You do not always need expert witnesses to prove your truck accident case in Ohio, but they can play a significant role in some claims. Whether you settle your claim outside of court or take the trucking company to trial, it is necessary to have evidence in your case that shows negligence, liability, and the value of your damages. Expert witnesses can help with all three in some circumstances.
If you or your loved one suffered injuries in an Ohio truck collision, you may have a viable claim for compensation against the truck driver and trucking company. A truck accident attorney with our firm can help you weigh your legal options, gather evidence, enlist the help of experts, and more.
Understanding the Role of Expert Witnesses in Your Ohio Truck Accident Case
While having experts on your side is not necessary in every case, it can support your claim and allow you to prove additional damages. If you go to trial, the defense will likely have its own experts, and you may want someone with experience and a professional opinion that strengthens your side of the story.
There are several ways that expert witnesses can help in a truck accident case, including:
Proving How the Accident Occurred
Some of the most commonly called-on experts in car crashes are accident reconstruction experts. They use specialized techniques to recreate a collision to determine what happened and the contributing factors. Their work may support an insurance claim or help prove fault in civil court.
Industry experts may also work with injured parties in truck accident cases to prove that a load was unsecured, a part was defective, or there were issues with truck maintenance.
Helping Document Liability
Truck accident cases can be complex because the driver is often not the only liable party. Instead, their employer and others may also have vicarious liability. Proving who is responsible can be difficult, especially in cases where the driver may not have acted carelessly or recklessly.
For example, the list of parties who may be responsible when a truck part fails and causes an accident could include:
- The truck’s owner (usually the trucking company)
- A maintenance company or mechanic
- The manufacturer of the truck
- The distributor or manufacturer of the defective truck part
- The owner/loader of the truck’s cargo
Experts can determine who is responsible for what ultimately caused your collision and resulting injuries. We can then use this information to build your case and prove your right to financial compensation.
Estimating Your Future Medical Expenses
When a truck accident victim suffers severe injuries, they may require ongoing medical care or future treatment expenses. While these expenses are recoverable, it can be difficult for a layperson to determine how much they are worth. An expert witness can testify regarding your medical condition and estimate the cost of your necessary future treatment, including:
- Surgeries and follow-up procedures
- Physical therapy and rehabilitation
- Medical devices and equipment, such as wheelchairs, hearing aids, and medical supplies
- Prescription medications
- Long-term and in-home health services
- Lifecare expenses
Identifying Additional Losses and Long-Term Damages
If you have a severe or disabling injury, it can affect your ability to earn a living, now and in the future. Experts can help establish that your injuries interfere with your job and show how they affect your earning capacity and financial future.
Using this information, we can pursue your past and future lost wages, benefits, and earnings. We can also identify and seek compensation for other truck accident damages, including:
- Vehicle repair or replacement costs
- Rental car fees
- Household services
- Medical travel expenses
- Medically necessary home and vehicle modifications
- Physical pain, mental anguish, and emotional suffering
- Lost quality of life
Expert Witnesses Can Assist with Complex Truck Accident Cases
Truck accident cases might seem intimidating to a layperson because you usually file the claim or lawsuit against a large company rather than an individual driver. This is because a trucker’s employer is often vicariously liable for their negligence behind the wheel. So, when a driver causes an accident, it is usually the trucking company or the company’s insurer who pays.
Additionally, truck accidents may create evidence unavailable in most crashes involving private motorists. We may need to send a spoliation letter to the trucking company as soon as possible after the crash to preserve:
- The trucker’s rest logs
- Data from the truck’s computer
- Dashcam video
- The driver’s drug and alcohol test results
- Evidence of previous crashes or infractions involving the driver, trucking company, or truck
- The truck and trailer or documentation of the truck’s damages
Having industry experts analyze this evidence can help determine what happened, who is at fault, and what could have prevented the crash.
Do You Need a Truck Accident Attorney?
An attorney with our firm can connect you with expert witnesses who can help you prove your truck accident case. Professionals we may call upon include:
- Accident reconstruction experts
- Scene survey teams
- Economists
- Vocational experts
- Medical doctors
- Industry professionals
Additionally, we can assist with your case by:
- Preparing and filing your insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit
- Handling phone calls, emails, and meetings
- Negotiating for the maximum settlement available for your damages
- Representing you in civil court if necessary
Having someone with legal knowledge on your side is also important because of tight deadlines. You generally have only two years to file a lawsuit for personal injury (Ohio Revised Code Section 2305.10) or wrongful death (Ohio Revised Code Section 2125.02). We can help you start on your case before the statutes of limitations expire.
Speak With The Fitch Law Firm LLC Today
You can discuss your Ohio truck accident case for free today with The Fitch Law Firm LLC. We are a contingency fee firm and will not ask you to pay anything when you sign up for our services. We collect an attorney fee only if and when we win your case.
We have offices in Columbus, Dayton, Marion, and Springfield. Let us put more than 30 years of legal experience behind getting the compensation you deserve. Contact us to connect with a personal injury lawyer near you.