Automotive Consultants: 12

Jack G. Cohen has been involved in the Automobile Industry for over 30 years, wholesaling and retailing, and running several dealerships and franchises. Mr. Cohen has been retained as an expert witness over 50 times since 2015. His services are available to attorneys representing both plaintiff and defendant. He consults with attorneys, dealers, consumers, and insurance companies. 

Areas of Expertise:

Vehicle Appraisals Automobile Industry Standards Dealer Fraud Vehicle Sales and Leasing Dealership Practices New and Used Auto Transactions

Auto Warranty Issues Finance Documentation and Analysis Lender / Dealer Relationships Wholesale and Retail Diminished Value Cases Automobile & Equipment Rentals

Steven Proto is a Certified Auto Appraiser (IAAA Certified USAAP compliant) expert with over 20 years of experience as an Auto Valuation Expert.

Mr. Proto's expertise is in Fraud Investigations, including diminished value, dealer vs. dealer disputes, prior accident damage detection, and classic car valuations. He serves as an Auto Mediator Umpire and established and maintains markets in automotive vehicles, inspecting vehicles, appraising vehicles, dealer transactions, and arbitration disputes for top tier auto franchises (the largest auto retailers in the world).

Litigation Support - Mr. Proto is qualified to testify in State Court and in arbitration proceedings as an Automotive Expert in Vehicle Valuation, Dealer Fraud, Auto Auction Policies, Wrongful Death, Tesla Repair process. He can assist in the discovery stage to ensure clients are able to document real damage or the bogus nature of fraudulent claims. Mr. Proto serves as an expert witnesses for both plaintiff and defendant. 

Steve Proto Automotive Mediator and Expert Witness

Areas of Expertise:

Dealership Business Practices Market Valuation Total Loss Vehicle Valuation Tesla Repairs Wrongful Death Fraud Investigations Actual Cash Value Automotive Auction Appraiser Automotive Auction Arbitration Inspector Prior Repairs and Previous Paint Work

Auto Rental/Auto Leasing Auto Dealer Disputes Dealer vs. Dealer Disputes Diminished Value Insurance Claims Consumer Disputes Lemon Law Total Loss Claims Manufacturer Warranty vs. Dealer Disputes

Dr. Kanellakopoulos is a Technology leader with 25+ years of experience in R&D, operations, administration, and management, in both academia and industry. He has authored or co-authored books, numerous articles in peer-reviewed technical journals and refereed technical conferences, and multiple standards contributions. He is also the co-inventor on more than 25 patents. He has been the plenary speaker at major technical conferences, and an invited speaker at more than 40 industrial and academic venues in 12 countries across 4 continents.

In his industrial career, he Designed and Built Telecom Products such as DSL and Carrier Ethernet hardware and software, and has significant experience with international telecommunication standards (ITU-T). He has also worked in wireless communications (3GPP, Wi-Fi), primarily on digital signal processing methods for baseband transceivers.

In his academic career, Dr. Kanellakopoulos conducted research on adaptive control of nonlinear systems, with applications to automotive control systems, specifically ADAS (adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitoring, lane keeping, vehicle collision avoidance) and active suspension. He directed a project on automation of heavy-duty vehicles as part of the California PATH Program; one of the most visible results of this research was the “Variable Time-Headway” algorithm for adaptive cruise control, which was demonstrated on a fully-automated heavy-duty (Class 8) 18-wheeler truck and has found widespread use in current adaptive cruise control systems. His UCLA team also designed and built a prototype full-size fully-automated electric vehicle that has been used for research purposes on multiple college campuses.

Dr. Kanellakopoulos has directed collaborative projects with several automotive/truck manufacturers and vendors (Ford, Mercedes-Benz, DaimlerChrysler, Freightliner, Gentex, Visteon).

He has consulted for clients such as technology companies (on intellectual property strategy and product development), private equity firms (on due diligence for investment), and law firms (on expert witness matters).

He is an IEEE Fellow and a recipient of multiple national and international awards.

View Dr. Kanellakopoulos's Expert Witness Profile.

