dallas car accident cases.
Types of Experts Used in Car Accident Cases
Often, attorneys need expert witnesses to help us with placing the liability on the other party, and those expert witnesses are referred to as accident reconstructionists. They may have an engineering background, a crash scene investigator, or a police officer background. They are able to take the physical evidence at a scene in addition to testimony, and make a determination on the cause of the accident and help us get liability on the defendant.
Other types of experts include:
- Medical experts
- Pain management doctors
- Orthopedic doctors
- Chiropractors
The value of an expert witness is that they can validate claims made by the plaintiff, which strengthens the case of the plaintiff.
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Is The Expert Witness Allowed To Have An Existing Relationship With The Plaintiff?
Yes, the plaintiff can have an existing relationship with the expert witness. Often, the plaintiff is going to call their treating physician as an expert in the case, and they’re going to have an existing relationship. There is nothing about existing relationships that preclude an expert. Conflict of interest is not always a reason to question the credibility of witnesses either. Their testimony is going to be evaluated by the jury, and it’s up to the jury how much weight the expert is given.
Benefits Of Having An Expert Witness
The experts are allowed to provide opinion testimony. Typically, witnesses are not allowed to provide opinions, but expert witnesses, based on their education experience and training, are permitted to provide opinions as to causes of the accident, causes of injury and prognosis, as well as future medical care that might be required. There are so many advantages to having an expert with us.
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Reasons to Not Use Expert Testimony
Sometimes an expert witness is not necessary to prove a case. Sometimes experts can complicate the case. Many times, the key to telling somebody’s story is just to keep it simple, so many times, an expert is not necessary to prove the case.
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Get in Touch With a Car Accident Attorney
Experts cost money, but they can add value to a case. An experienced car accident attorney knows that when they choose to bring an expert in, that they have to be useful and add enough value that will, in turn, lead to a larger settlement amount. Call today to learn more about expert witnesses in Dallas car accident cases and how an attorney could help your case.
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