Expert Witness Blog

In What is Traffic Accident Reconstruction And Cause Analysis?, collision analysis expert witness Patrick Scott Moore writes:

When selecting a reconstruction specialist the experience, training, education, and certifications of the candidate should be thoroughly examined. The best approach is to require the candidate to have a strong background in each of the above mentioned areas. Many expert witnesses have only one or two of the areas such as education and/or training. With courts becoming more and more critical of experts it is best to search for a candidate that can meet the court’s criteria in all of the areas.

The following is a list of qualifiers:

Atmospheric physics expert witnesses apply physics to the study of the atmosphere. Atmospheric physicists attempt to model Earth’s atmosphere and the atmospheres of the other planets using fluid flow equations, chemical models, radiation balancing, and energy transfer processes in the atmosphere (as well as how these tie in to other systems such as the oceans). In order to model weather systems, atmospheric physicists employ elements of scattering theory, wave propagation models, cloud physics, statistical mechanics and spatial statistics which are highly mathematical and related to physics. It has close links to meteorology and climatology and also covers the design and construction of instruments for studying the atmosphere and the interpretation of the data they provide, including remote sensing instruments.

Read more:http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atmospheric_physics

In What is Traffic Accident Reconstruction And Cause Analysis?, traffic accident reconstruction expert witness Patrick Scott Moore writes:

Who are Reconstruction Specialists and how are they trained?

Reconstruction specialists are generally engineers, physicists, or law enforcement. Engineers and physicists are educated in the laws of physics, and therefore, are considered experts on objects in motion and the forces acting on those objects. Law enforcement is educated in the investigation of traffic accidents, as well as, physics as it applies to traffic accidents. Although it is generally true that engineers and physicists have a stronger background in physics, law enforcement generally has the stronger background in the identification, collection, and documentation of forensic evidence, as well as, courtroom testimony.

In What the Defendant Can Do Wrong, security management and risk management expert witness Ira Somerson, BCFE, CPP, CSC, writes on discovery and investigation of a Security Program:

Discovery and investigation of a premises security matters should seek to identify:

■ Did Defendant routinely conduct qualitative and quantitative risk assessments?

In Medical Office Building Appraisal, leasing expert witness Orell Anderson, MAI, of Bell, Anderson & Sanders LLC, writes:

Even when equipped with a complete understanding of how to appraise a standard office building, to appraise a medical office building an appraiser must thoroughly understand the many characteristics that make us appraisal unique. Not only do the physical, financial, and external influences of medical office buildings (MOB•) differ significantly from standard office buildings, but the recent proposed changes in the medical and political arenas add to the complexity of these appraisal assignments. All of these factors combined male appraising medical office buildings a specialty within the appraisal profession.

In What is Traffic Accident Reconstruction And Cause Analysis?, accident reconstruction expert witness Patrick Scott Moore writes:

Traffic accident reconstruction is the science of recreating the dynamics of a collision in an attempt to determine the causes. A complete reconstruction requires a complete investigation and analysis of all relevant evidence, statements of the parties and witnesses, and documentation of the collision.

Often, the reconstruction specialist will review and analyze photos and/or videos of the collision scene, police traffic accident reports, statements by the parties/witnessess, reports by claims adjusters, vehicle damage reports by auto body shops, medical reports describing injuries, and any other relevant information regarding the collision.

Media expert witnesses may opine on mass media, music, television, and social media. In No “R” in Social Media Tom Morse, Media Communications Association Central Carolina Chapter President writes:

Things can get murky when it comes to “soft metrics,” such as measuring views on YouTube, comments on blogs, brand mentions, or tweets. Activity that happens beyond an organization’s website is more difficult to quantify. An agreement on how these will be evaluated is important. Construct strategies that help drive traffic into an environment where you have more sophisticated capabilities to engage and convert online actions into sales. For example, a video posted to YouTube can include a unique URL providing content that supplements the video. Hits to the web page can the tracked and offers for items such as white papers can be converted to sales leads.

Read more: http://www.mca-i.org/

Insurance claims expert witnesses may opine on insurance policy interpretation, insurance fraud, and related topics. In 8 Great Ways to Get Busted for Auto Insurance Fraud, Insurance.com writes:

8. Buy insurance for a loss you already had.

This is one of the all-time classics. You’ve been meaning to get comprehensive coverage for awhile now, but never got around to it. Unfortunately, a tree branch just fell on your car, breaking the windshield and severely denting the hood. So, you call your auto insurance company and add comprehensive coverage, then file a claim a few days later. The problem? During the investigation, the SIU finds out you started calling body shops to get estimates before you had comprehensive coverage. Not a good situation for you.