Dan W. Wall, BSME is a Mechanical Engineer who specializes in the fields of Accident Reconstruction, Biomechanics and Motor Vehicle Injury Causation, Human Factors, and Injury Prevention in Motor Vehicle Design. Mr. Wall offers his consulting services to attorneys, vehicle manufacturers, insurance companies, cities, states, counties, and individuals, both nationally and internationally.

Background Experience:

Wall Accident Reconstruction, Inc., 1996-Present, Investigation and reconstruction of traffic collisions, highway traffic safety, biomechanics of impact trauma, injury causation, engineering analysis of design and design failure, statistical analysis, human factors, slip and falls and expert witness testimony.

For more information, visit www.wallaccidentreconstruction.com

Also view Dan Wall's article in Attorney At Law Magazine at http://attorneyatlawmagazine.com/phoenix/2014/01/17/accident-reconstruction-expert-dan-wall/

Cromack Engineering Associates, Inc., Tempe, AZ, 1987-1998, Investigation and reconstruction of traffic collisions, product liability, biomechanics, and expert witness testimony.

Martin Marietta Aerospace, Denver, CO, 1980-1987, Senior Engineer, Design and analysis of aerospace systems. Projects included Man Maneuvering Unit with special recognition by NASA, Titan 34D Missile Systems, and Strategic Defense Initiative.

Summary of Experience:

Building & Roadway Construction & Design Automotive Technology Aircraft Technology and Maintenance Motorcycle Technology and Experience Off-road Experience and Design ATV Technology and Experience Slip and Fall Heavy Vehicle Trailer Design Commercial Trailer Under-ride Guard Design

FMVSS Standards Vehicle Design and Performance Tire Design and Failure Analysis Crash Worthiness Roadside Design Signage, Lighting, and Conspicuity Environmental Conditions and Effects Animation and Computer Simulations Crash and Acceleration Testing Low Speed Vehicle Collision Testing

View Dan Wall's Expert Witness Profile.

Thomas J. Lepper has over sixteen years of experience as a consultant, inspector and tester within the automotive industry. He has more than ten years of experience as a forensic automotive consultant for nationally known insurance companies and law firms. Mr. Lepper is qualified to testify as an Expert Witness in the Superior Court for the State of California.

Areas of Expertise:

• Tire and Brake Separations and Failures
• Theft and Forced Entry Issues
• Fire Cause and origin
• Transmissions
• SDM Interrogation with CDR Tool
• Steering and Suspension Systems
• Seat Belt and Airbag Issues
• Mechanical Defects
• Throttle / Unwanted Acceleration Issues
• Wiring and Electrical Issues
• Racetrack / Racecar Incidents

Mr. Lepper's forensic, automotive fire, brake and tire expertise has been performed for major nationwide insurance companies, nationally known rental car companies and law firms. Please contact for fee schedules.

Established in 2000, Laird are an Expert Witness services firm supporting the Legal sector across the UK. They understand the importance of providing an efficient and seamless customer journey and review their processes continually to ensure that they achieve and surpass expectation levels daily.

With constantly evolving IT systems and exceptional customer service, Laird are leading the way in the Expert Witness sector. You can instruct with the click of a button via their website and will be kept up to date at every stage of your case.

Laird have three main areas of expertise:

Automotive Experts

Vehicle Damage Reports Low Velocity Impact Diminution in Value Desktop Reports

Vehicle Valuation Disputes Accident Reconstruction Pre and Post Repair Inspections Vehicle Data Check

Photography Experts

• Locus Reports
• Personal Injury Photography Reports

Language Experts

• Interpretation
• Translation
• Witness Statements
• Document sign up service

The four PhD and registered PEs at Miller Engineering are celebrating 40 years of Professorships at three universities along with providing services to Government, Insurance, and Industry—through research, publications, presentations, and expert testimony. We have a dedicated office with a full time staff of engineers, researchers, and technical writers. The span of our collective academic and experiential expertise covers well the Mechanical, Electrical, Chemical, Agricultural, Industrial, Human Factors, Ergonomic and Safety fields of engineering. The areas listed below are from actual projects completed in our 40 years of history. 

