Semi-truck accidents are different from normal auto accidents. They require specialized knowledge and an attorney with experience handling such cases.
In order to maximize the recovery of truck accident victims, attorneys often rely on the testimony of expert witnesses. In this guide, we’ll explain what an expert witness is and what type of expert witnesses are typically called upon in these complicated cases.
What Are Expert Witnesses?
Expert witnesses are individuals who possess specialized knowledge in a certain field which can contribute to the proving of your case.
These experts often have decades of experience working in a particular industry such that they will be able to testify based upon their years of research and experience.
When you work with the Femminineo Law Accident Response Team, you gain access to an expansive network of expert witnesses who can provide credible, evidence-based testimony to help establish liability, explain complex issues, and strengthen your claim for the compensation you deserve.
Typical Trucking Accident Expert Witnesses
Truck accident expert witnesses come in all different shapes and sizes. The common denominator among them: knowledge of the trucking industry and the tactics used by trucking companies to deflect blame.
Below, we’ll go through the types of expert witnesses typically called upon in truck accident cases and explain why their testimony can be beneficial.
Accident Reconstructionist
Accident reconstructionists utilize all of the data from the truck, information from eyewitnesses and parties to the lawsuit, road conditions, and other factors to conclude who is at fault for causing an accident.
Despite not being an eyewitness to an accident, they use all of the available data to reconstruct what happened and determine who they believe is at fault.
Commercial Vehicle Mechanic
The focus of a commercial vehicle mechanic is the condition of a truck at the time of an accident.
Was the truck up to code mechanically? How were the brakes? How dirty was the windshield? Were the lights fully operational? These are key factors that may contribute to an accident and that can help determine who was at fault afterward.
Trucking Industry Practices Expert
These experts provide information as to what the industry standards are both locally and nationally. Violations of any of the standards or regulations in the trucking industry can be evidence of negligence.
Metallurgist
These experts testify to the failure of any component of a truck. They provide a “failure analysis” which looks to explain why a truck broke or failed in a particular way.
If a truck component failed due to inadequate inspection or maintenance, the party responsible for inspecting or maintaining the truck may be held liable for damages resulting from an accident.
Mental Health Expert
These experts provide testimony regarding mental health conditions—such as anxiety or depression—that may have contributed to an accident.
Roadway Design Expert
These experts testify to how the elevation, direction, curvature, and overall design of a roadway might have contributed to an accident.
Forensic Toxicologist
By analyzing blood samples from a truck driver, a toxicologist can identify potential drug or alcohol use which might have contributed to an accident.
Additional Expert Witnesses Particular to the Facts of the Case
Besides the witnesses listed above – who often play an important role in truck accident cases – other experts may also provide valuable testimony. While these experts do not necessarily have specialized knowledge of the trucking industry, they commonly testify about a plaintiff’s damages and the overall impact an accident has had on the plaintiff’s life.
Physician or Surgeon
Doctors who treat a truck accident victim following a crash often serve as expert witnesses. They usually testify as to how a plaintiff’s injuries have affected their overall quality of life following an accident.
Economist
Economists commonly provide testimony regarding lost income after a serious accident. Additionally, they are able to forecast future economic losses due to ongoing health problems. These experts consider a plaintiff’s education, employment history, and potential for income growth while making their calculations.
Vocational Rehabilitation Expert
These experts testify to the way injuries resulting from an accident have impacted a plaintiff’s ability to work and live in their community.
Additionally, they can testify to what assistance – such as job retraining, vocational counseling, career placement services, and workplace accommodations – a plaintiff may need, as well as the anticipated cost of these services.
Life Care Plan Expert
Life care planners testify to the anticipated cost of a plaintiff’s future medical care. These costs can be projected for the remainder of a plaintiff’s expected life span.
Truck Accident Expert Witness FAQs
What is an Expert Witness in a Personal Injury Case?
An expert witness is someone with specialized knowledge who can testify to the causes of an accident or the impact that an accident has had on an individual’s life. While they aren’t the same as an eyewitness, their testimony can be extremely valuable.
Do I Need Expert Witnesses if I was Involved in a Truck Accident?
Expert witnesses are extremely common in truck accident cases. Due to the highly technical, specialized nature of these cases, expert testimony is often required.
What Types of Expert Witnesses Can Testify in a Truck Accident Case?
Expert witnesses in truck accident cases commonly include:
- Accident Reconstructionists
- Commercial Vehicle Mechanics
- Trucking Industry Practices Experts
- Metallurgists
- Mental Health Experts
- Roadway Design Experts
- Forensic Toxicologists
- Physicians and Surgeons
- Economists
- Vocational Rehabilitation Experts
- Life Care Plan Experts
Do I Need to Find Expert Witnesses to Testify in My Case?
No, this is something normally handled by a truck accident attorney. An experienced attorney will have an established network of expert witnesses who they can call on if a specific type of testimony is required in a case.
Talk to an Experienced Michigan Truck Accident Attorney
Truck accident cases present a variety of legal challenges that make them different from a normal auto accident case. Due to the specialized nature of these cases, expert witnesses are often called upon to provide testimony.
The team at Femminineo Law has handled truck accident cases for over 30 years and has an expansive network of expert witnesses at our disposal. When you call us, not only are you getting a top attorney, you’re getting access to the resources needed to win.
Give us a call at 855-65CRASH or visit our website for a free consultation.
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