Mr. Steven S. Paul
Carlyle, IL 62231
Office: 314-886-8378
Steven S. Paul is the owner of TDT and a seasoned expert with over 30 years of hands-on experience in automotive, heavy equipment, and school buses, RV diagnostics, inspections, and repairs. He manages all aspects of his business, including operations, inspections, appraisals, and expert witness services.
An ASE Master Technician in both Automotive and Medium/Heavy-Duty Truck categories, Mr. Paul has deep technical expertise in engine performance, electrical systems, brakes, drivetrains, suspension, steering, and other safety-critical components. He is also a recognized specialist in the inspection and analysis of motorhomes and recreational vehicles, including Class A, B, and C RVs, travel trailers, and fifth wheels.
Since 2005, he has inspected over 5,000 vehicles—including vintage, luxury, commercial, and exotic cars, as well as RVs, semi-trucks, heavy construction equipment, and watercraft.
Mr. Paul is a Certified Vehicle Appraiser and court-qualified expert in vehicle inspection, failure analysis, and valuation. He supports litigation involving lemon law, mechanical failure, fraud, RV defects, and dealer misrepresentation.
Litigation Support & Expert Testimony
Certified Vehicle Appraiser (USPAP-compliant)
Over 1,000 expert witness reports delivered
More than 30 depositions provided
Testified in courts across multiple states
Available for nationwide travel
Expertise Includes:
Motorhome & RV inspections and defect analysis
Lemon law disputes
Mechanical failure & cause-of-loss investigations
Dealer misrepresentation & fraud cases
Lease return & pre-purchase inspections
Vehicle appraisals & diminished value assessments
Total loss evaluations & condition reports
Mr. Paul delivers clear, detailed, and objective findings that attorneys can rely on in litigation, mediation, and arbitration.
Specialties & Experience of this Expert Witness
General Specialties: Automotive and Appraisal & Valuation
Keywords/Search Terms: Appraisal & Valuation Automotive, Automotive Dealer Practices, Automotive Economics, Automotive Leasing, Automotive Repair & Service, Lemon Law, Machinery & Equipment Appraisal & Valuation, Vehicles Appraisal & Valuation, Failure Analysis, Commercial Vehicles, Recreational Vehicle, Misrepresentation, Trucking, Motorhome, RV
Education: Associates in Marketing, Southwestern Illinois College; ASE Master Certification - Automotive, Automotive Service Excellence; ASE Master Certification - Medium / HD Trucks, Automotive Service Excellence; NRVIA Level II Certification, National RV Inspectors Association
Years in Practice: 30
Number of Times Deposed/Testified in Last 4 Yrs: 50
Additional Information
- Automobile Appraisal
- Automobile Mechanical & Body Repair
- Automotive
- Automotive Engineering
- Bus & Truck Safety/Accident
- Car & Truck Rental
- Equipment & Machinery
- Infotainment & Telematics Systems
- Tractors
- Trucking
- Q: Please list your professional accreditations, degrees, licenses, and certificates granted:
- A: ASE - Mastering Timing Drive Systems Feb 2025
ASE - DANA - Servicing DANA MH Truck Axles and Drivelines Jan 2025
ASE - Permatex - Engine Building Sealing Tips Nov 2024
American Society of Appraisers (ASA) – 15 Hour USPAP Certified June 2024
ASE - Ignition Coil-On-Plug Diagnostics and Tips March 2024
ASE - Diesel Emissions Tampering - Proper Maintenance & Repair Feb 2024
ASE - OBDII Data - Reading Between the Lines (Part 2) Feb 2024
ASE - Keep the Current Flowing - Low Voltage Battery Trends & Service Updates Feb 2024
ASE - EV Charging & High Voltage Cooling - Jan 2024
ASE - OBDII Data - Reading Between the Lines (Part 1) Jan 2024
Garage Gurus / ASE - Electric Vehicle (EV) Service Jan 2024
ASE - Diesel Aftermarket Systems Dec 2023
United States Environmental Protection Agency / ASE - Understanding the EPA’s Clean Trucks Plan - Dec 2023
