Knowing when to consult a telematics expert witness is essential. This is particularly important in a legal case or situation involving telematics, vehicle tracking, or location information.

We suggest an informal conversation before formally appointing an Expert Witness or Expert Advisor.

The aims for this initial conversation include:

• • • Getting an understanding of the expert’s experience in similar cases and background and qualifications.
    • An understanding of whether the location data available is suitable for analysis.
      • • The expert may ask what format the data is in if it is already available.
        • How has the location data been generated? From a vehicle telematics/tracking system, a Satnav device, or a smartphone activity tracker?
    • What questions do you require the expert to address and opinions within their expertise?
    • Timescales for any report to be produced. Remember, developments in a case over time can change the requirements.
    • Fees, of course. Legal Aid funding requires a formal approval process, which takes time.

Any conversation is, of course, entirely confidential.

An expert Witness report may not initially be required, considering that an Expert Witness must give the Court an impartial opinion on particular aspects of matters within his expertise. In England and Wales and many other jurisdictions, the Court must give permission for an Expert Witness to give evidence.

An expert advisor role may be more suitable initially, as an advisor’s duty is to the instructing party, not the court. An expert advisor can help in the decision-making process for the end client by examining the available location data and determining whether the data analysis can help the client’s case.

In summary, 30 minutes spent discussing the case, the available data, and the issues an expert can assist with will prove beneficial later. That may be done to ensure that the instructions to the expert are clear, estimates of time and costs involved are known, and, in the case of an advisor, support the use of location data as evidence.

We always feel that an initial conversation is beneficial and that spending 30 minutes at the initial stage is worthwhile.

So, contact us for an informal discussion in complete confidence.