Vehicles Car/Truck Accident Reconstruction Crash Data Retrieval (CDR) Visibility & Reaction Time Analysis Tires, Trailers, Brakes & Accelerators Truck/Off Road Vehicle Egress/Ingress Traffic Signing and Construction Zones Electronic Vehicles Mechanical & Electrical Safety Product Safety & Analysis Machinery - Metal, Wood, Plastic Molding Machine Guarding & Safety, Robots, Automation Hazard and Risk Analysis Employee Safety Procedures – OSHA Electrical Distribution & Transmission Hazards

Warnings & Instructions Warning Labels & User Manual Design Hazard Analysis & Product Label Designs Medical Device & Drug Warnings & Instructions Inadequate Warnings Analysis Standard Compliance (ANSI Z535) Product Recall Information & Strategies Consumers/Household Safety Appliances & Tools Child Furniture, Choking, Playgrounds Swimming Pools & Exercise Equipment Recreation - ATV, Boats, Bicycles, Boards Ladder, Stair, Step and Railing Accidents Slip, Trip, & Fall Accidents CPSC Recall Information & Strategies

Chemicals Safety & Labeling NEW OSHA HAZCOM (2012) & GHS Review MSDS, SDS and Product Label Compliance Toxic Torts - Diacetyl, Asbestos, Benzene, Lead, Carbon Monoxide Vaping & E-Cigarette Health Effects Chemical Exposures & Workplace Safety Chemical Inhalation, Ingestion, Dermal Contact Contamination - Water & Environmental Manufacturing & Process Line Accidents Slips, Trips, Falls, & Entanglements Fires & Explosions Cause & Origin Investigations Gas, Vapor, & Electrical Spontaneous Combustion Vaping & E-cigarette Battery Failures Fire Control & Explosion Issues

Agriculture Tractor & Equipment Accidents Chemical Applications & Exposures Crop Storage & Harvesting Accidents Pesticides Construction Vehicle Visibility Accidents Slip, Trip, & Fall Accidents Power Tool Repetitive & Immediate Injuries Scaffolding - Cranes - Hoisting - Fork Lifts Insurance Subrogation & Forensics Accident Investigations Electrical & Fire Causation Chemical Leakage Damage Defective Equipment Injuries Premise and Process Damages

James M. Miller, PE, PhD – Founder  Dr. Miller is an Emeritus Engineering Professor at the University of Michigan. He has directly served in Washington originating several Federal OSHA safety regulations, and interacts regularly with CPSC regarding safety and product recalls. Dr. Miller often works on projects relating to compliance with occupational safety standards, provides upper management guidance on product design, recall and liability issues, and serves as an expert witness.

Mark R. Lehto, PhD – Co-Founder Dr. Lehto is a Professor of Engineering at Purdue University. He completed his Ph.D. in engineering at the University of Michigan, where he specialized in Human Factors Engineering, in particular Warnings and Labeling. Dr. Lehto specializes in knowledge engineering, warnings and instructions, structuring expert systems, accident modeling, accident statistical analysis, consumer product safety, boating safety, in-field national surveys of product usage, and product information effectiveness.

Adam M. Olshove, PE, MSE – Engineering Manager Mr. Olshove has over 10 years of experience providing consulting services to industry and the legal profession. He holds an MS in Mechanical Engineering with a focus on control systems and battery modeling (2019), and a BS in Mechanical Engineering (2012), both from the University of Michigan. He has performed dozens of on-site investigations nationwide in relation to consumer product design and industrial accidents, including failure analysis and testing.

James M.L. Miller, MS, PhD, EIT – Engineering Associate Dr. Miller is an Assistant Professor of mechanical engineering at Trine University in Angola, Indiana. Dr. Miller graduated with a Ph.D. degree in mechanical engineering and electrical engineering from Stanford University in 2021, advised by Dr. Thomas W. Kenny. At JMME he has applied his expertise to biomedical heat transfer problems and energy management in hydroelectric systems, solar arrays and portable battery usage.

