Pam Oakes, CMASE/EET

Driven Evidence
13194 US 301 South #259
Riverview, FL 33578
Mobile: 239-322-6920
Office: 833-278-2780
Introduction

Pamela Oakes is an ASE Master Certified automotive expert and recognized Subject Matter Expert (SME) in ADAS, HVAC, and engine repair for the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE). With over 30 years of industry experience, she has owned/managed nationally-award-winning repair facility, developed international training curricula, and authored multiple automotive publications.
Ms. Oakes has served as an expert witness in matters involving mechanical and electrical systems, ADAS technologies, and repair practices. She is a frequent national speaker, SAE (ADAS) voting member, and executive board member for MACS, bringing unmatched technical and business insight to litigation support.


Areas of Expertise
  • Accident Investigation
  • Automotive
  • Automotive Engineering
  • Plumbing & HVAC
  • Safety
  • Safety Engineering
  • Safety Equipment
  • Seat Belts & Air Bags
  • Tires
  • Transportation Safety

Expert Background
Q: Please list your professional accreditations, degrees, licenses, and certificates granted:
A: Certifications:
Automotive Service Excellence certifications: ASE Master Automotive (A1-A8) - with more than 35 years of industry experience
ASE-L4 (ADAS); ASE Medium/HD Truck (T7, T8); ASE Collision (B5); also: C1, G1,
P2, xEV1, xEV2
I-Car PL3 ADAS
EVT/ASE – M1
MACS EPA 609 Certification & test proctor
EU-F Gas Certification (European Union equivalent of EPA 609)
EPA 608 – Universal (Core, Type 1, Type 2, Type 3) & test proctor
Forklift certification & trainer, OSHA-base through 2025
CDL-Class B & trainer through 2029
FEMA National Incident Management System IS-00100.c, IS-00700.b certifications
US Passport
Education:
University of Michigan – Dearborn, MI
General, including Course Development: Python3; C++ Developer sub-studies (UM
Coursera-based); no degree
Edison College – Fort Myers, FL
AA English
AS Electronic Engineering Technology
Q: Please list your affiliations or memberships in any professional and/or industry organizations:
A: Civic Organizations:
SAE International #6158552705 voting member, 2023 to present (previously 1996-
1999 during shop ownership; discontinued due to lack of time to commit to personal
shop organization)
Mobile Air Climate Society (MACS) board member, 2023 to present; executive board
member, 2025
National Science Foundation/National Council Autonomous Technology (NCAT)
advisory committee member (land based, ADAS/V2V/V2x) 2023 to present
FCDI/AMRoC Tampa Bay – Robotic Group, board member, 2020 to present
AUVSI (Associated for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International) – Tampa (FL)
Chapter, 2018 to 2020; 2023 to present
NACAT (North American Council of Automotive Teachers) – national, 2015 to 2023
SEMA – national, 2021 to present (SEMA member; Pam’s Motor City Automotive
and Tires 2002-2014)
Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU), Small Business Development Center
(SBDC) Advisory Board member, Fort Myers, FL (2014-2018)
Florida VI dealership license 2009 to 2018
ASE Blue Seal Shop (2016-2025); Pam's Motor City (1998-2015)
Q: Please list any teaching or speaking experience you have had, including subject matter:
A: Corroborated on the first ASE L4 (ADAS) exam; one of 12 SME selected to establish
industry standards in ADAS certification; recognized as an ADAS SME by National
Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE)
Developed the updated ASE A7 (HVAC) exam; one of 12 SME selected to establish
industry standards in HVAC certification; recognized as an HVAC SME by National
Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE)
Developed the updated ASE A1 (Engine Repair) exam; one of 12 SME selected to
establish industry standards in engine repair certification; recognized as an Engine
repair SME by National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE)
Chosen as the senior manager/committee member for the National Science
Foundation/National Council Autonomous Technology (NCAT) land-based,
ADAS/V2V/V2x, and grant submission contributor (chart, budget and narrative for
ADAS-land) for collegiate and aftermarket technician technical development
Contributor on the Active Safety ADAS Sensor Calibration Task Force for the Society
of Automotive Engineers (SAE) International voting member, speaker’s bureau
Mobile Air Conditioning Society, Lansdale, PA (2016 to present)
Contract automotive 609 instructor and test proctor (executive board of directors
as of 2025)
Delphi Technologies/Phinia, Auburn Hills, MI (2016 to 2023)
Contract automotive educator and content developer
PDG, Cleveland, OH (2022 to 2023)
Contract automotive content advisor, SME
WorldPac, Newark, CA (2022 to 2023)
Contract automotive educator and content developer (& in conjunction with Delphi
Technologies)
Nissens/SMP, Dallas, TX/Copenhagen, DE (2022 to present)
Contract automotive educator
Created (upon request) and present automotive educational materials at national,
regional events (e.g., VISION-KC, NACAT, ASE Conference, ATE, etc. for various
training companies) for technician development and increase skill level
Goodwill Industries: Established (upon request) ASE G1 prep course starting
to introduce new talent into the industry (2015-2023)
Burke Porter Group-Ascential Technologies – Detroit/Grand Rapids, MI
Fixed Operations Director (ADAS)
ADAS Area Manager
GPC/NAPA Autotech – Atlanta, GA
Automotive Training-Developer
Analog Devices Inc. (ADI) -- Detroit MI/Boston MA (based)
Contract Automotive Applications Engineer, Program Manager
Raytheon Information, Intelligence Services (IIS) -- Troy MI
Contract Diesel Instructor
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: More than 100 speaking/presentation regional to national events
Q: For what area(s) of expertise have you been retained as an expert?
A: ADAS safety standards, Automotive repair standards, Automotive safety standards, Automotive shop standards, Automotive technician safety standards
Q: In what percentage of your cases were you retained by the plaintiff?
A: 60 percent
Q: In what percentage of your cases were you retained by the defendant?
A: 40 percent
Q: On how many occasions have you had your deposition taken?
A: Three (3)
Q: When was the last time you had your deposition taken?
A: 2017
Q: On how many occasions have you been qualified by a court to give expert testimony?
A: Three (3)
Q: On how many occasions have you testified as an expert in court or before an arbitrator?
A: Two (2)
Q: For how many years have you worked with the legal industry as an expert?
A: Past 10 years I have been called upon to give automotive standards legal opinion regarding automotive repair and accident cases.
Q: What services do you offer? (E.g.: consulting, testing, reports, site inspections etc.)
A: Case Review & Analysis – Examination of repair records, service invoices, component failures, and shop practices.

