Expert Testimony in Truck Accident Cases

Legal claims arising out of truck accidents tend to be more complicated than those that involve only passenger vehicles. In addition to more parties being involved, such as trucking companies, the issues and circumstances leading to a truck collision can be more complex, involving business practices or the specific mechanics of a commercial truck. As a result, expert testimony in truck accident cases is often vital. Miami truck accident lawyer Robert Dixon assists victims of these collisions in personal injury claims. Mr. Dixon and the staff at the Law Offices of Robert Dixon consult with top experts in their fields to make sure that our clients’ claims are accurately presented. Our firm offers compassionate and experienced representation to residents of Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach Counties.

In truck accident cases, both sides may utilize experts in support of their position. There are different types of experts who not only testify in front of a judge or jury but also consult with attorneys or examine elements of the accident scene or parts of the truck to search for defects. Expert witnesses are educated and trained in their field, and people “qualified by knowledge, skill, experience, training, or education” can present testimony in a case. Under Florida’s newly adopted standard, based on the federal standard for expert evidence, the judge acts as the gatekeeper in deciding who qualifies as an expert to be presented to the jury.

Experts in truck accident cases come in a variety of forms. There are experts regarding what the standard is for truck maintenance, or safety and repair, as well as people who have expertise in mechanical or forensic engineering. Forensic engineers investigate and measure the scene of a crash to offer reconstructions of what occurred. There are also experts on truck drivers and truck companies who examine driving skills and training, as well as whether distraction, fatigue, or intoxication may have played a role in causing the collision. Additionally, experts can determine whether drivers and truck companies have complied with federal and state trucking regulations by analyzing black box data and other devices and documents. Medical experts may also be called to testify to give opinions regarding a victim’s injuries and the future medical care or life changes that may be necessary, based on the severity of these injuries.

Each expert for the plaintiff testifies to help establish a defendant’s liability for causing an accident, describing how the defendant contributed to the damages that the plaintiff sustained. Expert testimony in truck accident cases goes to prove one of the elements of negligence in a personal injury or wrongful death claim. Negligence occurs when a party breaches an owed duty of reasonable care to another person, causing damages. For example, an expert accident reconstruction specialist may be consulted to determine if a truck driver was travelling at an excessive speed at the time of an accident. Additionally, a medical expert may examine the victim’s medical records and give his or her opinion on any additional care that the victim may need, which can help assess damages such as future medical expenses or loss of income. If you have been injured in a truck accident, you should contact a knowledgeable attorney who can retain the proper experts to assert your rights.

Victims of truck accidents may face an uphill battle in healing from their serious injuries, while dealing with large insurance corporations and trucking companies trying to keep costs low. Having a strong legal advocate on your side is vital to ensuring that you receive the compensation to which you are entitled from those responsible for your harm. Injury lawyer Robert Dixon assists victims of truck accidents in Miami, West Palm Beach, and surrounding cities. If you have questions regarding your legal rights in the aftermath of a truck collision, call 877.499.4878 or contact us online to set up a free, no-obligation consultation.