Considering an Expert for Motor Vehicle Accident Cases
MVA considerations scale to severity. Soft-tissue and minor injury cases may not warrant full expert involvement; catastrophic cases do.
Checklist
- Quantify likely damages magnitude
- Identify which experts are actually needed
- Match expert mix to severity
- Check calendar against expert availability
Questions to ask the expert
- How do you distinguish accident-related from pre-existing limitations?
- When do you recommend a life care plan?
Timeline
1-3 weeks before retention.
Required documents
- Medical records
- Employment history
- Accident records
Common pitfalls
- Overscoping minor cases
- Underscoping catastrophic cases
Frequently Asked Questions
Is chronic pain alone enough to warrant a vocational expert?
When it limits sustained work tolerance in cognitively or physically demanding occupations.
References
- NHTSAGovernment
Ready to Get Started on motor vehicle accident cases?
Contact KWVRS to discuss scope, timing, and the deliverables appropriate to the matter. Plaintiff and defense.