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Donald B. H. Jeffers, P.E.
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Transportation and Vehicular Accident Reconstruction
Failure Analysis & Product Liability Assessment
Vehicle and Systems Testing
Litigation Assistance
Expert Witness Services
Our Company
Our Clients
Links to Resources:
Vehicle Components, Regulations & Standards, and More
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Automotive Engineering Consultants, Inc., provides expert witness, accident reconstruction, product liability, failure analysis, and forensic consulting services for plaintiff and defense attorneys and the insurance industry.
If you are an attorney or insurance adjuster with a challenging truck, car or industrial machinery case, call! We are happy to provide initial telephone consultation at no charge.
Automotive Engineering Consultants, Inc.
P.O. Box 7391, Ann Arbor, MI 48107-7391
800-924-0494
734-994-0494
Our automotive accident investigation and reconstruction experience includes trucks from small pickups to multiple unit tractor-trailers, sedans, vans, sport utility vehicles, station wagons, sports cars, recreational vehicles, buses, motorhomes, pedestrians, bicycles, motorcycles, all terrain vehicles, farm machinery, skidders, self-propelled cranes, trains, pleasure boats, deep water boats, light aircraft and pre- and post-accident fire.
Accident Investigation
Ideally, we would like to visit the scene of a traffic accident at the time of the accident or the day after. Skid marks are most easily observed and gouge marks and fluid spills in the roadway are still fresh. We like to examine the accident vehicles soon thereafter.
However, it is the nature of accidents that many things are not ideal. We are often asked to investigate accidents that are several years old. Information that could have been gained from a timely scene investigation must then be gleaned from surviving evidence such as police reports, photographs and accident vehicles long in storage. And we often will still visit the scene of the accident, even years later. We learn all we can about the accident from the evidence available.
Often an accident is the result of driver error, perhaps compounded by environmental factors or road conditions. In other cases the root cause is mechanical failure (brakes, engine, transmission, steering, etc.) and not human error. We can conduct engineering analyses of the failure or test the failed vehicular system. Brakes and steering are examples of systems that are commonly called into question, requiring examination, analysis, or testing.
In the general sense, what actually happened in the accident is usually apparent at this stage. We confer with our clients to determine if they want to go further, to reconstruct the accident and if appropriate, conduct failure analysis.
Accident Reconstruction
We employ a variety of accepted methods for the reconstruction of a truck or automobile accident. These methods range from sophisticated computer programs, to empirically based vehicle systems models and mathematical calculations, as required.
We take damage measurements of accident vehicles and measure skid mark distances when available. If not, we employ photogrammetric methods utilizing photographs taken by police or other investigators.
We employ computer programs to simulate complex vehicle movements during collision events and afterwards. Occasionally we set up and test a flawed vehicle to prove or disprove a theory of a vehicle's behavior.
Once our investigation and reconstruction phases are complete you will know the story of the accident, from the points at which the accident first began to develop, to the final resting points of the vehicles at conclusion of the accident. We report our findings orally, in writing, in deposition, or in expert witness testimony at trial, as required.
Typical Questions We Address in an Accident Reconstruction Case
Did the automobile run the stop sign? When did the truck start to brake? How fast were the vehicles going? How does the crashworthiness of this car compare with other cars' crashworthiness? Why was the passenger ejected from the vehicle?
Was the tractor trailer driver at fault in this accident? Did the car brakes fail? Did the transmission fail? Why didn't the airbag deploy? Why did the vehicle roll over?
What was the speed of the defendant's automobile when it struck the plaintiff's pickup truck? In which lanes were the vehicles driving when the collision occurred? Why did the defendant's car catch fire?
What part did road conditions and visibility play in this wreck? Did the
truck air brakes and steering function properly? Did the tire blow out and cause
the accident, or did the collision cause the tire to blow out?
We tell you what really happened in an automobile or truck accident.
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Our vehicular product liability experience includes brakes, wheels, tires, steering; air bags, seat belts, crash-worthiness; fuel tank and fuel system fires; electrical fires; engines, transmissions and drive trains; unexplained acceleration, cruise controls, computer controls; and vehicle and component structural failure.
