I was recently involved in a car accident. Unfortunately, since it was my first accident, I was scatter-brained and anxious. What I did not realize at the time was that the actions you take immediately after the accident can affect a personal injury case and the outcome of that case. I wanted to find a way to share my experiences and mistakes with other. Since the Internet is so popular, I figured this would be a great way to do so. While you likely aren't planning on being in an accident soon, if you are, hopefully you remember some of the tips I share on this website.
-
Why Having a Family Lawyer Is Essential in Divorce Proceedings 25 January 2024
-
Why Hiring an Adoption Lawyer is Essential for Your Adoption Journey 21 December 2023
-
The Unique Aspects of Pedestrian Accident Law 29 November 2023
-
Why Choose Mediation Over Litigation in Divorce Proceedings 25 October 2023
The Do's and Don'ts After a Car Accident
Examples Of Expert Witnesses Who Can Destroy Your Case
Yvonne Russell
In many court cases, expert witnesses are called on to help an attorney prove a case. However, there are some instances where expert witnesses can actually do more harm than good. Do you know the difference between a good expert witness and a bad one?
What Is An Expert Witness?
Before looking at how an expert witness can hurt a case, you need to understand what an expert witness is. An expert witness is a witness that has specialized expertise in a subject that is relevant to the case. An expert witness gains this expertise in the following ways:
- Education
- Experience
- Skills
Expert witnesses are used to prove facts crucial to a lawyer's case. Expert witnesses are an important tool in an attorney's tool kit.
What Qualities Do A Good Expert Witness Possess?
A good expert witness will have the right credentials for the case you are trying. Different cases require different types of experts. A good expert witness will come to the courtroom prepared. Your expert witness will have already reviewed whatever documents necessary to help prove the case.
Medical experts and automotive mechanics are two examples of individuals who would make good expert witnesses in auto accident cases. A medical expert can explain why an injury will negatively impact your life. An automotive mechanic could explain how certain bad parts on a vehicle could have caused an accident.
Expert witnesses, on the other hand, that would not make good witnesses for your case include:
- Individuals who do not show up
- Individuals who lie
- Individuals who are not qualified to be an expert
Expert Witnesses That Do Not Show Up To Court
If your expert witness doesn't show up to court, that is a bad thing. Your expert witness cannot help you if they are not in the courtroom. Make sure your expert witness is aware of the court date and proper time. The judge and the jury will also have a hard time viewing an expert witness who shows up late as a professional.
Expert Witnesses That Lie On The Stand
If your expert witness is not telling the truth on the stand, that will hurt your case. When the other side does their cross examination, they will uncover the fact that your expert witness is not telling the truth. This will hurt your credibility and make the jurors doubt anything else you have to say.
Unqualified Expert Witnesses
Make sure that your expert witness is actually qualified to handle your case. There is nothing worse than getting your expert witness on the stand and then having the other side shred them to bits because they aren't qualified. Check your potential expert witnesses' qualifications out first before you list them as an expert witness.
An expert witness can be a very good or very bad addition to your case. It is important to make sure you take the right steps to prepare your expert witness before your trial. Discuss the options with a lawyer, such s George T. Bochanis Law Offices.
Share