If you were injured in a pedestrian accident caused by a negligent driver in Norfolk or Virginia Beach, you will need evidence to prove your case and obtain the compensation you deserve for your injuries. You may need to retain expert witnesses to explain key aspects of your claim and to refute defenses raised by the insurance company to deny your claim or try to pay you less money than you deserve. An experienced car accident lawyer can help you decide what type of expert witness you should hire and will have a network of qualified experts you can hire.
What Is an Expert Witness?
An expert witness is someone qualified to give an opinion on a specific issue in a pedestrian collision claim based on their education, training, and work experience. They can help resolve disputes with the insurance company, explain issues—such as the cause of the pedestrian accident or the seriousness of your injuries—and present evidence in a jury trial.
Not everyone can be an expert witness in Virginia. They must have the qualifications necessary to render an opinion and be approved as an expert witness by the judge.
Types of Expert Witnesses Used in Pedestrian Crash Cases
The types of expert witnesses you will need to win your claim will depend on the circumstances surrounding your collision and the arguments being raised by the insurance company. Expert witnesses commonly used in pedestrian collision cases include the following:
- Reconstruction accident expert. A reconstruction accident expert has the expertise to examine all the evidence and determine what caused a pedestrian crash. They may also use a computer-generated program to create a reenactment of the collision to show to the jury.
- Medical expert. You will almost certainly need a medical expert to explain the seriousness of your injuries, the treatments you need, and your prognosis for recovering from your injuries.
- Mental health expert. If you suffer from anxiety, depression, or another mental health condition due to the accident, you may need a mental health expert to testify how this has impacted your mental health and quality of life. Their testimony may also help you prove the emotional distress, pain, and suffering you endured.
- Economic expert. You are entitled to your past and future medical expenses, lost wages, lost earning capacity damages, and pain and suffering. You may need the help of an economic expert to calculate your future damages, especially if you must make a career change and take a pay cut or become permanently disabled due to your injuries.
Were you or a family member injured in a pedestrian accident in Norfolk or Virginia Beach caused by a negligent driver? Call our Norfolk office at 757-625-1214 or complete our convenient online form to schedule your free initial consultation today to get your questions answered and learn how we can assist you.