Garrick F. Mitchell, P.E., ACTAR
Transportation Practice Leader
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Expert QuestionS & AnswerS
Transportation investigations often involve multiple systems and timelines — how do you approach reconstructing events when information is incomplete or conflicting?
The information we obtain in transportation investigations is hardly ever complete. It’s typical to estimate or use published ranges for unknown variables, but always with a basis rooted in what’s known. Conflicting information, such as contradictory witness statements, can often be reconciled through physical evidence or process of elimination, such as if one account is physically impossible.
In a crash investigation, what’s one piece of evidence that people almost always overlook but that can tell you exactly what happened?
In a bicycle accident investigation, the bicycle itself is a rich source of evidence and data that is often overlooked by experts. The assembly and adjustment of the bike, the locations and nature of contact damage, even the tension of the spokes can shed surprising light on the sequence of events. My observations have led to fruitful discovery requests, and I’ve had entire cases hinge on evidence that only I saw on a bicycle tire.
What do you wish more people understood about the work you do in transportation?
I wish people understood that there’s so much more to understand than the crash itself. The Before and the After are hugely important as well. Before the collision, what was going on in the seconds leading up to it? Afterwards, did the vehicles get moved? Did “witnesses” arrive at the scene and then give statements based on what they surmise happened? An investigator really has to put on his Detective hat in piecing it all together.
Background
Mr. Garrick Mitchell graduated magna cum laude from Rice University with a B.S. degree in Mechanical Engineering in 1993 and an M.S. degree in 1995. Since joining Rimkus in 2000, Mr. Mitchell has performed over well 1,000 forensic investigations, including vehicle accident reconstructions, mechanical failure investigations, and consumer product and patent infringement analyses.
Mr. Mitchell has reconstructed hundreds of vehicle accidents involving cars, trucks, buses, farm equipment, motorcycles, ATVs, forklifts, bicycles, and pedestrians. He mechanically inspects vehicles, performs site inspections, and analyzes pertinent data, including police reports, photographs, videos, driver/witness statements, weather data, cargo securement, and traffic signal data. He is trained and experienced in reconstruction technologies, including digital site mapping, the use of drones for aerial imagery, and the collection and analysis of event data recorder information and other electronic data from cars and trucks.
Mr. Mitchell investigates failures and accidents due to failures in a wide range of mechanical systems, such as vehicles (including engines, transmissions, tires, brakes, and airbags), plumbing (including pipe freezes), HVAC, fire sprinkler systems, consumer products, appliances, door systems, ladders, forklifts, aerial lifts, industrial equipment, and heavy machinery including petroleum drilling and production equipment. Mr. Mitchell has also inspected and analyzed vehicles and equipment involved in fires and evaluated sources of carbon monoxide exposure.
Mr. Mitchell is an expert in bicycle design, fabrication, assembly, and maintenance. He has been a licensed bicycle racer since 1989 and has won multiple state championships. He has ridden over 180,000 miles on- and off-road and has deep insight into how bicycles and other vehicles interact. He applies that expertise in reconstructing bicycle accidents, evaluating bicycle mechanical failures, and assessing the reasonableness and appropriateness of bicyclist actions in an accident. Mr. Mitchell is qualified to deliver deposition and trial testimony of his findings and has testified in federal and state courts.
Education and Certifications
• Mechanical Engineering, M.S.: Rice University (1995)
• Mechanical Engineering, B.S. (magna cum laude): Rice University (1993)
• Registered Professional Engineer: Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, North Dakota, Nebraska, New Mexico, Nevada, Oregon, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming
• Certified Accident Reconstructionist: Accreditation Commission for Traffic Accident Reconstruction, ACTAR #1360
• Certified Remote Pilot (Drone operator) for commercial operations under FAA Part 107
• Certified Forklift and Aerial Lift Operator
• Licensed Motorcycle Operator