What is Expert Testimony in an Auto Accident Claim?

Expert witnesses may provide important information about a case, explaining everything from the severity of your injuries to the cause of the accident and your future treatment costs. The testimony and consulting services they provide can be invaluable in a personal injury case and provide a great deal of leverage when attorneys are negotiating for compensation.

The New Jersey car accident lawyers at Lynch Law Firm, PC often consult experts to help build a robust case.  Depending on the circumstances of your claim, they may recommend using an expert witness. You can learn more about this by scheduling a free consultation with our attorneys.

Who May Qualify as an Expert Witness?

According to New Jersey rules of evidence, those with scientific, technical or other specialized knowledge who can assist the judge or jury with understanding the evidence or determining facts may testify.

Expert witness testimony may be allowed if it meets three criteria:

• The testimony is about a subject beyond the knowledge of the average juror
• The expert is testifying on a state-of-the-art field, so his or her testimony can be considered reliable
• The witness has enough expertise to provide his or her intended opinion

There are a variety of professionals who may be able to serve as expert witnesses in a car accident claim:

Proving Fault

One of the most important tasks for an expert witness is to help prove fault in your case. Common types of experts who can be helpful with this include:

• Accident reconstructionist – An accident reconstructionist reconstructs the car accident, analyzes the collision and offers opinions about how the accident occurred and who was to blame for it. He or she uses scientific methods to determine the speed, vehicle directions, stopping distances and momentum.
• Cellphone records specialist – If distracted driving is suspected, a cellphone records specialist can analyze when calls and texts were made and if any were happening at the time of the accident.
• Highway engineer expert – This type of expert can discuss how road design may have contributed to the crash.

Going to Trial

If your case goes to trial, you will have the burden of establishing that the other party caused your injury due to negligence. An expert witness may testify on your behalf to discuss factors related to your accident, such as:

Contact a Lawyer to Discuss Your Car Accident

If you have been injured in a car accident, contacting a lawyer is an important step to take. The attorneys at Lynch Law Firm, PC know how to determine if you may have a case for compensation.

If you hire us to represent you, we are prepared to navigate each step of the legal process on your behalf. We are prepared to consult experts if necessary. We know there can be a significant benefit to consulting experts, even if a case does not go to trial.

The consultation with our attorneys is free of charge and there are no upfront fees for our services. Our attorneys do not receive compensation unless our clients receive compensation first.

Call the Lynch Law Firm, PC at (800) 518-0508 .