How I have Assisted in Litigations
At TDT Vehicle Expert Witness Services, I’ve been retained in numerous legal matters across the country to provide technical insight, expert analysis, and court-defensible reports involving vehicles of all types. Below are selected case examples that highlight the range and depth of my experience as a vehicle expert witness for plaintiffs, defendants, and insurers.
RV Electrical Overcharge – Manufacturer Warranty Denial
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.
Commercial Truck Brake Failure – DOT Compliance
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.
The results
Undisclosed Frame Damage – Used Vehicle Dealer Fraud
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.
School Bus Lighting System Malfunction – Safety Compliance
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.
The results
Diminished Value Appraisal – Exotic Vehicle Post-Repair
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.
Improper Brake Repairs – Post-Repair Failure
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.
Case Types Commonly Handled
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Vehicle Expert Witness for Lemon Law Claims
Analysis of repeated mechanical or electrical defects that impair use, value, or safety of new vehicles, qualifying under state or federal lemon laws. -
RV Expert Witness for Warranty Denials
Investigation of heating, cooling, appliance, and electrical failures in motorhomes and campers, particularly when manufacturers deny warranty coverage. -
Auto Dealer Misrepresentation & Undisclosed Damage
Inspection of used cars sold without disclosure of frame damage, airbag deployment, odometer rollback, or prior collision history. -
Brake Failure and Post-Repair Malfunction Cases
Expert evaluation of brake systems on autos and heavy trucks, including improper adjustment, contaminated friction materials, or negligent repairs. -
Diminished Value After Collision Repair
Certified vehicle appraisal and fair market value assessments following accidents, structural repairs, or major part replacements—used in litigation and insurance disputes. -
Commercial Vehicle & Semi Truck Mechanical Failures
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. -
DOT Inspection & Maintenance Negligence
Review of FMCSA-required inspection records and service documentation for fleet vehicles and buses to assess maintenance compliance or negligence. -
School Bus Safety Equipment and Lighting System Failures
Inspection of electrical and signaling systems tied to school zone incidents, including violations of state or NHTSA regulations. -
RV and Camper Structural & Sealant Failures
Expert analysis of roof leaks, delamination, or structural damage due to improper manufacturing or lack of warranty service. -
Warranty Dispute Investigations Under Magnuson-Moss
Case review for compliance with the federal Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act when manufacturers or dealers deny repairs or fail to fix recurring problems. -
Expert Witness for Improper Vehicle Repairs
Examination of substandard or incomplete repairs by service centers, independent garages, or dealerships that result in vehicle failure or further damage. -
Used Car Purchase Disputes and Pre-Sale Misrepresentation
Independent vehicle inspection to verify condition at time of sale and determine if the seller misrepresented the vehicle’s mechanical or cosmetic integrity. -
Forensic Analysis of Cause of Failure in Vehicle Accidents
Determination of whether mechanical failure—rather than driver error—caused or contributed to a motor vehicle crash. -
Certified Vehicle Appraisals for Litigation or Arbitration
USPAP-compliant vehicle value reports for divorce, estate, insurance, or commercial disputes involving exotic, classic, or commercial vehicles. -
Diagnostic Review and Expert Reports for Court Use
Written reports based on scan data, TSBs, service records, and physical inspection, prepared for use in depositions, mediation, or expert disclosures. -
Expert Witness for RV Consumer Rights Violations
Support in disputes involving defective RV systems, poor warranty service, or RV dealer fraud. -
Vehicle Safety Compliance Violations
Identification of safety-critical defects or inspection failures that put a vehicle out of service under state or federal guidelines.