Proving your accident lawsuit in Florida can be difficult. Sometimes, the evidence you’ve gathered may not be enough to prove who’s at fault or what happened. To strengthen your claim, you can get an expert witness.
Getting expert witnesses in Florida accident lawsuits can make a difference. But who are these professionals? In this blog, we’ll explain what expert witnesses are, what you need before hiring one, as well as the challenges you might face when hiring one.
Expert Witnesses: Who are They?
Hiring expert witnesses in Florida accident lawsuits can strengthen your claim. Why? Because these professionals can explain the technical details of the accident. They have specialized knowledge to offer opinions that can make your lawsuit stronger.
But, before a professional can be considered an expert witness, they must have the right training, skills, or experience in a specific field. Unlike common witnesses who can only describe what they saw, these experts can give professional opinions.
Expert witnesses in Florida accident lawsuits can review your evidence, write reports, and testify in court if necessary.
Different Expert Witnesses You Can Hire
There are different expert witnesses in Florida accident lawsuits you can work with or hire. Knowing who to choose can further strengthen your legal action.
Medical Professionals
If the accident affected your physical and mental health, then you should be working with medical professionals. These professionals can diagnose your injuries, and recommend treatment options and long-term recovery needs. Doctors, surgeons, orthopedics, and other medical specialists can provide details on how you got your injuries and how they could affect you in the future.
Accident Reconstruction Specialists
In some accidents, victims may not always remember what happened. This is where accident reconstruction specialists come in. They can recreate what caused the incident using photos, reports, and technical knowledge. Among them are engineers and forensic experts.
Mental Health Experts
Your body isn’t the only one at risk after an accident. Serious incidents, such as truck accidents, can also affect your mental health. Professionals, like psychiatrists and psychologists, can help assess the accident’s emotional effects.
Economists and Financial Analysts
If the accident affects you financially, you can work with economists or financial analysts. These financial professionals can analyze how the accident impacted your financial stability. They can calculate lost wages, future earnings, and other monetary damages.
Vocational Experts
Accidents that lead to serious injuries can greatly affect your job or career. Career counselors or occupational therapists can help you explain how the incident affected your work.
Preparing for Expert Witnesses in Florida Accident Lawsuits
If you’re planning to work or hire a professional witness, there are some things you need to ensure. These include the following.
Solid Evidence
Your witness will need solid evidence for their analysis. This means you need to have accident reports, medical records, pictures, and other documentation.
Clear Case Objectives
Since expert witnesses have different expertise, you need to have clear objectives. You need to know the specific questions that these professionals are going to address. Don’t expect doctors to answer if the accident was caused by a brake failure.
Know Florida’s Legal Requirements
In Florida, there are specific rules for expert witness testimony. Your witness should have education, proper training, and enough experience. Aside from these, they also need to meet established legal standards, such as the ones in Florida’s Evidence Code Section 90.702.
Ensure Relevancy to Your Case
When working with a professional witness, be sure that their testimony directly aligns with the details of your lawsuit. You must remember that courts won’t accept general opinions. They’ll require testimonies that can address key issues. These include damages and liability.
Challenges and Controversies You Might Face
Working with professional witnesses will surely improve your accident lawsuit. But, doing so could also lead to challenges and controversies.
Expensive Fees
Some professionals charge hefty fees for preparation, analysis, and testimony. Because of this, you’ll need to invest a significant amount of money.
Credibility and Qualifications Will Be Questioned
Usually, opposing lawyers will question the credibility and qualifications of your witness. They’ll likely argue that your witness doesn’t have experience and claim that the testimony isn’t reliable for the lawsuit.
Concerns on Biased Perceptions
If your expert witness usually works only with plaintiffs or defendants, then opposing lawyers will likely question their biases. Once this happens, their testimony could be weakened.
Scientific Validity Disputes
Expert witnesses must ensure they have reliable methods and evidence. Why? Because they might face arguments claiming that their conclusions lack scientific proof.
Need Help Finding the Right Expert Witness?
Looking for the right expert witness for your case is a big step you must take. Thankfully, attorneys can help you identify the right professional with enough knowledge and skills for your lawsuit.
Attorneys have networks that they can use to match you with qualified expert witnesses. They can also guide your chosen expert witness in reviewing evidence and forming opinions that effectively align with legal standards.
If you’re looking for a trusted accident attorney, you can contact us here at ASK GARY. Just dial 1-866-939-4794. Our free helpline is available 24/7, and our representatives are always ready to assist you. You can visit our website to learn more about us.