Expert Witnesses in a Car Accident Case
Some car accident cases involve a fairly straightforward determination of who was at fault and what injuries were the result of the collision. However, other accidents can be more complicated and may require the assistance of expert witnesses to help piece the facts together. There are different types of expert witnesses that can be utilized in a car accident case.
Medical Experts
Medical experts can testify about the injuries and medical conditions sustained as the result of an accident. These experts can testify about prognosis, expected recovery, and what types of medical treatments have been performed or may need to be performed in the future. Also, medical experts may be able to testify about the degree of pain and suffering that an injury causes.
Accident Reconstructionists
These experts have specialized training in unraveling accidents and can help rebuild the chain of events that led to a crash. The experts then use this information to show what exactly occurred in the accident. Accident reconstructionists may use models, diagrams, and computer programs to help recreate the events of a crash. They can also determine the physics of the accident, sometimes presenting information such as the speed the vehicles were traveling, the force of the impact, and which direction vehicles were moving at the time. All of this information can be helpful in establishing a causal link between the accident and the injuries sustained. An accident reconstructionist’s visual account of an accident can be an important role in assisting a jury in understanding the facts.
Highway Safety Expert
An engineer may be hired to provide information about the existing road conditions leading up to or surrounding an accident. These experts should have an extensive understanding of state and federal guidelines on roadway design and construction.
Economist
If an accident victim misses time from work or is struggling financially because of injuries sustained in an accident, an economist may help calculate the amount of damages due. An economist can also be helpful in calculating the cost of any diminished earning capacity and the amount of lost wages and medical expenses that may be incurred in the future. There are a number of factors that go into these calculations, including inflation, loss of possible promotions, the increasing costs of medical care, and loss of any pension benefits.
Contact a Trusted Attorney
The most important expert you can have in your car accident case is an experienced personal injury attorney. Contact the trusted lawyers at Abrahamson & Uiterwyk online or call us at 1-800-538-4878 to schedule your free consultation.