To win a personal injury lawsuit you have to prove negligence, causation and damages. In some instances, this might seem easy to do. A driver runs a red light and slams into the side of your vehicle, a drunk driver crosses the center line and hits you head on or a semi-truck driver falls asleep behind the wheel and fails to slow for stopped traffic causing them to ram into the back of your vehicle. These can be easy cases, but even they may have legal nuances that make it challenging to establish causation or the extent of your damages. And these issues can be amplified when the cause of the wreck isn’t clear or when multiple vehicles are involved.
That’s why as you navigate your personal injury claim it’s a good idea to consider whether you need expert testimony to support your case. If successfully utilized, this testimony, which is often seen as unbiased, can sway the jury to your side, thus increasing your chances of winning. So, let’s look at what kind of experts you may want to use when presenting your car accident personal injury case.
What experts could you need in your car accident personal injury case?
There are a lot of different types of experts out there. Here are some that may prove beneficial to your case:
- Accident reconstruction expert: If the cause of your wreck is unclear, then it may be helpful to have an expert in accident reconstruction testify on your behalf. These individuals assess the scientific evidence available to them after an accident, including tire marks, weather conditions and vehicle resting positions, to come to a conclusion about how the accident occurred and who is to blame for it. This can give you powerful evidence to prove causation in your case.
- Medical experts: The physical and psychological harm caused by your accident can be overwhelming and costly to treat. But this information can be tricky to articulate in court. And if you merely rely on your own testimony, the jury may think that you’re exaggerating your harm to try to secure more compensation. You can head that off by having medical experts prepared to testify to the nature and extent of your injuries. These experts can also discuss your need for ongoing treatment, its cost and your ultimate prognosis. All of this can paint a compelling picture for the jury.
- Employment experts: Depending on the severity of your injuries, you may be prohibited from returning to your job, and your career may end up stunted. But again, you don’t want to rely on the jury taking your word for it. That’s where an employment expert can help. This individual can testify to the limitations placed on you by your injuries and how they impact your ability to work and advance in your chosen profession. They can also help paint a picture of your anticipated lost wages, which can make up a significant portion of your ultimate recovery.
Leave no stone unturned in your personal injury case
There’s a lot on the line in your car accident personal injury case. With that in mind, it’s better to over prepare your case and present as much evidence as possible. It’s better to present too much in your case than too little. So, as you prepare your claim, carefully consider whether you need expert testimony on your side. Even if you just have an expert opinion, that may give you a leg up during settlement negotiations, thereby maximizing the chances that you’ll recover the compensation that you deserve.