Standard Motor Products / ASE - Diesel Aftermarket Systems - Dec 2023
ITW Evercoat - Pre-Paint Operating Procedures for Increased Productivity Dec 2023
Standard Motor Products / ASE - Air Conditioning Leak Detection Methods - Sep 2023
Standard Motor Products / ASE - Diagnostics & Modern Serpentine Belt Systems - Sep 2023
Standard Motor Products / ASE - Paint Operation Improvements - May 2023
I-CAR - AC Tools & Equipment - March 2023
I-CAR Aftermarket Collision Replacement Part Considerations - March 2023
ATG - Electronics Diagnostics Update - DVOM & Lab Scopes - Feb 2023
ATG - Variable Valve Timing Diagnostics - Oct 2021
ATG - 5 Gas Analysis Certification - Sept 2021
ATG - Catalytic Converter Diagnostics Certification- Sept 2021
ATG - Domestic Diesel Emissions Certification - Sept 2021
ATG - Hybrid / Electric Vehicle Certified - Nov 2019
NRVIA Level II Certified RV Inspector - July 2018
GTO AA Certified Judge - June 2018
ASCAA Certified Vehicle Appraiser - June 2016
Associates Degree in Marketing at Southwestern Illinois College - June 2012
Inter-Industry Conference Auto Collision Repair (I-CAR) PL3 Structural Technician - June 2013
Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) Master Certified Automotive & HD Trucks – 2010
National Auto Auction Association (NAAA) Frame / Unibody Structural Inspector – May 2007
Federal Mogul and National Wheel End and Seals Certification - 2005 - Q: Please list your affiliations or memberships in any professional and/or industry organizations:
- A: ASE, I-CAR, ASA, NRVIA, ASCAA, NAAA, NADA, IAAA, INAAA
- Q: Please list any teaching or speaking experience you have had, including subject matter:
- A: Vatterott College - Automotive / Medium Duty Truck Technician Instructor
Vatterott College - Diesel / Heavy Duty Truck Mechanic Instructor / Program Director
Ranken Technical Institute - Collision Repair Technician Program, Competition Judge, Program Advisor, Mentor
Kaskaskia College - Automotive & Heavy Duty Truck Technician Program Advisor - Q: On how many occasions have you been retained as an expert?
- A: Mr. Paul has inspected more than 5,000 vehicles and authored over 1,000 expert reports that he has been retained as an expert witness.
- Q: For what area(s) of expertise have you been retained as an expert?
- A: Lemon Law
Breach of Warranty
Failure to Repair
Reasonableness of Repair
Improper Diagnosis
Vehicle Valuation
Heavy Duty Truck Repair
School Bus Electrical
Dealership Operations
Service Center Operations
Vehicle Repair Standards
Dealership Standard of Care - Q: In what percentage of your cases were you retained by the plaintiff?
- A: 75%
- Q: In what percentage of your cases were you retained by the defendant?
- A: 25%
- Q: On how many occasions have you had your deposition taken?
- A: 50
- Q: When was the last time you had your deposition taken?
- A: January 6, 2025
- Q: On how many occasions have you been qualified by a court to give expert testimony?
- A: 30+
- Q: On how many occasions have you testified as an expert in court or before an arbitrator?
- A: 10+
- Q: For how many years have you worked with the legal industry as an expert?
- A: 15
- Q: What services do you offer? (E.g.: consulting, testing, reports, site inspections etc.)
- A: Consulting
Vehicle Inspections
Site Inspections
Testing & Analysis
Expert Reports
Testifying Expert
Valuations
Damages - Q: What is your hourly rate to consult with an attorney?
- A: $350
- Q: What is your hourly rate to review documents?
- A: $350
- Q: What is your hourly rate to provide deposition testimony?
- A: $350
- Q: What is your hourly rate to provide testimony at trial?
- A: $350
- Q: Please list any fees other than those stated above (E.g.: travel expenses, copy fees, etc.)
- A: Travel - $125 per hour
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