If you have been injured in an accident and seek to recover compensation, you must provide evidence that proves your case. The evidence in some cases can be complex or extremely technical. It can be challenging for a judge or jury to interpret and understand this evidence on their own.
This is where an expert witness can be extremely valuable to your case. Expert witnesses have specific education or training that allows them to testify about certain matters. They can help provide a clear and concise understanding of complex evidence. Keep reading below to learn more about who may qualify as an expert and how their testimony may be used in an Atlanta personal injury claim.
How Can a Witness Qualify as an Expert?
Before an expert witness’s testimony can be used, they must qualify as an expert.
An expert must have specific knowledge, skill, training, or education to provide credible testimony about a particular topic. For example, an expert witness in a medical malpractice case must usually have a medical degree and extensive experience in a certain area of medicine.
Similarly, a crash scene reconstructionist may qualify as an expert in a car accident case. This person may have extensive training and years of experience performing this type of work.
What Type of Experience Should an Expert Witness Have?
Ideally, an expert witness will have previous experience testifying. Experts may provide testimony during a trial, at depositions, or both. The more experience a witness has, the better they are usually able to present the evidence in an understandable manner. Plus, the judge and jury are more likely to believe evidence presented by an expert who is a good communicator.
The reputation of your expert witness also matters. Experts who have a reputation for providing truthful and honest testimony are preferred. A good reputation can help build credibility with both the judge and jury.
How Much Does an Expert Witness Cost?
Expert witnesses typically charge a fee for their services. The cost of an expert witness varies based on:
- The expert’s experience level
- The educational background of the witness
- How much time the witness spends working on the case
In most cases, an expert witness may charge anywhere from $100 to $500 per hour for their time. For instance, a doctor used as an expert will likely cost more than an expert accountant. In most personal injury cases, the lawyer will cover the upfront cost of the witness. However, these expenses will likely be deducted from any recovery won by the plaintiff.
Why Do Personal Injury Lawyers Use Expert Witnesses?
There are many reasons why personal injury lawyers choose to use expert witnesses, including:
Helping Judges and Juries Understand Complex Topics
This is one of the most common reasons to use an expert witness. Some evidence that needs to be presented at trial is complex. Experts have specific training and abilities to convey those complex topics in simple and easy-to-understand language. By helping the jury understand the case, they may be more likely to award compensation to the victim.
Offering Unbiased Testimony
Testimony from witnesses is great, but that testimony is more impactful when the witness is unbiased. Some witnesses may be friends or family members of the victim. A judge or jury is likely to know there may be some bias in that testimony.
However, an expert witness is an unbiased third party. They can present evidence and facts that are completely objective. This type of testimony is strong evidence that can be used to support your case.
Offering Their Opinion
The Georgia rules of evidence do not allow most witnesses to offer this type of testimony. One big advantage of using an expert witness is that they can make inferences from the evidence and offer their opinion.
For example, there may be no direct evidence to prove the speed of a vehicle at the time of an accident. However, an expert witness may be able to assess physical evidence and offer their opinion of the vehicle’s speed at the time of the crash.
Types of Experts Used in Personal Injury Cases
There are many types of experts that may be used during legal proceedings. Some of the most common types of experts used at trial are:
- Medical experts
- Engineers and architects
- Vocational experts
- Crash reconstructionists
- Forensic accountants
An experienced personal injury lawyer can help you use the right experts to prove your case and win your compensation claim.
Get Help With Your Personal Injury Claim Today
If you have been hurt in an accident in Atlanta, you may need an expert witness to help prove your case. The team at Hammers Car Accident & Personal Injury Lawyers has an extensive network of reliable and reputable experts who can help with your claim. Contact us today at (770) 900-9000 to schedule a free consultation with an Atlanta personal injury lawyer.
