Eyewitness Reliability and Expert Testimony

When a car accident occurs, injured drivers often rely on evidence to prove how the crash occurred and who was at fault. Two common forms of evidence in these claims are eyewitness accounts and expert testimony. While both can be powerful, courts recognize that each has unique strengths and limitations. Understanding how they work can significantly impact the outcome of your case.

Are Eyewitnesses Reliable?

Eyewitnesses are often among the first people insurers and attorneys look to after a crash. They can provide helpful details such as:

• The speed of the vehicles.
• Which direction traffic was flowing.
• Weather and visibility conditions.
• Whether a driver was distracted or appeared impaired.
• Whether a driver ran a red light or stop sign.

However, eyewitness testimony can be surprisingly unreliable, even when the witness is honest. Several factors can affect accuracy:

• Stress and shock. Accidents happen fast and can be traumatizing. Fear and adrenaline often distort perception.
• Limited perspective. Witnesses typically see only part of the incident. They may miss the initial cause or contributing factors such as brake lights or swerving.
• Distance and lighting. Poor visibility, nighttime conditions, or obstructed views can lead to inaccurate conclusions.
• Memory fade. As days pass, memories blur. Conversations with others can unintentionally alter recollection.

Because of these issues, insurance companies and opposing attorneys may challenge eyewitness credibility.

Why Expert Witnesses Matter

To strengthen a claim, attorneys often rely on expert witnesses, which are professionals qualified to analyze complex evidence using scientific methods. Unlike eyewitnesses, experts do not rely on memory. They examine:

• Vehicle damage patterns.
• Roadway skid marks.
• Event data recorder (EDR) findings.
• Weather records.
• Crash physics and speed calculations.
• Traffic regulations.

Common types of experts in car accident cases include:

• Accident reconstruction specialists. They recreate the crash using engineering principles to determine speeds, angles, and forces.
• Biomechanical experts. They explain how impacts cause specific injuries.
• Medical specialists. They discuss the severity of injuries, treatment needs, and long-term effects.
• Forensic toxicologists. They can testify about impairment from alcohol, drugs, or medications.

Their testimony can be crucial when fault is disputed or injuries are life-altering.

Using Both Types of Testimony

Skilled legal teams combine eyewitness accounts and expert analysis to:

• Establish timelines.
• Demonstrate negligence.
• Connect injuries to impact forces.
• Counter insurance arguments.

Courts generally give expert testimony more weight because it is objective and backed by scientific training, Eyewitness testimony is still valuable but experts often provide the proof needed to overcome doubt. However, both are important. When presented properly, the two forms of testimony strengthen each other.

Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer

Eyewitness testimony can be helpful in some cases, but what if the person is unreliable? Memory, bias, and emotional state can all play a role.

A Houston car accident attorney from The West Law Office, PLLC can help gather the evidence you need to prove your case. Contact us today for customized and sensitive legal advice. To schedule a consultation, fill out the online form or call (281) 347-3247.

Source:

science.org/content/article/how-reliable-eyewitness-testimony-scientists-weigh