30 Forensic Engineering Strengthens Western Canada Team with Addition of Andrew Kan, B.Sc., P.Eng.

30 Forensic Engineering is pleased to announce that Andrew Kan, B.Sc., P.Eng., has joined our Collision Reconstruction practice. He will be based out of our Calgary office.

Andrew has worked in the forensic engineering industry for 12 years. He graduated from the University of Alberta with a Bachelor of Science (Mechanical Engineering, Biomedical option) and is a licenced Professional Engineer in the province of Alberta. He is a member of the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE), as well as the Canadian Association of Technical Accident Investigators and Reconstructionists (CATAIR).

SPECIALIZED PROFESSIONAL COMPETENCIES

  • Collision scene assessments
  • Vehicle mechanical examinations
  • Event data recorder data retrieval and analysis
  • Restraint system usage and effectiveness assessment
  • Vehicle dynamics modelling and simulations

Mark Fabbroni, Vice President & Practice Lead, Collision Reconstruction & Trucking praised Andrew’s at 30 Forensic Engineering welcomes Andrew and his passion for collision reconstruction to the team: “We’re excited to have him. We have no doubt Andrew will be an asset to our growing Western Canada operations.”

About 30 Forensic Engineering

30 Forensic Engineering is one of Canada’s largest and most respected multidisciplinary forensic firms, with offices in Toronto, Vancouver, Calgary, and Ottawa. Our core team of 65 professional engineers, experts, investigators, engineering technicians and support staff is enhanced through relationships with some of the top scientists, standard-makers and specialized consultants in North America serving a wide variety of industries including: Insurance, Manufacturing, Legal, Construction, Health Care, Commercial and Residential Property, Financial, Government, Hospitality, Mining, Renewable Energy and Transportation.

We provide world-class engineering and consulting expertise in:

Civil/Structural Failure
Building and Fire Code
Geotechnical and Mining
Biomechanics and Personal Injury
Human Factors
Collision Reconstruction
Transportation Safety
Renewable Energy
Environmental Health and Safety
Multi-disciplinary Remediation
Materials and Product Failure / Piping and HVAC
Fire / Electrical and Explosion investigations
Trucking

For the 7th consecutive year, the Canadian Lawyer Magazine readership has voted 30 Forensic Engineering as one of Canada’s best “Litigation Support & Consulting” firms via their annual Readers’ Choice Awards.

For further information and media inquiries, please contact:

Paul Aquino, Director, Marketing
paquino@30fe.com

For confidential inquiries on becoming a member of the 30 Forensic Engineering team, please contact:

Stephanie d’Obrenan, Director, Human Resources
sdobrenan@30fe.com

30 Forensic Engineering Welcomes Hannah Van Staveren, B.A.Sc., M.Eng., E.I.T., to Collision Reconstruction Group

30 Forensic Engineering is pleased to announce that Hannah Van Staveren B.A.Sc., M.Eng., E.I.T. has joined our Collision Reconstruction group as an Associate.

Hannah holds a Master of Engineering, Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, from the University of Toronto. She is a registered Engineer in Training (E.I.T.) in the province of Ontario and a member of the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society (HFES).

Hannah began work as a forensic investigator in 2019, and first joined 30 Forensic Engineering in 2021, as a part‑time Associate in our Human Factors group. In her new, expanded role with the firm, Hannah will exercise her expertise in human factors and the assessment of driver behaviour, conducting personal injury assessments with both the Collision Reconstruction and Biomechanics and Personal Injury groups. Noted by her colleagues for her passion for forensic engineering, Hannah is a strong and exciting addition to our firm.

SPECIALIZED PROFESSIONAL COMPETENCIES

  • Human factors assessment of driver and pedestrian behaviour
  • Perception and response time
  • Collision reconstruction
  • Pedestrian and bicycle collisions
  • Waterparks, trampoline and inflatable play structure incidents
  • Boating accidents
  • Signage, warnings and labels
  • Nighttime visibility
  • Staircase assessment
  • Slip, trip, and fall biomechanics
  • Computer simulation and animation
  • Video analysis

About 30 Forensic Engineering

30 Forensic Engineering is one of Canada’s largest and most respected multi-disciplinary forensic firms, with offices in Toronto, Vancouver, Calgary, and Ottawa. Our core team of 65 professional engineers, experts, investigators, engineering technicians and support staff is enhanced through relationships with some of the top scientists, standard-makers and specialized consultants in North America serving a wide variety of industries including: Insurance, Manufacturing, Legal, Construction, Health Care, Commercial and Residential Property, Financial, Government, Hospitality, Mining, Renewable Energy and Transportation.

