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If you’re filing a personal injury case, your goal will be to prove that another party’s negligence led to your injuries. Sometimes, it’s pretty clear that the accident or incident you were involved in is someone else’s fault.
Other times, however, there’s a gray area and you need to take some extra steps to prove liability. In these instances, an expert witness may come in handy. Below, we’ll further discuss what an expert witness is and why you may want them to testify in your personal injury case.
If you’ve been hurt in an accident or incident that you believe was someone else’s fault, consult our highly skilled Fort Lauderdale personal injury attorneys at David I. Fuchs, Injury & Accident Lawyer, P.A. right away. We can help you prove liability and ensure your rights are protected. Fill out our online form today.
What is an Expert Witness?
An expert witness is an individual who has the right to testify at trial because they have a special knowledge or expertise in a field that is relevant to your case. They can testify certain facts of your case or refute inaccurate testimony provided by the other party.
To be qualified as an expert witness, an individual may have certain professional or education experiences, previous experience as an expert witness, and/or be published in peer-reviewed journals. Expert witnesses are often witnesses in fields such as medicine, mental health, finance, engineering, accident reconstruction, and vocational reconstruction.
It’s important to understand that while an expert witness may help prove that the other party is responsible for your injuries, they are hired to provide objective facts. Therefore, you can’t expect them to argue your case and there is a chance that they’ll say something that goes against what you’re trying to prove.
Expert Witness vs. Regular Witness
A regular witness is an individual who knows the facts of your case because they actually saw it happen. They may have firsthand knowledge that nobody else knows and can give factual testimony in or out of the courtroom. For instance, a pedestrian that saw your car crash is considered a regular witness.
An expert witness, on the other hand, is a specialist that has specific knowledge that is relevant to the outcome of the case. Essentially, they did not see the accident happen but can help prove what occurred using their expertise. An accident reconstruction specialist that can recreate the car accident and use his knowledge to prove what actually happened is a good example of an expert witness.
When are Expert Witnesses Necessary?
While an expert witness does cost a great deal of money, sometimes hiring them is well worth it. Once a personal injury lawyer evaluates your case, they may be able to recommend an expert witness that may increase your chances of a positive case outcome. A lawyer will likely suggest an expert witness if your personal injury case involves:
- A car accident that requires accident reconstruction.
- A construction accident that involves the proper use of equipment, training, and safety programs.
- A medical malpractice accident where standards of care, informed consent, and information related to a certain condition are necessary.
Contact David I. Fuchs, Injury & Accident Lawyer, P.A.
If you’ve been hurt in an accident or incident, reach out to the David I. Fuchs, Injury & Accident Lawyer, P.A. as soon as possible. We can inform you of whether you could benefit from an expert witness and may be able to help you secure fair and full compensation for your damages. Fill out our online form today.
Written By David I. Fuchs
David I. Fuchs is a Fort Lauderdale personal injury attorney with over 36 years of experience and hands-on experience with more than 6,000 cases. He is the founder of David I. Fuchs, Injury & Accident Lawyer, P.A., and represents victims of car, truck, and motorcycle accidents with compassion and skill. David holds a J.D. from American University’s Washington College of Law and a B.A. from New York University.