Written Expert Reports & Affidavits – Clear, authoritative opinions on ADAS, HVAC, electrical, mechanical, and calibration-related issues.

Deposition & Trial Testimony – Expert witness testimony in state and federal courts, arbitration, and mediation.

Product Liability & Defect Analysis – Investigation of OEM and aftermarket component failures, sensor malfunctions, and design flaws.

Failure Analysis – Determining cause(s) of mechanical, electrical, or calibration failures in vehicles.

Accident Reconstruction (mechanical/electrical focus) – Assessing role of ADAS, sensors, and repair deficiencies in crash events.

Repair Fraud & Service Negligence – Identifying improper or substandard repair practices leading to consumer or safety issues.

Lemon Law & Warranty Disputes – Evaluation of defective vehicles, improper repairs, or repeated failures.
Automotive Forensics & Investigations – Diagnostic testing, sensor evaluation, and calibration verification.

Shop Practices & Standards Review – Evaluating whether service providers met industry standards of care.

First Responder Training – Safe handling of hybrid/electric vehicles at accident scenes.

Curriculum Development & Training – Custom ADAS, HVAC, and electrical training programs for technicians and shops.

Business Operations Consulting – Repair shop efficiency, technician training, and compliance with industry standards.


Q: What is your hourly rate to consult with an attorney?
A: Case Review / Analysis / Consulting: $425 per hour (records review, report preparation, consultations)

Q: What is your hourly rate to review documents?
A: Case Review / Analysis / Consulting: $425 per hour (records review, report preparation, consultations)
Q: What is your hourly rate to provide deposition testimony?
A: Deposition Testimony: $550 per hour (billed in 2-hour minimum blocks)
Q: What is your hourly rate to provide testimony at trial?
A: Trial Testimony: $600 per hour (billed in 4-hour minimum blocks, includes standby time in court)
Q: Please list any fees other than those stated above (E.g.: travel expenses, copy fees, etc.)
A: Travel / Waiting Time: $275 per hour (portal-to-portal, including flights, layovers, or court waiting periods)

Retainer: $2,500 initial retainer required upon engagement (applied against final invoice)

Expenses: Travel, lodging, mileage, and other case-related expenses billed at cost.

Cancellation Policy: Testimony cancellations with less than 72 hours’ notice subject to 4-hour minimum billing.

Office fees, etc. billed per occasion.


References

Available Upon Request


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