We provide world-class engineering and consulting expertise in:

Civil/Structural Failure
Building and Fire Code
Geotechnical and Mining
Biomechanics and Personal Injury
Human Factors
Collision Reconstruction
Transportation Safety
Renewable Energy
Environmental Health and Safety
Multi-disciplinary Remediation
Materials and Product Failure / Piping and HVAC
Fire / Electrical & Explosion investigations
Trucking

For the 7th consecutive year, the Canadian Lawyer Magazine readership has voted 30 Forensic Engineering as one of Canada’s best “Litigation Support & Consulting” firms via their annual Readers’ Choice Awards.

For further information and media inquiries, please contact:

Paul Aquino, Director, Marketing
paquino@30fe.com

For confidential inquiries on becoming a member of the 30 Forensic Engineering team, please contact:

Stephanie d’Obrenan, Director, Human Resources
sdobrenan@30fe.com

30 Forensic Engineering is Proud to Announce the Promotion of Raffi Engeian, MBA, P.Eng., to Practice Lead, Special Investigations & Collision Reconstruction

30 Forensic Engineering, Canada’s leading multidisciplinary forensic firm, is pleased to announce the promotion of Raffi Engeian MBA, P.Eng. to Practice Lead, Collision Reconstruction & Special Investigations.

Raffi is a highly respected and sought-after collision reconstructionist, special investigations and fraud expert with two decades of progressive experience. He has been a Senior Associate and key member of the 30 Forensic Engineering team since 2013. During his tenure, Raffi has been instrumental in growing the firm’s Special Investigations discipline and mentoring emerging experts. He graduated from the University of Windsor with a Bachelor in Applied Science (Mechanical Engineering) and a Master of Business Administration. Raffi has focused on motor vehicle collision reconstruction since 2007 and received his Professional Engineer designation in 2009. Raffi has investigated thousands of collisions involving automobiles, cyclists, pedestrians, off-road and commercial vehicles, and motorcycles. He has also investigated vehicle damage with respect to alleged collision circumstances. Raffi is qualified as an Expert Witness in Accident Reconstruction in arbitrations, the Ontario Court of Justice, and the Ontario Superior Court of Justice.

SPECIALIZED PROFESSIONAL COMPETENCIES

Collision Reconstruction:

  • Vehicle infotainment system data retrieval and analysis
  • Collisions involving passenger and commercial vehicles, motorcycles and recreational vehicles, cyclists, and pedestrians
  • Low speed and suspected staged (fraudulent) collisions
  • Vehicle examination
  • Supplemental Restraint System (airbag) deployment and seatbelt use assessment
  • Vehicle mechanical fitness and damage assessment
  • Event Data Recorder (black box) data retrieval and analysis
  • Collision site examination
  • Collision simulation and animation
  • Vehicle dynamics and collision testing/research
  • Visibility assessment
  • Occupant kinematics assessment

Design and Development of Automotive Sub-assemblies:

  • Design failure mode and effects analysis (DFMEA)
  • Engineering drawing preparation and review
  • Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerance (GD&T)
  • Prototyping and Failure Testing
  • Lean Methodology and Six Sigma Statistical Analysis

Mark Fabbroni B.A.Sc., M.A.Sc., P.Eng., VP & Practice Lead, Collision Reconstruction & Trucking states: “It gives me great pleasure to announce Raffi Engeian MBA, P.Eng. as the leader of our Special Investigations group. He joined our firm almost a decade ago with an incredible reputation as being both a highly respected collision reconstructionist and fraud investigator. Raffi is a consummate expert with the utmost positivity, professionalism, and unwavering commitment to client service and the truth. As a result of Raffi’s near decade of exceptional work with 30 Forensic Engineering, our Special Investigation services are the finest in the industry, having grown by an order of magnitude in both assignments and geographic spread across the country. Congratulations on the well-deserved promotion, Raffi.”

About 30 Forensic Engineering

30 Forensic Engineering is one of Canada’s largest and most respected multi-disciplinary forensic firms. Our core team of 70 professional engineers, experts, investigators, engineering technicians and support staff is enhanced through relationships with some of the top scientists, standard-makers and specialized consultants in North America serving a wide variety of industries including: Insurance, Manufacturing, Legal, Construction, Health Care, Commercial and Residential Property, Financial, Government, Hospitality, Mining, Renewable Energy and Transportation.

We provide world-class engineering and consulting expertise in:

Civil/Structural Failure
Building and Fire Code
Geotechnical and Mining
Biomechanics & Personal Injury
Human Factors
Collision Reconstruction
Transportation Safety
Renewable Energy
Environmental Health & Safety
Multi-disciplinary Remediation
Materials & Product Failure / Piping & HVAC
Fire / Electrical & Explosion investigations
Trucking

For the 7th consecutive year, the Canadian Lawyer Magazine readership has voted 30 Forensic Engineering as one of Canada’s best “Litigation Support & Consulting” firms via their annual Readers’ Choice Awards.

