Rimkus is seeking an experienced Heavy Truck Collision Reconstructionist to investigate, analyze, and reconstruct collisions involving commercial motor vehicles (CMVs), including tractor-trailers, single-unit trucks, and other heavy vehicles. The role applies engineering principles, collision reconstruction methods, vehicle-system analysis, and an understanding of commercial trucking operations to develop clear, defensible expert opinions for insurance, litigation, and other forensic matters.
The successful candidate will be comfortable working in the field and with technical data, physical evidence, vehicle components, and industry records. Experience with heavy truck dynamics, braking systems, electronic control module data, and the operational context of commercial trucking is highly valued. The role also requires strong technical writing, client communication, and the ability to explain complex findings to attorneys, clients, and fact finders.
Requirements
Duties and Responsibilities:
Investigate and reconstruct collisions involving heavy trucks and other commercial motor vehicles, including single- and multi-vehicle events.
Conduct field investigations, including scene inspections, vehicle inspections, forensic mapping, photography, measurements, and evidence documentation.
Inspect tractor-trailers, single-unit trucks, trailers, tires, and relevant vehicle components to evaluate damage, condition, performance, and possible failure mechanisms.
Acquire, preserve, interpret, and analyze available vehicle electronic data, including heavy truck Engine Control Module (ECM) and other electronic control module data, as well as passenger-vehicle Event Data Recorder (EDR) data when relevant.
Analyze vehicle speed, braking and stopping performance, air brake systems, tire performance, vehicle dynamics, rollover and stability considerations, impact forces, time-distance relationships, and other factors relevant to the collision.
Evaluate relevant operational evidence, which may include driver logs and hours-of-service records, electronic logging device (ELD) data, dispatch and trip records, vehicle maintenance documentation, inspection records, cargo and load information, and available onboard or video data.
Consider commercial trucking practices and applicable operational requirements when analyzing issues such as driver actions, vehicle condition, loading and unloading, cargo securement, and vehicle use.
Apply appropriate engineering methods, calculations, simulations, and reconstruction software to test hypotheses and support conclusions.
Prepare clear, concise, technically sound reports and demonstrative exhibits, including collision diagrams, animations, simulations, and technical graphics.
Document and preserve physical and digital evidence, maintain organized case files, and communicate findings and limitations transparently.
Provide expert consultation, deposition testimony, and trial testimony as needed.
Communicate with clients, attorneys, claims professionals, and colleagues; manage project scope, budgets, schedules, and deliverables.
Collaborate with other transportation and forensic experts when cases require complementary expertise in vehicle mechanics, trucking operations, safety, compliance, or human factors.
Required Skills and Abilities:
Strong analytical, critical-thinking, and problem-solving skills.
Excellent technical writing and verbal communication, including the ability to explain complex engineering and trucking concepts in clear, objective language.
Sound engineering judgment and a disciplined, evidence-based approach to forming opinions.
Ability to assess competing explanations, identify assumptions and limitations, and support conclusions with appropriate analysis.
Professional presence and confidence when communicating with clients, attorneys, and in deposition or trial settings.
Strong organization, case management, and project management skills, including the ability to manage multiple assignments and…