Rimkus is a worldwide leader in engineering and technical consulting. Operating from more than 110 offices around the globe, we provide services to corporations, insurance companies, law firms, and government agencies.

We are dedicated to the timely resolution of accidents, claims, and legal disputes. Providing technical solutions for the built environment, we proactively identify, mitigate, and eliminate the complex risks inherent in the procurement, design, construction, and operation of facilities.

Today we’re highlighting some of our key practice areas and services. Read below to learn about premises liability and transportation consulting services our experts provide to Rimkus clients both locally and around the world.

Our highly trained and specialized Premises Liability experts evaluate issues involving building code compliance, slip resistance, and security protocols for a variety of accidents. The rimkus team of engineers, architects, biomechanists, human factors experts, safety professionals, and visual media specialists collaborate in analyzing accidents and incidents. We have investigated thousands of premises liability accidents and incidents at amusement parks, hotels, restaurants, retail facilities, casinos, office buildings, stadiums, and multi-family complexes.

Peter A. Townsend, P.E., S.E., CXLT
Director, Premises Liability and Security Practice

Peter Townsend’s professional experience includes the design of floors, elevated walkways, sidewalks, stairs, and industrial walkways that required slip-resistant surfaces. Since 2005, he has conducted hundreds of investigations of walkway accidents occurring at hotels, parking structures, restaurants, grocery stores, commercial buildings, and personal residences. He has developed a thorough working knowledge of current walkway safety standards, protocols, building codes, and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) design guidelines. Mr. Townsend is an expert in the field of walkway slip resistance and is a certified Tribometrist and Walkway Auditor. Visit his full profile to learn more.

Rimkus engineers, reconstruction specialists, and scientists offer a wealth of knowledge and expertise in all aspects of vehicle accident reconstruction and analysis to accurately assess crucial evidence and recreate complex accidents. Utilizing state-of-the-art technology and proven methodologies, we document site conditions, examine vehicle damage characteristics, inspect mechanical/electrical systems, and preserve hard evidence. Our experts analyze the specifics, such as speed and direction of the vehicles, force of impact, skid-mark lengths, line-of-sight, scene conditions, and other pertinent data to determine the facts of the incident. We have extensive experience investigating vehicle accidents involving tractor-trailers, automobiles, busses, marine vessels, trains, motorcycles, bicycles, and pedestrians.

Dirk E. Smith, Ph.D., P.E., ACTAR
Senior Vice President, Transportation Practice

Dirk Smith is a Vehicle Accident Reconstructionist and a licensed professional engineer in 19 states. He is also a Board Certified Forensic Engineer as a member of the National Academy of Forensic Engineers, Certified Forklift and Aerial Lift Operator, and member of multiple professional engineering societies. In addition to managing the Rimkus Transportation Practice worldwide, Dr. Smith performs forensic analysis of vehicle accidents, mechanical designs, and component failures. He is experienced in vehicle dynamics, machine design, event data recorder downloads, and accident reconstruction. Visit his full profile to learn more.