If you’ve been injured in an accident in Texas and are pursuing a personal injury claim, you’ll likely hear the term “expert witness.” These individuals are different from the average witness who simply describes what they saw. Instead, expert witnesses bring specialized knowledge that can help explain complex issues to the court or jury. Their testimony can make or break a case in many circumstances, such as when liability or damages are disputed.
Learning what an expert witness does and how Texas law governs their testimony can give you a better idea of how your case may unfold.
An expert witness is someone with specialized training or education in a particular field who can offer opinions that ordinary witnesses cannot. Unlike fact witnesses, who testify about what they directly observed, expert witnesses interpret evidence and provide professional conclusions.
For example, after a car accident, an accident reconstruction expert might use skid marks, vehicle damage, and road conditions to explain how the crash happened. A medical expert might testify about the extent of your injuries and whether they are likely permanent.
In short, experts help simplify complicated subjects for judges and juries so they can make fair, informed decisions.
Texas follows the standards set out in Rule 702 of the Texas Rules of Evidence. This rule allows a qualified expert to testify if their specialized knowledge will help the jury understand the evidence or determine a fact at issue.
The court decides whether an expert is truly qualified. To be admitted, the expert’s testimony must be both reliable and relevant. Judges consider factors such as:
This gatekeeping role, based on the Daubert Standard, ensures that jurors aren’t swayed by opinions that aren’t grounded in proven knowledge or methods.
Many different experts may be used depending on the facts of a case. Some of the most common include:
Each type of expert clarifies specific questions that remain uncertain, helping to prove your case or strengthen it as much as possible.
In Texas personal injury claims, damages are often a key issue. Experts can play a critical role in showing the full extent of your losses and demonstrating how much your case is worth.
As the victim of an accident, you will have the initial burden of proof to show that the other party is at fault and the extent of the compensation you’re entitled to. Expert witness testimony can serve as vital evidence that allows you to recover all of the economic and non-economic damages that you’re allowed to recover under state law.
Yes. Just because a party hires an expert doesn’t mean their opinions will automatically be accepted. In Texas, opposing attorneys can challenge expert analysis or testimony if it is not in accordance with the law.
For example, a lawyer may argue that an expert’s testimony is unreliable or not based on sound methodology. If the judge agrees, the expert may be excluded from testifying. This is one reason why hiring an experienced attorney may be in your best interest after an accident, as they can both hire experts to help with your side of the case and challenge the experts that the defendant presents as well.
Expert witness testimony often plays a key role in determining the outcome of personal injury cases in Texas. If you’ve been injured, working with an Austin personal injury lawyer who understands how to use expert testimony effectively is critical.
Contact McMinn Personal Injury Lawyers or call (512) 474-0222 today for a free consultation.