A mechanical part or a system of a vehicle is often called into question in regard to an accident. Other times a problem vehicle may warrant assessment under state lemon law. Our detailed knowledge of the parts and systems that make up a car, truck or other piece of equipment allows us to determine whether a part has performed properly or if it did, in fact, fail. In many cases we can make this determination by simple visual inspection.
If failure occurred, a failure analysis may made to determine the causative element. Engineering audits of the design, materials, manufacturing processes and maintenance received may be made to determine their contribution to failure, including the evaluation of philosophical aspects of design in relation to user safety.
Analytic techniques we use include fracture analysis, materials testing, mathematical calculations and computer analyses. We may survey governmental regulations and manufacturing standards and practices as they pertain to a failure.
Once our investigation and analyses are complete, we report our findings orally, in writing, in deposition, or in expert witness testimony at trial, as required.
You will be able to understand most causes of failure down to the most elemental levels, once we have brought focus to the proper areas and laid out the analysis. Knowing in simple straightforward terms the engineering merits of a failure allows our clients to realize in their own terms the merits of their concern.
Typical Questions We Address in a Product Liability or Failure Analysis Case
Did a brake defect contribute to this fatal tractor trailer truck accident? If so, was the brake poorly designed, was there a manufacturing problem, improper maintenance?
Did the transmission function properly in this accident? Could the transmission manufacturer have used a better design? Was the vehicle properly maintained?
Did the power steering fail on this car, causing the driver to lose control? If so, what specific mechanism failed, and why?
Do the problems with this vehicle support litigation under the provisions of the state lemon law?
We thoroughly investigate vehicle component design, materials,
manufacturing processes, maintenance and performance.
We tell you whether and why the failure occurred.
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The performance of an allegedly defective vehicle is sometimes questioned. When simple inspection is not enough, the best evidence of performance is to test the car or truck in question or its duplicate. Creative testing methods allow us to closely examine theories of vehicle and system performance.
For example, we have duplicated defective truck brakes by rigging brake system defects and testing the truck's stopping distance. We have duplicated a vehicle with a defective engine mount that would allow the engine to physically lift and hold the throttle locked open, rendering the vehicle out of control.
We have road tested vehicles to find how they perform or fail, such as how a parked and running car or truck might actually drop from park to reverse and become a runaway vehicle. We have duplicated and bench tested the endurance of lighting systems on trucks.
For highly specialized testing, our Ann Arbor, Michigan, location provides access to many of the foremost automotive test laboratories and research libraries in the world.
We report the results of our tests orally, in writing, in deposition, or in expert witness testimony at trial, as required.
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Litigation and the discovery process around technical issues may be beleaguered with confusion.
Automobiles and trucks are among the most complex devices in our society today. Parties may provide physical evidence that does not truly address the issues or so many documents that the pertinent ones are buried. We examine all evidence and documents and sort out the technical jewels.
We can help you at mediation and arbitration. We accompany our clients to such proceedings and provide immediate assessment of other parties' claims.
Our goal is to facilitate settlement through knowledge and understanding of the truth of the facts in evidence, minimizing expense and time expended.
In cases where trial is a certainty, we can help you prepare presentation of the technical aspects of your case, including demonstrative evidence and visual aids.
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In his accident investigation and reconstruction work Mr. Jeffers uses a variety of vehicle accident analysis techniques, including state of the art computer analyses. He presents his results in a clear and complete manner, with the objective of facilitating early settlement. In cases that proceed to trial, Mr. Jeffers' ability to present complex events and concepts in understandable terms makes him a very credible expert witness.
Our expert witness experience includes: automobile and semi truck (18-wheeler) accidents involving a wide variety of brakes, brake failure, braking problems, engine, automatic and standard transmission, clutch and drive train problems, computer control and malfunction, air bag deployment, wheel and tire issues, steering, power steering, seat belt, fuel tank, fuel system, electrical, fire; unexplained acceleration, cruise control, vehicle and component structural failure. We are also experienced in industrial accident investigation and analysis involving a wide variety of industrial machinery and processes, as well as farm vehicles and farm equipment.
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Mr. Jeffers founded the company in 1975 in Ann Arbor, Michigan, for automotive prototype research, design and construction. We soon became involved in forensic engineering studies of automobiles, trucks and industrial machinery.
