Real-world examples of certified vehicle inspections and expert reports used in litigation, insurance disputes, and mechanical failure investigations.
Vehicle: 2022 Class C Motorhome
Issue: Repeated battery failure and acid leakage in coach compartment
Jurisdiction: Civil litigation, Missouri
Summary:
The plaintiff alleged that the manufacturer failed to honor the warranty after repeated failures in the RV’s charging system. My inspection revealed a defective converter that was overcharging the house batteries, causing acid corrosion and appliance damage. Despite the manufacturer’s claim of owner misuse, I demonstrated a systemic design flaw. My expert report supported the plaintiff’s case, leading to a favorable pre-trial settlement.
Vehicle: 2019 Freightliner Cascadia
Issue: Rear-end collision caused by mechanical failure
Jurisdiction: Federal case, Illinois
Summary:
I was retained by defense counsel in a case involving a heavy-duty truck accused of negligent maintenance. My inspection and review of service records confirmed the brake system had been inspected and been replaced and adjusted per DOT standards just days before the incident. I testified that the failure was not foreseeable based on available records and inspections. My findings contributed to a dismissal of liability for the trucking company.
Vehicle: 2010 Toyota Prius
Issue: Frame damage undisclosed at time of sale
Jurisdiction: State court, Wisconsin
Summary:
I was hired by plaintiff counsel to inspect a used vehicle purchased under the belief it had a clean history. My analysis uncovered evidence of prior collision repair, frame straightening, and paint work inconsistent with the seller’s representations. The dealership had failed to disclose prior structural damage. My expert report supported claims of misrepresentation and vehicle overvaluation.
Vehicle: 2008 International School Bus
Issue: Rear warning lights inoperative during loading/unloading
Jurisdiction: Civil litigation, Indiana
Summary:
I was retained to investigate a lighting system failure that contributed to a school-zone incident. My inspection showed improper wiring practices during an earlier repair. I confirmed that the school bus was operating in violation of state-mandated safety equipment requirements. My findings supported the plaintiff’s argument that the defect should have been caught during routine inspections.
Vehicle: 2020 Porsche 911 Carrera
Issue: Loss in resale value after major collision repair
Jurisdiction: Insurance arbitration, California
Summary:
I conducted a detailed inspection and market analysis to quantify diminished value following high-quality collision repair. Though cosmetic results were strong, I documented loss in marketability due to accident history. My appraisal met USPAP standards and was accepted as evidence during arbitration, resulting in a favorable award for the policyholder.
Vehicle: 2015 Ford F-350 Super Duty
Issue: Brake lock-up following dealership repair
Jurisdiction: Civil court, Texas
Summary:
The plaintiff alleged improper brake service led to property damage. I inspected the vehicle and found incorrect adjustment of rear brake shoes and missing hardware not replaced during repair. My expert report detailed the deviation from standard repair procedures, and I was prepared to testify. The case settled shortly after expert disclosures.
Analysis of repeated mechanical or electrical defects that impair use, value, or safety of new vehicles, qualifying under state or federal lemon laws.
Investigation of heating, cooling, appliance, and electrical failures in motorhomes and campers, particularly when manufacturers deny warranty coverage.
Inspection of used cars sold without disclosure of frame damage, airbag deployment, odometer rollback, or prior collision history.
Expert evaluation of brake systems on autos and heavy trucks, including improper adjustment, contaminated friction materials, or negligent repairs.
Certified vehicle appraisal and fair market value assessments following accidents, structural repairs, or major part replacements—used in litigation and insurance disputes.
Root cause analysis of drivetrain, brake, lighting, and air system failures in Class 7 and 8 vehicles, often used in personal injury and property damage cases.
Review of FMCSA-required inspection records and service documentation for fleet vehicles and buses to assess maintenance compliance or negligence.
Inspection of electrical and signaling systems tied to school zone incidents, including violations of state or NHTSA regulations.
Expert analysis of roof leaks, delamination, or structural damage due to improper manufacturing or lack of warranty service.
Case review for compliance with the federal Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act when manufacturers or dealers deny repairs or fail to fix recurring problems.
Examination of substandard or incomplete repairs by service centers, independent garages, or dealerships that result in vehicle failure or further damage.
Independent vehicle inspection to verify condition at time of sale and determine if the seller misrepresented the vehicle’s mechanical or cosmetic integrity.
Determination of whether mechanical failure—rather than driver error—caused or contributed to a motor vehicle crash.
USPAP-compliant vehicle value reports for divorce, estate, insurance, or commercial disputes involving exotic, classic, or commercial vehicles.
Written reports based on scan data, TSBs, service records, and physical inspection, prepared for use in depositions, mediation, or expert disclosures.
Support in disputes involving defective RV systems, poor warranty service, or RV dealer fraud.
Identification of safety-critical defects or inspection failures that put a vehicle out of service under state or federal guidelines.
When legal outcomes hinge on the technical condition of a vehicle, objective, certified analysis is essential. At SSP Vehicle Litigation Services, that’s exactly what we provide—rooted in over 30 years of mechanical diagnostics, ASE Master Certification, and certified appraisal experience. From RV systems to commercial truck inspections, Steve delivers clear, unbiased reporting tailored for litigation, arbitration, or insurance matters. Need expert insight that stands up in court? Call or fill out form to receive fact-based support you can rely on.
Attorneys, industry peers, and clients appreciate Steve’s detail-oriented inspections, objective analysis, and responsiveness.
I’ve known you and of your work for a few years and am impressed at your knowledge of the industry and customer oriented attitude.
Alice Vierck
Steve was instrumental in getting a case of mine settled. After I retained his services I got the case resolved only two months after his inspection…
Jason Charpentier
Steven is a young, energetic individual who is taking on the audatious task of competing in a marketplace dominated by very large companies…
William Killion
Steve knows automobiles better than anyone I know. If it has wheels and an engine and there is a problem, Steve will find it no matter how minor.
Shawn Lewinski
Vehicle evidence is some of the most time-sensitive in litigation. Cars get scrapped. Trucks get repaired. Scene conditions change. Black box data is overwritten. Retain a vehicle expert witness early.
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SSP provides objective mechanical evaluations, certified inspections, and court-admissible reports that help legal teams understand vehicle-related facts without bias. Call 618.960.4696 or fill out form below.
