Can a Medical Expert Witness Strengthen Your Car Accident Claim?
Every car accident case may be slightly different, but all successful personal injury claims contain the same four elements. To secure compensation for the damages incurred, claimants must be able to prove that a duty of care existed, a breach of this duty occurred, an accident ensued, and actual losses resulted.
According to the American Bar Association, the above elements essentially come down to liability and damages. Various kinds of evidence, including the official police report, photographs of the scene, dash cam footage, and medical records, can help prove these aspects of the claim.
Witness testimony can also serve as valuable evidence of both liability and damages. On-the-scene witnesses can corroborate the victim’s account regarding fault while medical expert witnesses can assess the extent of the injuries—and any future healthcare needs—to calculate a fair settlement amount.
If you were hurt in a collision and think your case could benefit from the testimony of a medical expert witness, turn to the Cooper Law Firm. You may be entitled to compensation for lost income, medical bills, and non-economic damages. Call 903-297-0037 to schedule a free consultation with a personal injury attorney in Van Zandt.
How Can a Medical Expert Witness Strengthen My Car Accident Claim?
If you sustain fairly superficial injuries that require you to miss a couple weeks of work, the damages can certainly add up quickly; however, you may not necessarily need a medical expert to weigh in on their long-term repercussions. When it comes to more severe injuries, though, a specialist can contribute to the validity of your claim and ultimately prevent you from accepting a settlement that is less than fair.
Read on to learn how a medical expert witness can strengthen your car accident case:
- By Proving the Need for Certain Kinds of Medical Care
Because they want to negotiate for the smallest settlement possible, insurance adjusters are likely to question every single treatment modality you include in the negations. This is especially true of alternative and complementary therapies.
Fortunately a medical expert witness can provide testimony affirming the importance of certain kinds of treatment that do not necessarily fall under modern or mainstream medicine. This might include:
- Chiropractic care;
- Massage therapy;
- Acupuncture; and
- Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) therapy.
- By Demonstrating the Likelihood of Future Medical Costs
Catastrophic injuries can have lifelong consequences. For example, motor vehicle collisions are a leading cause of traumatic brain injuries and spinal cord injuries, both of which require extensive rehabilitation.
If you are hurt so severely that it will alter your life permanently, it is essential to consult with a specialist. A medical expert witness can provide credible testimony on the health care you will likely need in the years to come as your recovery progresses or the condition worsens.
If you sustained injuries in a wreck with a drunk, distracted, or negligent driver, a Van Zandt personal injury lawyer can connect you with medical expert witnesses whose testimony may strengthen the claim. Contact the Cooper Law Firm today to determine the most strategic way to proceed.
Attorney N. Eric Cooper will investigate your crash, gather evidence, interview witnesses, and help you fight for the maximum payout. Call 903-297-0037 to schedule a free case evaluation. You can learn more about car accident claims in Texas by visiting usattorneys.com/car-accident/texas.