Are you preparing to pursue a personal injury claim? It is imperative that you are able to present a strong and compelling case. Evidence is the foundation of every winning personal injury case. Witness testimony can be a very important form of evidence. At House Law LLC, we comprehensively investigate claims to ensure that all relevant witnesses are identified. Here, our Kansas City personal injury attorney highlights key things to know about witnesses.
Witnesses Can Help to Prove What Happened
Liability is a key issue in a personal injury case in Kansas City. You must prove that a defendant bears responsibility for your accident. For most types of personal injury claims, the plaintiff must show that the defendant’s negligence contributed to the accident. A wide range of different evidence can be used to establish negligence, including witness testimony. For example, if a car crash happens at a busy intersection in Kansas City, a bystander’s statement confirming that the other driver ran a red light can strongly support your version of events. Witnesses do not necessarily have to be “independent” (a family member may be the one who witnessed your accident), but the testimony of an unrelated witness can be especially compelling.
Witnesses Can Help to Document Your Damages
Beyond liability, witnesses can also help demonstrate the extent of your injuries and losses. A co-worker who observed your physical condition after the accident or a family member who has noticed changes in your daily activities can provide supporting testimony regarding your pain, mobility, or emotional distress. Indeed, witness statements are often very helpful in establishing the severity of the victim’s pain and suffering after a serious accident.
Expert Witnesses May Also Be Brought in to Testify (Complex or Technical Issues)
An expert witness is a qualified professional who provides specialized knowledge, opinions, or analysis to help clarify complex issues in a legal case. Unlike fact witnesses, expert witnesses may offer opinions based on their expertise, training, and experience. For example, an expert witness may be used in a personal injury case involving a traumatic brain injury (TBI). A neurologist may be called upon to explain the extent of the damage, the likely long-term effects, and how the injury will impact the victim’s ability to work or perform daily activities.
To be clear, an expert witness will not be automatically permitted to testify in a personal injury case. In Missouri, expert witness testimony is governed by the Daubert standard. Broadly explained, the standard holds that an expert witness must give relevant testimony that is based on reliable methodology and relevant scientific or technical knowledge. Otherwise, they will not be admitted into the case.
Contact Our Kansas City Personal Injury Attorney Today
At House Law LLC, our Kansas City personal injury lawyer is a strong, experienced advocate for justice. If you have any questions about witness statements and personal injury, we can help. Call us now or contact us online to set up your free, confidential, initial consultation. From our Kansas City law office, we handle personal injury claims all across the surrounding area in Missouri and Kansas.
Tags: brain injury, personal injury, traumatic brain injury
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