Dr. Pfeifer is a Consulting Engineer with a strong background in the design, development, and implementation of roadside safety hardware. Current work consists of vehicular accident reconstruction including the determination of vehicle dynamics and occupant kinematics, as well as seat belt use and analysis. Other ongoing projects include the investigation and analysis of mechanical systems and product failures, as well as the development of an automated material handling system.

Benedict Engineering Company, Inc. focuses on forensic engineering (accident reconstruction) and consulting engineering and is also involved in the research, development and design of products and systems. Our engineering team represents a variety of engineering disciplines; mechanical, biomechanical, biomedical, civil, safety, industrial, metallurgy and materials. This diversity enables us to reconstruct a variety of types of accidents; automobile, truck, aircraft, boat, train, bicycle, ATV, product, roadway design, electrocution, fire and explosion, slip/trip and fall, "black box" (EDR) and more. The BEC services include investigation and documentation of the scene, engineering analysis, and creating all types of graphics in-house to support the engineering analysis during testimony in deposition and trial.

Background

Q: Please list your professional accreditations, degrees, licenses, and certificates granted:
A: Education:

Bachelors Degree in Mechanical Engineering, University of Nebraska
Masters Degree in Mechanical Engineering, University of Nebraska
Ph.D. in Civil Engineering, University of Nebraska
Certificate in Biomedical Engineering,
University of Florida

Registration:
Registered Professional Engineer, Nebraska and Florida
Accreditation Commission for Traffic Accident Reconstruction, ACTAR No. 1108
Collision Safety Institute, Certified Crash Data Retrieval Specialist

Q: Please list your affiliations or memberships in any professional and/or industry organizations:
A: American Society of Mechanical Engineers
American Society of Civil Engineers
American Society of Automotive Engineers
American Society of Safety Engineers
Florida Engineering Society
American Society for Testing and Materials, Member of ASTM Committee E30 on Forensic Sciences
National Society of Professional Engineers
National Association of Professional Accident Reconstruction Specialists

Q: Please list any teaching or speaking experience you have had, including subject matter:
A: Presentation entitled "Animation - Fact or Fiction" presented to a number of Audiences during 2000 and 2001.
Presentation entitled "Automobile Accident Reconstruction" presented to insurance adjusters.
"NCHRP Report 350 Testing of the BEST System" presented at the annual meeting of the Transportation Research Board.
"Safety Performance Evaluation of Two Iowa Work Zone Barriers" presented at the annual meeting of the Transportation Research Board.

Q: Have any of your accreditations ever been investigated, suspended or removed? (if yes, explain)
A: No

Q: On how many occasions have you been retained as an expert?
A: Several hundred.

Q: For what area(s) of expertise have you been retained as an expert?
A: Accident Reconstruction
Highway Safety
Product Design
Pedestrian Accident Reconstruction
Bicycle Accident Reconstruction
At Grade Railroad Crossing Accidents
Construction Zone Accidents
Safety Engineering
Structural Analysis
Automotive Component Design

Q: In what percentage of your cases were you retained by the plaintiff?
A: Approximately 50%

Q: In what percentage of your cases were you retained by the defendant?
A: Approximately 50%

Q: On how many occasions have you had your deposition taken?
A: Approximately 60

Q: When was the last time you had your deposition taken?
A: July 23, 2004

Q: On how many occasions have you been qualified by a court to give expert testimony?
A: Approximately 9 times

Q: On how many occasions have you testified as an expert in court or before an arbitrator?
A: Approximately 10 times

Q: For how many years have you worked with the legal industry as an expert?
A: Approximately 7 years

Q: What services do you offer? (E.g.: consulting, testing, reports, site inspections etc.)
A: Engineering Consulting
Accident Reconstruction
Failure Analysis
Site inspection and documentation, including surveys
Occupant Kinematics Analysis

Q: Please list any fees other than those stated above (E.g.: travel expenses, copy fees, etc.)
A: Travel billed portal to portal plus expenses.

References

Mr. Donald Watson
Gary, Williams, Parenti
320 S Indian River Drive.
Ft. Pierce, FL 34948
Phone #: 800-330-2832

John Kalil
Alford and Kalil, P.A.
One Independent Dr.
Suite 2400
Jacksonville, FL 32202
(800) 741-4357
John Lawlor
Lawlor, Winston, and Justice, P.A.
2701 West Oakland Park Blvd.
Suite 100
Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33311
(954)525-2345
Jeff Kirby
Goldman, Dazkal, Cutler, Bolton, and Kirby
1630 West Hillsboro Blvd
Deerfield Beach, FL 33442
(954)428-9333

Publications