Jeffrey D. Rupp, MSE – Engineering Associate Mr. Rupp has a BS in mechanical engineering from the University of Michigan and a MS in systems engineering and engineering management from Wayne State University. Among his company affiliates is 26 years with Ford Motor Company and Volvo Car Corporation, where he was involved in crash development and crash sensing calibrations.

Roy Theophilus Bent, Jr., CEO of Houston Auto Appraisers, is a well known and respected expert and consultant in the automotive industry. He holds numerous licenses and credentials as an ASE Certified Mechanic, I-Car Collision Specialist, Licensed Auto Appraiser, Insurance Adjuster, Umpire, Mediator, Arbitrator, Classic Car Judge, and Vintage Car Historian. An IACP Certified Auto Appraiser and Field Inspector, Mr. Bent offers appraisal services to insurance companies, attorneys, banks, credit unions, lenders, agricultural credit corporations, accountants, government agencies, auctioneers, farmers, ranchers, transportation companies, and individual consumers. He provides the following selected consulting services:

Diminished Value Appraisals Total Loss / Stolen Vehicle Appraisals Certified Real Estate Appraisers and Texas Homeowners Insurance Claims Assistance Industrial, Construction & Heavy Equipment Appraisals

Tractor Trailer and Equipment Appraisals Recreational Vehicles Motor Homes Travel Trailer Appraisals

KPRC 2 Houston News Interview with Roy Bent on Diminished Value

Mr. Bent is the seated President of the Bureau of Certified Auto Appraisers (BOCAA), a National Professional Appraisal Credentialing Organization that has trained, tested, and certified over 2,400 students under his leadership in the practices of IACP Certified Auto Appraisals and Litigation assistance. In addition to his appraisal services, Mr. Bent offers  Appraisal Training Certification courses designed to properly train and educate the appraiser with the minimum requirements set forth by the Bureau of Certified Auto Appraisers. BOCAA courses include:

• IACP Certification Exam - To provide suitable training and education to the auto appraisal professional. IACPSM Certified Appraisers follow strict adherence to the Bureaus’ Code of Ethics and USPAP guidelines
• Texas Adjusters Pre-Licensing Course - 40-hour Texas Adjusters Pre-licensing course approved by the Texas Department of Insurance as an alternative method of obtaining your Texas Adjusters Property & Casualty license

Auto Appraisals for Law Enforcement Agencies - Roy Theophilus Bent, Jr., IACP Certified Auto Appraiser & Expert Witness is regularly retained by the United States Department of Justice (DOJ), Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI), U.S. Marshals Office, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, and Police Departments to assist with white-collar crimes, vehicular homicide crimes, and felony drug crimes resulting in Federal Criminal Forfeitures, Civil Judicial Forfeitures, Administrative Forfeitures & Seizures of rightfully seized and wrongfully seized assets and personal property including Exotic Luxury Cars, Luxury Motor Homes, Travel Trailers, Custom Motorcycles, and other valuable assets.

View Roy T. Bent's Expert Witness Profile.

Code 3 Consultations, owned and operated by Jayson Uribe, Vehicle Investigator, provides vehicular analysis, scene recreation, motorcycle accidents investigation, and professional driver training services. Heavily involved in the motorsports industry for almost 20 years, Mr. Uribe is also an active Firefighter with the Napa County Fire Department, as well as a professional Driver and Instructor at Sonoma Raceway and the Allen Berg Racing School at Laguna Seca. 

Automotive Crew Training Services - Mr. Uribe has in-depth knowledge and first-hand experience with any and all modern safety systems and how they operate. He has the mechanical knowledge to be able to decipher the validity / integrity of a potentially compromised system which may have been associated with an incident. With his experience in the motorsports industry,  5 years in accident recreation and autonomous vehicle research and development, and 8 years in a coaching / teaching role, Mr. Uribe is available to work with automotive companies to properly train their crew.

Clients: Allen Berg Motorsports (ABMS), Sears Point Racing Experience (SPRE), Skip Barber Racing Schools, American Supercamp (ASC), Waymo Technologies, Faction Tech Co., Mercedes-Benz USA/GER, etc.

