When you are injured in an accident, you must prove that the other party was negligent in causing the conditions that resulted in your injury. To do so, you must show that the majority of evidence leads a normal person to conclude the other party is at fault. Evidence we use at trial may include:
- Physical evidence from the accident scene
- Eyewitness testimony
- Medical records
- Expert witness testimony
In many cases, an eyewitness is very important, especially if the only two people involved in the accident are contradicting each other. However, eyewitness testimony is not the only way we can prove the other party is at fault. Expert testimony can also be very important, and persuasive if the parties are presenting opposing points of view with little physical or eyewitness testimony to back up the allegations.
What is Expert Testimony?
Expert testimony is offered by a person who is a professional in the field of expertise he or she is testifying about in court. The person is qualified due to an elevated level of experience, education, special training, or certification. Furthermore, the expert has knowledge and understanding of the subject matter that most people do not possess.
An expert witness can provide insight and explanation for the jury to help convince the jury that the party’s allegations are truly based on scientific evidence. In other words, the person is considered to be an “expert” in the particular subject matter which he or she is called to explain.
What Are the Benefits of Using an
Expert Witness?
There are several benefits of using an expert witness in a personal injury case. The first benefit is the amount of credibility that is added to your claims. The jury sees an expert witness as someone who understands the details of the case and can give a trusted opinion. The testimony of an expert witness can carry more weight than the testimony of other witnesses.
In addition to providing testimony at the trial, an expert witness can provide valuable analysis of the weaknesses and strengths of the case. The expert can point out any weaknesses in your case so those matters can be improved to strengthen your position. In addition, the expert can see the weaknesses of the other side so those can be attacked in court.
If your case involves technical information that is difficult for a layperson to understand, you need an expert witness who can explain the evidence in terms the jury can understand. The expert can break down the technical data and evidence into evidence you can use to convince a jury your allegations are correct.
Types of Expert Witnesses
In personal injury cases, there are several different types of expert witnesses. Examples of expert witnesses that we may use in a car accident, slip and fall, or product liability case include:
- Medical Experts
- Accident Reconstruction Experts
- Economic or Financial Experts
- Mental Health Experts
- Manufacturing Experts
- Engineering Experts
Depending on the case, we may need to employ a specialized expert witness that has knowledge that is directly related to the case. For example, if a car accident claim involves allegations of defective brakes, we may use an expert who works in this specific industry who can testify as to the design and operation of the brakes in addition to the reasons why the brakes could have failed.
Call an Ontario Personal Injury Lawyer for a Free Appointment
The team of lawyers at Diamond and Diamond use all resources at our disposable to help you recover the maximum compensation possible for your claim. Call our 24/7 injury hotline at 1-800-567-HURT or visit our website to speak to someone now. We offer free consultations and case evaluations.
