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Yes, if you want the best possible outcome for your truck accident claim, the input of medical experts, accident reconstruction experts, and reputable experts in the trucking industry is absolutely necessary. Expert witnesses clarify complex technical matters in truck accident claims, such as how mechanical failures occurred or the cause and extent of the injuries you sustained in the crash.
Your Palm Beach Gardens truck accident lawyer will likely use one or more expert witnesses as part of their case-building. Because truck accident cases are often high-value and usually involve multiple defendants (the truck driver, the trucking company, and possibly others), your case must be strong and built on solid evidence and testimony to win.
Types of expert witnesses in truck accident cases
Accident reconstructionists explain the sequence of events and how the actions of both parties involved in a truck accident case contributed to the accident. They analyze data from each vehicle’s electronic logging device, account for the weather and road conditions at the time of the crash, and use physical evidence, like skid marks, dents on a guardrail, and vehicle damage to demonstrate to a jury the specific actions each driver took, how the wreck happened, and provide an informed opinion on who is responsible for the crash.
Medical experts connect your injuries to the crash. These are medical professionals with a background in traumatic injuries (such as an emergency room doctor or trauma surgeon) who use your post-crash medical records to explain what parts of your body were hurt, how the injuries occurred, and the extent of the damage. Medical experts also provide an estimated long-term prognosis for recovery and, if you’re disabled or disfigured due to the wreck, can explain to a jury how your abilities are now compromised. This is especially helpful if you’re seeking compensation for loss of earning potential and non-economic damages, such as diminished quality of life and disfigurement.
Trucking industry experts identify non-compliance with federal safety standards. The U.S. commercial trucking industry is governed by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). This organization sets mandatory safety standards, including permitted driving hours, required maintenance of commercial trucks, and appropriate driver training and licensure. These industry experts can explain how the trucker’s violation of FMCSA regulations created conditions in which it was likely that they would cause a crash, which helps establish driver negligence and negligent failure to supervise on the part of the trucking company.
What makes expert witnesses in truck accident cases experts?
Not just any experienced industry professional can be a good expert witness in a commercial truck accident suit. Experts must have licenses and certifications relevant to their field of expertise. For example, an accident reconstructionist may be a mechanical engineer who understands how vehicles work, plus holds a Professional Engineer (PE) license or a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL). Medical experts should hold a medical degree and be licensed in good standing with the American Medical Association (AMA).
The value of expert testimony lies in the veracity and qualifications of the witness. If they are a reputable professional in their field, have published articles in medical journals, or have served on governmental traffic safety advisory boards, for example, it adds weight to their opinions and legitimizes their authority.
The average cost for expert witnesses is $450-$600 per hour, depending on the type of expert and the level of case preparation required. Selecting the right expert witnesses for your case can make a difference in the outcome.
Have you been hurt in a truck accident and need help getting fair compensation? Call Lytal, Reiter, Smith, lvey & Fronrath today at (561) 655-1990 for a free consultation.