This is the fourth post in our series on the handling of Austin, Texas pedestrian cases. Our last post discussed conducting discovery in pedestrian accidents where a lawsuit has been filed. It is important to conduct discovery as it impacts issues relating to liability and comparative fault. In this article, we will address another important topic – the roles of experts in such cases. As we will discuss below, experts can be a crucial part of such matters due to the serious injuries a victim may suffer. We cannot stress enough the fact that you should contact a personal injury attorney immediately if you have been hit by a car.
Austin pedestrians who have been injured may require expert witnesses in order to prove their damages
Injury victims often have to utilize experts in a serious injury case. This is due to the fact that determination of one’s future damages requires the use of medical professionals and possibly vocational analysts. A witness may only testify in regards to such issues if they have specialized knowledge in a given field.
Austin pedestrians often suffer serious injuries when hit by a car. An individual is no match for an oncoming vehicle. They may suffer spinal damage, broken bones, head injuries, or paralysis. If a person is left disabled, or with ongoing pain, then a medical professional is needed to testify in regards to future care which the victim may need, possible future surgeries, the cost of such care, and the likelihood of recovery. The medical professional will have to conduct their own examinations of the victim. They will then issue a report and the defense will have an opportunity to designate their own expert who will argue against the Plaintiff’s position.
The serious injuries suffered by a pedestrian can lead to future economic damages. A vocational analyst will be required to opine as to the reduction in a victim’s future earnings. Such a professional will analyze the possibility of one returning to their old career, the extent to which they can earn money in that career, and whether they should enter into a new profession. Their report on these issues will state how they arrived at their conclusions, the data they relied on, and more. As with medical professionals, the defense will have an opportunity to designate their own vocational professionals to opine on the Plaintiff’s damages.
Austin pedestrian accident victims should retain an attorney with the resources necessary to retain expert witnesses
It is important that pedestrians retain an attorney with the resources necessary to retain the types of experts described above. Unfortunately, some personal injury lawyers do not have the resources necessary to do so. Attempting to handle such matters without the needed professionals may lead to the Plaintiff not being able to establish their damages at trial.
Our firm prides itself on providing the high level of service typically found in a small firm while possessing the resources of a larger injury law practice. Do not risk your future to a lesser attorney. Contact our office today to schedule an initial consultation. In addition to Austin we also service Travis County cities which include Rollingwood, Round Rock, Elgin, Jonestown, Manor, Bee Cave, Lago Vista, Sunset Valley, Lakeway, Creedmoor, the Williamson County cities of Georgetown, Cedar Park, and Leander, as well as other areas of Texas.