Degrees / Certifications:

• WECA - Electrical Engineering
• ACTAR Certification (pending) (2017-2022)
• Mercedes Benz Type 2 Drivers Program
• 7 years of International hands-on experience in Accident Analysis and Advanced Driving
• 1 of 5 Americans to currently hold an FIM International License USMCA Certified Instructor / Coach

View Jason Uribe's Expert Witness Profile.

Michael Nranian, JD, MBA, MS has over 30 years experience focusing in Product Development, Intellectual Property, Patent Litigation, Legal and Technical Compliance, and Product Liability Litigation. He is a licensed attorney in Michigan, Texas, & the United States Patent and Trademark Office. Mr. Nranian is a Six Sigma Black Belt, Professional Engineer, & Certified Project Management Professional. He has an in-depth background and education in Law, IP, Electrical, Chemical & Computer Engineering, & Business. He has testified extensively as an expert witness in depositions, hearings, and trials in state & federal courts.

Mr. Nranian conducts Product and Technology Analysis, Patentability & Prior Art Research,and provides Technology & Litigation Support for Intellectual Property. His litigation background includes patent infringement / non-infringement under literal infringement and the doctrine of equivalents, patent validity / invalidity, prior art, & file-wrapper estoppel, for both ITC and Federal cases, including Inter Partes reviews. He conducts analysis of patents and products, prepares claim charts, & expert witness reports. This includes testimony and document preparation for cases before state, and federal court jurisdictions, and the International Trade Commission and the Patent Trial and Appeal Board.

Mr. Nranian is thoroughly familiar with all 101, 102, 103, 112, and other enablement and prior art arguments. His experience includes Technology Standards Boards and Licensing Authorities, Antitrust / DOJ, Technology Development and Transfer, Patents, Trademarks, Trade Secrets, and Copyrights, Licensing, Unfair Competition/Trade, False/Deceptive Advertising, & Lanham Act Actions, & Class Actions.

His Product Liability Expert Witness litigation background includes all types of Safety Systems, Electrical Systems, Fires, Accident Reconstruction, and Evaluation of Alternative Designs for Automotive, Medical and other industries. He has over 29 years of experience in Automotive Safety Systems, Sensors, Seatbelts, Airbags / Curtains, Seats, Diagnostic Systems, Crash Recorders, Crash Pulse Analysis, System Diagnostic, Fault Codes, Structure (including roof-crush and door) and front, side & roll-over systems (including sensing and algorithm development) for domestic and international corporations. He is thoroughly familiar with all regulatory (including FMVSS), and corporate due-care requirements, & preemption arguments, occupant kinematics, & injury causation.

Nationwide Expert Witness and Case Preparation Services Provided For Litigation Involving Automobile Industry Standards & Practices, Specializing in Dealership Operation, Relating to Sales, Leasing, Finance, New & Used Cars, Service & Parts. Auto Industry Veteran Since 1978. 

Issues:

Fraud Unfair Business Practices Single Document Rule Document Disclosure Spanish Contracts Finance Reserve Payment-Packing Purchase/Lease Flip Rental Disclosure Sales, Closing and Desk Procedures 4-Squares AB-68

Deferred Down Payment Regulations M & Z Wholesale Procedures Reconditioning Safety Inspection Title History Wrongful Termination Discrimination Wrongful Death Class Actions Sales & Management Training Song-Beverly Lemon Law

Los Angeles Business & Resale Licenses
Resume & References upon Request

Experienced in Fire Cause and Origin, Arson Prosecution and Defense, Product Subrogation, Fire and Building Codes, Life Safety Codes, Fire Injuries and Fatalities, as well as Fire Department Operations and Management. 

John Michael Agosti & Associates provides assistance to insurance companies, attorneys and other agencies in the determination of cause and origin in fires and explosions. Our goal is to provide independent and articulate findings to you the client, quickly and accurately. 

With over 28 years of fire department experience and 15 years in the private sector, Mr. Agosti has completed over two thousand investigations of fires, explosions, and life safety incidents. He has testified in both federal and state courts for both plaintiff and defense clients.