This is the fourth post in our series on the handling of trucking accidents in Austin, Texas. Our last post discussed using discovery to establish liability in trucking cases. It is important to make sure that all available avenues are used to collect needed evidence. In this post we will discuss another important topic - the roles that experts play in such cases. If you have been involved in such an incident then it is important that you retain an attorney familiar with using experts in such matters.
Expert witnesses are required when testimony is required in complex areas. The first common use of expert witnesses in personal injury cases is for establishing medical damages and the cost of future care. It goes without saying that a layperson cannot testify on such issues and that medical professionals are necessary. Another typical expert to testify is an economist in regards to the issue of economic loss. If one has suffered a reduced ability to earn a living then it will be necessary to reach a calculation as to their future earnings, etc. Finally, accident reconstructionists are often employed to determine which party was at fault or in situations where it is not clear how fault should be apportioned. Such witnesses obviously charge fees for their times. These fees will typically be paid by your personal injury lawyer.
The use of experts in an injury case is a multi step process. The Plaintiff will designate their experts and those professionals will provide reports with their opinions. The Defendant or Defendants will have the opportunity to retain their own experts and issue rebuttal reports. At trial the professionals from each side will testify and the jury will decide who should be believed. This testimony can quite often make the difference in terms of who a jury believes was responsible for the accident, the extent to which the Plaintiff should be compensated, and whether punitive damages are appropriate.
Our Austin trucking accident lawyers have relationships with the types of experts often needed in these cases and are able to assist you. Contact us today to schedule an initial consultation. 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.
