Sometimes you need the help of an expert. When it comes to a personal injury case, it is important you properly present your case to receive the damages you deserve. While it is not necessary for every single personal injury case, having an expert on your side can go a long way.
So, should you hire an expert? Is it really worth it?
We have asked Alaina Sullivan, an attorney, about hiring an expert witness. Here is her take on the matter:
What Is an Expert Witness?
An expert witness is not just your average witness. This person is someone who has specialized, technical knowledge on specific subject. Usually, this subject plays a key part in your personal injury case.
The expert witness has knowledge that your average person would not have, as well as training and education that would qualify him or her to be an expert.
Unlike other witnesses, he or she may not have actually seen the event happen, but courts will let the expert witness testify anyway because of his or her education and background.
Judges and juries rely heavily on the testimony of expert witnesses for this reason.
Why You May Need an Expert
Some accidents are cut in dry in terms of proving what happened and who was at fault, but the ones that involve a significant amount of money tend to be much more complicated. It is for this reason that experts are brought into make heads or tails out of what happened and help direct the court to make the best decision possible.
More than two vehicles may be involved, or you may need an expert to reconstruct what happened to describe the chain of events.
Your case may involve a manufacturing malfunction, or you may be facing some medical damages that can be hard to prove without expert testimony.
Regardless of the reasons, it is the role of the expert witness to make the technical understandable.
Hiring the Right Expert and What It Takes
Judges and juries rely upon the credibility of the expert witness. It is for this reason you need to find someone who is actually qualified to make a judgment on your case.
Research that person’s background, make sure he or she has the actual experience in your area, and if possible, try to see if he or she has played a part as an expert witness in any other case.
The more qualified the witness, however, the harder it is to hire or her, and you should be forewarned that expert witnesses do come at a cost. You normally pay these costs upfront for the witness to review your case before testifying, and then many witnesses charge an hourly rate when it comes to trial, as well as travel expenses.
However, if your case is worth it, this cost is worth it in the end.
When Not to Hire an Expert Witness
Expert witnesses do cost money. If you have a small or uncomplicated case, you may not want to spend any of the money you would get in damages on paying this individual if he or she is not necessary.
Your attorney should be able to guide you in the right direction in determining whether an expert witness is right for you.
Contact an Attorney Today
If you have been involved in a car accident and have questions about whether you need to hire an expert witness, you should contact an attorney today to discuss your case. A licensed personal injury attorney will be able to evaluate your case and determine if you have a claim against the other party’s insurance company.
To receive the compensation for your medical bills, property damages, and pain and suffering, you should speak with a personal injury attorney in your area today.
