This case involves a truck that had been recently undergone repair at an automotive repair shop for an axle issue. When the owner retrieved the truck from the shop, he was assured by the mechanics that the issue had been completely resolved. The next day while the owner was driving on a back road, the truck’s right rear duel separated from the axle causing the truck to spin off the road. The truck spun off into a private property where three children were playing in the yard. The owner was unable to regain control of the car and hit one of the children, killing him. It was alleged that the defending repair company was negligent in releasing an improperly repaired vehicle to the defendant. An expert in metallurgy with experience working with tire rims was sought to inspect the vehicle in question and determine if the repair made by the defendant was inadequate.
Question(s) For Expert Witness
1. Please discuss your background in metallurgy as it relates to tire rims.
2. How would you determine if the repair made by the defendant was inadequate?
Expert Witness Response E-009211
My background in metallurgy and tire rims includes knowledge of the materials and manufacturing processes involved in making tire rims and testing the materials used to make tire rims, including post-manufacture testing. Materials would include stamped, forged and/or cast steel, aluminum, magnesium and/or other material alloy rims. I would inspect the tire rimss and bolts in question to determine if the repair made by the defendant was inadequate. I have served as an expert witness for plaintiffs on other tire failure cases that collided with the separated tire/wheel and determined the adequacy of the repair to the truck in question. The case was settled to the advantage of the plaintiff. I am qualified to serve as an expert reviewer of this case due to my knowledge of the metallurgical aspects of a wheel/rim separation from a moving vehicle. I also have a background as a professional mechanic in an automotive and truck repair business prior to and while attending an engineering college. In this role, I performed wheel and suspension assembly repairs for the business.
About the author
John Lomicky
John Lomicky is a J.D. candidate at FSU Law with a multidisciplinary background. He earned his Bachelor's degree in Neurobiology and Near Eastern Studies from Georgetown University and has graduate degrees in International Business and Eurasian Studies. John's professional experience includes working in private equity as an Associate at Kingfish Group and in legal business development and research roles at the Expert Institute. His expertise spans managing sales teams, company expansion, and providing consultative services to legal practices in various fields.
