Using Expert Witnesses in Car Accident Cases

If you were involved in a car crash in Illinois, expert witnesses can help establish liability and other aspects of your personal injury claim. Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard P.C. has an established network of experts in accident reconstruction, medicine, and engineering. We can harness the expertise of these professionals to support your case, establishing the facts, assigning responsibility, and determining the compensation owed to you. Call us today for a free case review to learn how our experienced team can fight for justice on your behalf.

The Role of Expert Witnesses in Car Accident Cases

Expert witnesses play a vital role in personal injury cases by providing specialized knowledge about certain key issues that ordinary people do not have. These professionals have extensive training and experience in their particular fields, which allows them to offer clear, authoritative insights during legal proceedings. They examine evidence, interpret technical data, and present their findings to shed light on a case. This is crucial because the details of a traffic collision often involve complicated concepts, such as scientific or medical principles, that are unfamiliar to the average person.

For example, an expert witness might analyze how vehicles collided to explain which driver was to blame or examine medical records to discuss the extent or long-term consequences of a victim’s injuries. Their objective analyses allow investigators and personal injury attorneys to establish facts essential for determining liability and calculating fair compensation.

Types of Expert Witnesses Used in Car Accident Cases

After a car crash, an experienced personal injury attorney may consult with different types of expert witnesses to interpret and clarify the events and consequences of the collision. These experts use their specialized knowledge to decipher and explain complex issues, helping insurance companies, judges, and juries make informed decisions in car accident claims. Below are some common types of expert witnesses who might contribute to a personal injury case, each with a unique perspective and area of expertise.

Accident Reconstruction Specialists

Accident reconstruction experts analyze evidence from the scene of a car crash to determine what happened and why. They look at objective evidence, such as skid marks, vehicle damage, and surveillance footage, to recreate the sequence of events leading to the collision. Their findings can show how fast the cars were going, the directions they were traveling, and the actions each driver took just before the crash. Their testimony often plays a pivotal role in establishing liability in car accident lawsuits.

Chemical Experts

Chemical experts can analyze toxicology reports and explain how certain chemicals might have influenced the car crash. For example, they might test blood samples to determine if alcohol or drugs contributed to a driver’s impairment. This is often vital in auto accident cases where investigators suspect substance use is a factor. By providing clear, scientific evidence about the chemical states of the drivers involved, these experts can establish whether impairment might have influenced the crash.

Engineering Experts

Engineering experts can examine the mechanical and structural integrity of vehicles involved in a crash. They assess whether automotive defects or failures might have caused or contributed to the crash. For instance, if a driver testifies that they tried to brake but could not, an engineering expert could determine whether a mechanical problem in the braking system was to blame. Their analysis can be helpful in product liability claims and in cases where the safety of a vehicle is in question.

Medical Experts

Medical experts evaluate the injuries accident victims sustain to assess their severity and potential long-term impacts. A medical expert can explain the plaintiff’s injuries, the medical treatment the victim needs, the likely duration of their recovery process, and any permanent impairments they might suffer. This expert testimony helps lawyers and other investigators determine appropriate compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and lost quality of life after a collision.

Economists

Economic experts can provide insight into the financial consequences of a car crash. They calculate current and future economic impacts on victims, such as lost earnings, medical costs, and other expenses related to the collision. Lawyers rely on their expertise to ensure the figure they’re demanding reflects the comprehensive economic realities their clients face.

Vocational Experts

Vocational experts assess how a car crash affects a victim’s ability to work. A vocational expert can evaluate the potential impact of car accident injuries on a victim’s employment prospects and ability to earn a living in the future. Their evaluations help attorneys quantify losses of earning capacity, which is critical in securing a fair settlement for long-term disabilities or career disruptions resulting from car collisions.

Why Working with an Experienced Car Crash Lawyer Matters

Choosing the right car crash lawyer after a traffic collision can significantly impact the outcome of your personal injury case. Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard P.C. has a proven track record of success, with more than $2.5 billion recovered for our clients over our 40 years of practice. This includes the largest personal injury compensatory verdict award for an individual in Illinois state history.

Our firm has successfully obtained over 350 multi-million dollar payouts from trial verdicts and settlements, demonstrating the knowledge and skill that is necessary to help our clients receive the substantial compensation they deserve. We have extensive experience working with expert witnesses to build compelling legal arguments for our clients in car crash and product liability cases. When you choose Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard P.C., you are choosing a firm that has what it takes to handle your case efficiently, effectively, and successfully.

Contact Our Auto Crash Lawyers for Help Today

Have you been injured in a car crash in Illinois? Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard P.C. is ready to fight for the compensation you deserve. Our lawyers work closely with effective expert witnesses who can provide clear evidence and strong support for your claim. Contact us today for a free consultation and find out how our network of experts can help us build a winning claim.