An injured party has the burden of proof in a personal injury case in California. Therefore, you need evidence to prove each legal element of your personal injury claim. Expert witness testimony can strengthen your case by providing opinions and assistance during the investigation and testimony during depositions and trials.
What Are the Qualifications for Expert Witnesses in California Personal Injury Cases?
According to California Evidence Code §720(a), individuals are qualified to testify as expert witnesses when they have special:
- Training
- Skills
- Education
- Experience
- Knowledge about the subject matter of their testimony
Suppose the opposing attorney objects to the witness being called as an expert. In that case, the person’s expertise must be established to the court’s satisfaction before the person can testify as an expert.
Experts explain technical and scientific information relevant to the dispute. The testimony is intended to help judges and jurors understand the evidence that the typical layperson would not be expected to understand.
What Are Examples of Expert Witnesses in California Personal Injury Cases?
Your attorney may hire one or more expert witnesses to assist with your injury claim. The experts who work on your case depend on the factors of your case and the type of personal injury claim. Examples of expert witnesses in personal injury cases include:
Accident Reconstructionists
An accident reconstructionist uses evidence and scientific principles to reconstruct a collision. By reconstructing the collision, an expert can show how the crash occurred.
They also identify factors that contributed to the cause of the crash, which helps prove fault. Fault is an essential element of a personal injury claim.
Medical Experts
Medical experts diagnose your injuries and conditions. They explain the severity of the injuries and how the injuries can result in permanent impairments or disabilities.
Medical experts are required to establish the medical standard of care in medical malpractice claims. They also explain how the doctor failed to meet the standard of care and how the breach of duty caused your injuries.
Trucking Experts
Commercial truck accidents can be catastrophic for the victims. They may sustain life-altering injuries. A trucking expert explains how these complicated vehicles operate.
They may explain how violations of trucking regulations can contribute to the cause of a large truck accident. Trucking experts also explain how truck systems may fail, leading to a truck crash.
Financial Professionals
You can recover economic damages in a personal injury case. These damages include out-of-pocket expenses, lost wages, property damage, medical bills, and other financial losses.
You can also receive compensation for future damages, such as diminished earning capacity, ongoing medical expenses, and long-term care. A financial professional assists in calculating the value of future damages.
Life Care Planners
Disabilities and impairments may restrict your ability to perform tasks. You may experience pain and suffering, diminished quality of life, and other non-economic damages. Life care planners assist by analyzing and explaining how your injuries impact your daily life and the care you will need.
Manufacturing Experts
Product liability claims based on manufacturing defects may require experts to explain how the manufacturing process caused a defect that could injure or kill someone. They also help explain how a defect in the product could result in injury or death.
Transportation Safety Experts
Vehicle systems and devices help protect individuals from injuries and death in an accident. Some devices and systems help prevent accidents. However, if these systems or devices are defective or malfunctioning, they could contribute to the cause of a car accident. Transportation safety experts explain technical information in these cases.
Vocational Rehabilitation Experts
If your injuries impair your ability to work, a vocational rehabilitation expert may explain how your injuries prevent you from performing tasks required for a job. They assess the extent of your impairment and determine the restrictions you will need to work, if possible.
Other Types of Expert Witnesses
The above list is only a small sample of the types of expert witnesses that might assist in a personal injury case. For example, if your case involves a building collapse, engineers may assist in your case. If your case involves a hazardous substance, a toxicologist may be called upon to testify in your case.
Your attorney will determine the type of expert witness needed in your case. Hiring an experienced legal team gives you the resources to access and hire expert witnesses. In some instances, a case revolves around the testimony of expert witnesses for each side. Therefore, you want to hire top-rated experts with exceptional reputations who also perform well in court to refute the testimony from the other party’s experts.
Get More Information From a California Personal Injury Lawyer
Call an experienced California personal injury attorney to schedule a free consultation. They will be able to find leading experts in their fields to help strengthen your case and maximize your recovery.
For more information, please contact a skilled Santa Ana personal injury lawyer at The Simon Law Group to schedule a free initial consultation today. We conveniently locations in California, including Torrance, Hermosa Beach, and Santa Ana, CA. We also have offices in Phoenix, AZ, and Austin, TX.
We proudly serve Los Angeles County and Orange County, CA, and its surrounding areas:
The Simon Law Group – Torrance, CA Office
2916 W 164th St Second Floor, Torrance, CA 90504
(424) 622-0812
The Simon Law Group – Hermosa Beach, CA Office
34 Hermosa Ave, Hermosa Beach, CA 90254
(424) 722-3209
The Simon Law Group – Santa Ana, CA Office
1327 N Broadway, Santa Ana, CA 92706
(714) 581-8546