EDUCATION
My expertise as a vehicle expert witness is built on a strong foundation of military training, professional certifications, and over 30 years of field experience. My formal training began in the U.S. military, where I served as a Heavy-Duty Vehicle Technician, working on a wide range of mission-critical vehicles. That experience shaped my disciplined, methodical approach to diagnostics and mechanical analysis.
I’m ASE Master Certified in both Automotive and Medium/Heavy-Duty Truck categories—credentials that reflect deep technical knowledge and my commitment to continuous education. These certifications strengthen my work as a trusted automobile and commercial vehicle expert, capable of evaluating complex mechanical issues across passenger cars, trucks, and fleet vehicles. My certified vehicle expert witness qualifications are built on a foundation of ASE Master Technician certifications and decades of real-world diagnostics and inspections.
I've also completed specialized training in recreational vehicle systems, including RV electrical, plumbing, HVAC, and structural inspections. This background allows me to serve as a go-to expert for motorhomes, travel trailers, and fifth wheels.
In addition, I’m a Certified Vehicle Appraiser, trained to deliver USPAP-compliant valuations for fair market value, diminished value, and total loss cases. I’ve also received formal instruction in expert report writing, litigation procedures, and courtroom testimony—ensuring my findings meet legal standards in both state and federal courts.
This education and training form the backbone of my expert services, allowing me to deliver accurate, detailed, and defensible insights in high-stakes vehicle-related cases.
These certifications form the foundation of my certified vehicle expert witness qualifications, supporting both legal testimony and technical reporting.
EXPERIENCE
I bring over three decades of real-world experience to my role as a vehicle expert witness, with a career spanning military service, private industry, and expert consulting. My foundation was built in the U.S. Armed Forces, where I served as a Heavy-Duty Vehicle Technician. During multiple overseas deployments, I performed full-spectrum maintenance on both tactical and commercial vehicles—eventually managing turbine engine readiness and supervising mechanic teams under high-stakes conditions.
Since founding TDT Vehicle Inspection Services in 2009, I’ve personally conducted thousands of independent inspections, appraisals, and litigation support assignments. I’ve worked on everything from exotic and antique vehicles to commercial fleets and recreational vehicles. I’ve authored over 1,000 expert reports and have been qualified as an expert in both state and federal courts. Each of the more than 2,500 vehicles I’ve inspected has benefited from the same rigorous process that defines my certified vehicle expert witness qualifications.
My career also includes managing mechanical and tire service centers, directing automotive and diesel technician training programs, and working for auction and transportation companies as an inspector and maintenance lead. Across all of these roles, I’ve maintained a strict focus on mechanical integrity, safety-critical systems, and objective, evidence-based reporting.
Whether I’m serving as an automobile expert, commercial vehicle expert, or recreational vehicle expert, I bring unmatched field experience, technical depth, and courtroom credibility to every case. My insights are trusted in lemon law claims, fraud disputes, misrepresentation cases, and mechanical failure investigations across the country.
My certified vehicle expert witness qualifications have been applied in dozens of personal injury and insurance cases—delivering forensic-level evaluations that help attorneys and insurers build strong, defensible positions.
SOME OF MY CASES
I HAVE BEEN HONORED TO HAVE MY EXPERIENCE REQUESTED TO INSPECT, APPRAISE AND REVIEW CASES FOR ALL TYPES OF VEHICLE ISSUES.
WHAT CLIENTS SAY?
How My Certified Vehicle Expert Witness Qualifications Support Legal Cases
Attorneys and insurers rely on my certified vehicle expert witness qualifications to ensure clarity, accuracy, and reliability in complex vehicle claims.
"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. We were able to do everything remotely and he was a breeze to work with. I will definitely use Steve in future cases."
—JASON CHARPENTIER
Attorney at Charpentier Law
"We settled this lawsuit on terms very favorable to our client. In fact, we kind of stomped them. We could not have done this without your help, and we thank you very much for your assistance."
— BRANDON BLACK
Partner, Jones Walker, LLP
To understand how expert qualifications align with industry expectations, refer to the American Bar Association’s Expert Witness Guidelines.
