Who Can Be an Expert Witness In a Texas Personal Injury Case?

If you have suffered injuries due to someone else’s negligence, the experienced lawyers at Hilliard Law are ready to fight for you. We partner with the most reputable expert witnesses needed to support your claim and obtain the compensation you deserve.

Expert witnesses can play a crucial role in a personal injury case in Texas. They provide specific knowledge, skills, experience, and opinions in a particular field that may help a judge or jury make informed decisions regarding the outcome of a case. However, not just anyone is qualified to be an expert witness in a Texas court. In fact, the state has specific criteria that must be met for an individual to be considered an expert witness.

An expert witness testimony is vital to the success of a personal injury claim. At Hilliard Law, we have helped countless personal injury victims recover the compensation they deserve due to someone else’s negligence. We can employ extensive resources and strategies to substantiate your claim and help you determine who is at fault for your injuries and subsequent losses.

What Is an Expert Witness?

An expert witness is a person who possesses specific knowledge, skill, experience, education, or training in a certain field beyond that of an average individual. In a personal injury case, an expert witness can be called upon to provide their opinions or interpretations of facts, data, or evidence related to the case, which may be able to help a judge or jury understand complex information to make more informed decisions.

An expert witness, under Texas law, may testify if:

Their scientific or technical knowledge can help the trier of fact understand the evidence presented, or to determine a fact under discussion
Testimony is based on ample facts or data
Testimony is the product of trusted methods and principles
The expert has applied the principles and methods to the facts of the case

Other than testifying in court, expert witnesses may have other responsibilities as well, such as consulting with personal injury lawyers, conducting research, and preparing reports. To provide liability in a personal injury case, your lawyer may need to partner with a qualified expert to testify the facts of your case, as well as refute the opposing party’s inaccurate evidence or testimony.

5 Types of Expert Witnesses in a Texas Personal Injury Case

There are many types of expert witnesses that can help the success of your personal injury claim, including the following:

1. Cell Phone Record Specialist

Many motor vehicle accidents are caused by driver negligence. If the liable driver was texting or talking on the phone at the time of the collision, they may be held liable for damages. A cell phone specialist can help demonstrate liability by assessing and explaining cell phone records.

2. Commercial Truck Maintenance Specialists

Commercial accident claims are notoriously complex and may require the knowledgeable testimony of a commercial truck maintenance specialist. They can testify to many issues relevant to a personal injury claim, such as prolonged stopping distances or reduced visibility, as well as if the truck abided by scheduled maintenance regulations.

3. First Responders

First responders, such as police officers, emergency medical personnel, and firefighters, can provide highly credible expert testimony because they are usually the first ones on the scene to witness an accident.

4. Medical Toxicologists

Medical toxicologists may be necessary for a personal injury claim to prove if the opposing party was driving with drugs or alcohol in their system at the time of the accident.

5. Vehicle Collision Reconstructionists

A vehicle collision reconstructionist’s testimony may be required for collision analysis, acceleration, braking, and other common issues in car accidents.

Contact the Experienced Personal Injury Lawyers at Hilliard Law

Since 1986, our personal injury lawyers have been helping victims navigate the complex legal process. We will fight for you on a contingency fee basis, so you don’t have to worry about legal fees unless we win your case. Call us at 1-800-334-3298 or fill out our contact form for a free consultation.