Expert Testimony in Car Accident Cases

Experts are often called upon in car accident cases to share their specialized knowledge with judges or juries. Car accident attorneys also utilize experts to build robust cases for their clients. The Las Vegas car accident lawyers at THE702FIRM Injury Attorneys frequently consult with experts ranging from medical professionals to accident reconstruction specialists when representing accident victims. If our lawyers believe an expert might help win your case, we have access to a network of respected professionals who can provide valuable testimony to support your claim. 

When you need help after a car accident, THE702FIRM Injury Attorneys is just a phone call or click away. Call or contact us now for a free consultation. 

The Role of Expert Testimony in Your Las Vegas Car Accident Injury Case

While your lawyer has extensive legal knowledge, they may need to consult with outside experts on specific matters relevant to your case. An expert can apply their specialized expertise to explain how or why an accident occurred and what impact it will have on the victim. The court allows expert witnesses to offer their professional opinions, whereas lay witnesses must limit their testimony to their firsthand knowledge of the event.

Nevada law says a witness qualified as an expert by “special knowledge, skill, experience, training, or education” may testify to assist a judge or jury in understanding evidence or determining a fact if their “scientific, technical, or other specialized knowledge” will help clarify the matter in question. 

Your attorney may use expert testimony to explain:

• The physics of how and why an accident occurred
• The extent of property damage from an accident
• The impact of the defendant’s negligent choices
• The specific mechanism involved in a vehicle malfunction or defect
• The severity of your injuries
• The costs associated with treating your injuries
• The impact of your injuries on your mental health or familial relationships
• The long-term economic impact of your injuries

Types of Car Accident Experts

Car accident lawyers maintain relationships with various experts so that whenever a complex issue arises in a case, they have a broad range of witnesses to call upon for testimony. Common types of car accident experts include: 

• Accident reconstruction analysts – These professionals reconstruct the events leading up to a crash to determine what happened and why the defendant is liable for any resulting injuries. Your attorney may use an accident reconstruction expert to explain the strength of evidence against the defendant.
• Medical experts – Doctors have specialized knowledge of human anatomy, how injuries impact the body, and the available treatments and prognoses for specific injuries. A medical expert may specialize in one area or system of the body, such as the brain, spine, or nervous system. Your attorney may use a medical expert to explain your injury’s severity, the extent of a disability, the types and costs of available treatments, and your prognosis for recovery.
• Economic experts – Accountants and other financial analysts can forecast the financial impact of injuries from a car accident. Your attorney may call upon an economic expert to quantify your lost wages and benefits, your diminished long-term earning capacity, and your family’s financial losses.
• Auto engineering expert – In collisions caused by a faulty part or vehicle component, an auto engineer can explain how and why the part performed (or failed to perform) the way it did or should. Your attorney might rely on an auto engineer’s testimony to prove the causal relationship between the defect and the accident.

The Benefits of Hiring a Car Accident Expert

After reviewing your case, a car accident attorney can decide whether to hire an expert. Even before a case goes to trial, a car accident expert can help your lawyer understand the evidence in your case, whether it is essential, and how to present it in a manner that proves the defendant’s actions or omissions caused the accident. Once at trial, an expert witness can strengthen your case and improve your chances of recovering maximum compensation.

To hire the right expert for your case, your lawyer will consider:

• Their education, experience, licensure, and credentials
• Their reputation within their field of specialty
• The relevance of the expert’s knowledge to your case
• Their ability to present information in an understandable, compelling way
• The expert’s past performance as a witness

Do All Car Accident Cases Need Expert Testimony?

Not all car accident cases require expert testimony to prove liability. In fact, most car accident cases settle before going to trial, so expert opinions may be unnecessary.  According to the Annual Report of the Nevada Judiciary, more than 7,000 auto negligence cases in one recent year were resolved via non-trial dispositions like settlements. On the other hand, only 12 were decided in trials presided over by judges and 116 via jury trials.

Nevertheless, attorneys often consult experts when investigating car accidents to help them prepare compelling cases that allow them to avoid trials. For instance, a car accident attorney may take the following steps to attempt to settle the case before taking it to trial:

• Investigate the case, including gathering evidence, interviewing eyewitnesses, and consulting experts
• File a detailed claim with the at-fault party’s insurance company for accident-related losses
• Negotiate with the insurance company for a fair settlement
• File a personal injury lawsuit against the responsible party, if they cannot reach a fair settlement out of court
• Continue negotiations for a fair settlement to avoid trial

At THE702FIRM Injury Attorneys, we work hard to secure maximum settlements for our clients. But in some cases, we recommend taking a case to trial if the insurer refuses to make a fair settlement offer accounting for the full extent of their losses.

Contact a Las Vegas Car Accident Lawyer Today

If you suffered an injury in a Las Vegas auto accident, the legal team at THE702FIRM Injury Attorneys will use every resource necessary to build a strong case for compensation. Our seasoned personal injury attorneys maintain relationships with top experts in accident reconstruction and other fields.  We can gather the convincing evidence you need for a solid legal claim. Contact the Las Vegas car accident lawyers with THE702FIRM Injury Attorneys today for a free consultation.