Michael W. Lindsey, P.E., ACTAR
Transportation Practice Leader
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Expert QuestionS & AnswerS
Event data recorders have transformed accident reconstruction, but what are the limitations of EDR data that attorneys and adjusters should understand?
EDR data just tells part of the story from the perspective of the one vehicle. It has to be validated and it’s important to consider the context of the other pieces of the collision.
What is the most common mistake parties make early in a transportation consulting matter that complicates the investigation later?
One thing that we encounter frequently is the vehicle and site evidence has been discarded or disappeared prior to our involvement or the case going into litigation. While we can do a lot from photos or videos there is no substitute for first-hand measurements or electronic data. The key is evidence preservation even if analysis is not immediately needed.
What’s one piece of advice you find yourself giving clients over and over again?
I always encourage clients to tell me ultimately what questions they want answered as part of our investigation and analysis instead of asking what they want to be examined. We can then suggest the most appropriate and efficient means to go about gathering and analyzing the applicable evidence. There are tons of sources of great information for a collision reconstruction and we want our clients to be able to take advantage of this.
Background
Mr. Michael Lindsey holds a B.S. degree in Mechanical Engineering and is a registered professional engineer in Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, and North Carolina. He is also a Certified Vehicle Accident Reconstructionist (ACTAR #3712) through the Accreditation Commission for Traffic Accident Reconstruction.
He has experience in the design, engineering, and implementation of power generation systems; gas turbines; heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC), plumbing, and piping systems; as well as construction and related areas of the energy/industrial sector.
Mr. Lindsey’s areas of expertise include vehicle accident reconstruction and evaluation of vehicle mechanical failures. He is experienced in passenger, motorcycle, bicycle, and commercial vehicle inspections; digital site mapping; aerial drones; damage analysis; vehicle dynamics and simulations; video analysis; lamp/tire investigation; and the collection and analysis of Event Data Recorder (EDR) data from vehicles. Mr. Lindsey’s expertise also includes the design, construction, and evaluation of residential, commercial, and industrial HVAC, plumbing, and piping systems and components. He has performed investigations utilizing non-destructive examination and testing related to residential and commercial equipment such as water heaters, refrigerators, faucets, dishwashers, and pipe fittings.
Mr. Lindsey also has expertise in the design and implementation of fluid and mechanical systems, including hydraulics, lubricating oil, pneumatics, fuel injection, cooling equipment, boilers, fire protection, and instrumentation.
Education and Certifications
- Mechanical Engineering, B.S.: Georgia Institute of Technology (2008)
- Licensed Professional Engineer: Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, and North Carolina
- Certified Vehicle Accident Reconstructionist: The Accreditation Commission for Traffic Accident Reconstruction (ACTAR #3712)
- Licensed Mold Assessor: Florida MRSA #3125
- FAA Remote (Drone) Pilot Certificate
- Certified Aerial Lift Operator