If you or a loved one have been injured in a vehicle accident caused by the careless or negligent actions of another driver, you are likely entitled to various types of compensation. However, securing this compensation is not always easy. In fact, aggressive insurance carriers can make this process seem downright impossible.
For complicated car accident cases, it may be necessary for expert witnesses to become involved in the case. Here, our Phoenix car accident attorneys want to discuss how expert witnesses are used in the aftermath of a car accident case, particularly when it comes to helping an injury victim secure the compensation they need from an at-fault party.
Even though the vast majority of car accident claims are resolved through settlements with insurance carriers, it is not uncommon for insurance carriers to put up a fight when it comes to paying out the compensation that victims deserve. This could be because the personal injury damages are relatively large or because fault is not entirely clear. In some cases, it may be necessary for an injury victim to file a personal injury lawsuit against the alleged negligent party.
Expert witnesses are regularly used in car accident cases. These are experts that can come into a case and provide information that typically lies outside of the realm of general knowledge for those involved, including jury members, judges, insurance carriers, attorneys, etc. There are various types of expert witnesses that may be brought in to assist with multiple aspects of the case. This can include, but is not limited to, the following:
The goal of the expert witnesses that we just listed will be to help attorneys, jury members, the judge, and insurance carriers have a better understanding of fault in the case. Not all car accident cases are cut and dry, and when liability cannot be determined, it can significantly complicate the ability of those involved to recover the compensation they need. Accordingly, your Arizona injury lawyers will retain an experts services in order to provide clarity regarding the at-fault driver’s liability and/or fault in your personal injury case.
There are also times when expert witnesses may be used to help determine how much, if any, compensation should be awarded to a car accident victim. Sometimes, there is no dispute over liability for a claim. However, insurance carriers or the at-fault party could dispute the total amount of money the victim is asking for. Even an injury victim’s total medical bills are often challenged as “unreasonable” or “unnecessary.” When this happens, various experts may be brought in to help determine a reasonable and accurate damages amount. Some of the types of expert witnesses used in these situations could include the following:
These expert witnesses are able to testify regarding the financial, mental, and emotional impact the crash had on the personal injury victim. A jury and others involved in the personal injury claim can utilize their report to properly value an injury victim’s total personal injury damages.
Of course, hiring an expert is not cheap. At Torgenson Law, our car accident lawyers are always direct with our clients regarding the costs and fees related to their case, and we are also willing to do what it takes to achieve resolution and closure for our clients. If you or somebody you care about has been injured in a car accident caused by the careless or negligent actions of another person, you need to speak to an attorney as soon as possible. Determining liability and the proper compensation amounts is a difficult process, and accident victims often lack the resources to properly advocate on their own behalf. A personal injury attorney can use their resources and legal expertise to help accident victims get through this entire process. An attorney will investigate every aspect of the claim, work with trusted medical and economic experts, and negotiate with all parties involved.
John Torgenson is a highly experienced personal injury lawyer with over 20 years of practice in Arizona. He earned his Bachelor’s degree from the University of Utah and his Juris Doctor from Notre Dame. John has a proven track record of securing substantial verdicts and settlements, including an $8.25 million recovery for a gunshot injury victim. His expertise has earned him AVVO ratings and recognition as a Super Lawyer.
John is also a sought-after lecturer on personal injury law, sharing his extensive knowledge with peers and aspiring attorneys. Beyond his legal practice, John is an avid golfer and actively supports organizations like the Military Assistance Mission, Arizona School for the Arts, Page Balloon Regatta, University of Arizona Foundation, Junior Achievement of Arizona, and the Tim Huff Pro Bono Golf Classic.
Passionate about advocating for injury victims, John dedicates his career to battling insurance companies and corporate interests, ensuring that the rights of those who are hurt are vigorously defended.