Our vehicular accident investigation and reconstruction experience includes all types of vehicles: truck from small pickup to multiple unit tractor-trailer ("semi truck"), sports car, sedan, station wagon, van, sport utility vehicle, recreational vehicle, bus, motorhome, motorcycle, all terrain vehicle, farm machinery, self-propelled crane, as well as train, pedestrian, bicycle, pleasure boat, deep water boat, light aircraft and pre- and post-accident fire.
Our vehicular product liability experience includes brake, wheel, tire, steering; air bag, seat belt, crash-worthiness; fuel tank and fuel system fire; electrical fire; engine, automatic and standard transmission, clutch, and drive train; unexplained acceleration, cruise control, computer control; and vehicle and component structural failure.
Our staff consists of a small group of highly competent engineers, automotive technicians and administration and support people.
We investigate and reconstruct motor vehicle accidents and let you know what really happened. We examine failed automotive components and systems and determine exactly why they failed. And we explain these events in simple, easy to understand terms.
Each engineer and technician is a "car person" and brings the passion and knowledge of a lifetime interest in cars and trucks to the table. We know cars, trucks, motorcycles, heavy equipment and many types of vehicles intimately. Our specialized areas of expertise include automotive chassis design, internal combustion engines, machine design, aerospace structures and materials science. Mr. Jeffers is a licensed Professional Engineer.
Our administration and support people are similarly committed and well qualified. Our administration is headed by an MBA from a Fortune 3 company marketing plastics to the auto industry.
We are outstanding experts because we are capable of and committed to bringing the truth to light and are able to present complex events and concepts in understandable terms, both spoken and writing.
Automotive Engineering Consultants, Inc., is listed in:
Thomson-West Lawyers Desk Reference, by Harry M. Philo, Jr., Harry
M. Philo, and Linda Miller Atknson;
National Forensic Center's
National Directory of Expert Witnesses;
the Thomson-Gale Consultants and Consulting Organizations Directory;
the Westlaw Profiles of Expert Witnesses.
Engineers
Our engineers have extensive knowledge and experience in the design and failure analysis of transportation vehicles and industrial machinery. We are strong practical engineers with scientific backgrounds, and hands-on experience ranging from research, development and design, to manufacture, testing and the solution of problems in the field. We are versatile, with expertise in the mechanical, structural, electrical, aerodynamic, computer and materials science fields. We are expert diagnosticians and mechanics, thoroughly familiar with procedures used by field service personnel. We are Licensed Professional Engineers in Michigan and Texas.
Technicians
Our automotive engineering technicians are lifelong mechanics with broad experience. Our chief technician served in the military from the tropics to the Antarctic and was ranking mechanic in charge of all vehicles and physical plant equipment at Little America and Byrd Stations in support of the winter-over scientific teams. His civilian career has included foreman of a state Department of Highways Heavy Equipment Garage and Superintendent of Maintenance for a Regional Transit Authority, responsible for eighty-eight buses and forty mechanics, as well as heavy equipment field service mechanic and motorcycle mechanic and constructor.
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We provide automotive expert services to insurance carriers, law firms, fleet operators, manufacturers and individuals who recognize the value of engineering excellence and relentless pursuit of detail.
Our clients are those responsible for knowing the true circumstances attending a vehicular accident or system failure. Most of our cases involve loss of life or disabling injuries in vehicular accidents.
Often we can provide the consultation and guidance needed with just a telephone conversation. This initial service is performed at no cost to the prospective client. When a more in depth examination is required we arrange to do further work, such as accident investigation and reconstruction and failure analysis of motor vehicle components or systems.
Many of our clients initially contact us committed to a case. A legal or insurance professional with a large exposure case typically sends us large document files for examination. We are engineering professionals and can carry a case through deposition and trial testimony, if needed.
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Automotive Engineering Consultants, Inc., provides expert witness, accident reconstruction, product liability, failure analysis, and forensic consulting services for plaintiff and defense attorneys and the insurance industry.
If you are an attorney or insurance adjuster with a challenging
truck, car or industrial machinery case, call us! We are happy to provide initial
telephone consultation at no charge.
Automotive Engineering Consultants, Inc.
P.O. Box 7391, Ann Arbor, MI 48107-7391
800-924-0494
734-994-0494
Copyright 2007 Automotive Engineering Consultants, Inc. All rights reserved.