For further information and media inquiries, please contact:

Paul Aquino, Director, Marketing
paquino@30fe.com

For confidential inquiries on becoming a member of the 30 Forensic Engineering team, please contact:

Stephanie d’Obrenan, Director, Human Resources
sdobrenan@30fe.com

30 Forensic Engineering Strengthens Collision Reconstruction Group with the Appointment of Anna Polak

30 Forensic Engineering, Canada’s leading and fully-independent multi-disciplinary forensics firm, is pleased to announce the appointment of Anna Polak B.A.Sc., M.A.Sc. as Associate, within the Collision Reconstruction Group.

Anna is an Associate with the Collision Reconstruction group at 30 Forensic Engineering. She holds a Master’s of Applied Science degree in Mechanical Engineering with a focus on biomechanics. Anna conducts vehicle and site examinations for collisions involving different types of vehicles, including automobiles, trucks, bicycles, motorcycles, and other types of heavy machinery.

SPECIALIZED PROFESSIONAL COMPETENCIES

  • Collision site assessments
  • Vehicle mechanical examinations
  • Restraint system usage and effectiveness assessments
  • Event data recorder (black box) data retrieval and analysis

Mark Fabbroni B.A.Sc., M.A.Sc., P.Eng., Vice President & Practice Lead, Collision Reconstruction & Trucking states: “We are excited to add Anna to our growing team of Collision Reconstructionists. Her combination of knowledge in mechanical engineering and human physiology, obtained through her Master’s degree studies at the University of Waterloo, will be an excellent complement to our existing team’s skills. Welcome to the team Anna.”

About 30 Forensic Engineering

30 Forensic Engineering is one of Canada’s largest and most respected multi-disciplinary forensic firms. Our core team of 70 professional engineers, experts, investigators, engineering technicians and support staff is enhanced through relationships with some of the top scientists, standard-makers and specialized consultants in North America serving a wide variety of industries including: Insurance, Manufacturing, Legal, Construction, Health Care, Commercial and Residential Property, Financial, Government, Hospitality, Mining, Renewable Energy and Transportation.

We provide world-class engineering and consulting expertise in:

Civil/Structural Failure
Building and Fire Code
Geotechnical and Mining
Biomechanics & Personal Injury
Human Factors
Collision Reconstruction
Transportation Safety
Renewable Energy
Environmental Health & Safety
Multi-disciplinary Remediation
Materials & Product Failure / Piping & HVAC
Fire / Electrical & Explosion investigations
Trucking

The Canadian Lawyer Magazine readership acknowledged 30 Forensic Engineering as their top choice in both forensic engineering categories:

For further information and media inquiries, please contact:

Paul Aquino, Director, Marketing
paquino@30fe.com

For confidential inquiries on becoming a member of the 30 Forensic Engineering team, please contact:

Stephanie d’Obrenan, Director, Human Resources
sdobrenan@30fe.com

VANCOUVER  TORONTOOTTAWA

Collision Reconstruction Assessments of Suspected Fraudulent Claims – WEBINAR

30 Forensic Engineering, Canada’s leading and fully-independent multidisciplinary forensics firm continues its in-demand weekly webinar series with the third instalment in the popular curriculum. Join industry leading Collision Reconstruction experts on Thursday, May 28th as they lead a discussion on: Collision Reconstruction Assessments of Suspected Fraudulent Claims.  This dynamic webinar will be of importance to industry professionals such as: insurance company personnel, risk managers, independent adjusters, legal community, special investigation units + more.

Click HERE to Register

This webinar will discuss various fraudulent collision claims that we have encountered in recent years, focusing on claims that we have frequently assessed in the past year (i.e., hit-&-runs). We will centre our discussion on the tell-tale signs and methodologies that help us determine whether collision damage supports and validates the reported circumstances. We will also discuss the technologies that are useful in validating reported circumstances, the latest being the Berla iVe system. At the conclusion of the webinar, attendees will be better equipped to identify collision claims that require further investigation. Top collision reconstruction experts, Raffi Engeian, B.A.Sc., MBA, P.Eng. and Nishan Perera, B.A.Sc., P.Eng., will be leading this discussion.

WEBINAR

Collision Reconstruction Assessments of Suspected Fraudulent Claims

Date:

Thursday, May 28th, 2020

Time:

11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. EST

Click HERE to Register

If you have any questions, please email Colleen Heffernan: cheffernan@30fe.com

SPEAKERS

Raffi Engeian B.A.Sc., MBA, P.Eng.
Senior Associate
Collision Reconstruction
rengeian@30fe.com

Nishan Perera B.A.Sc., P.Eng.
Intermediate Associate
Collision Reconstruction
nperera@30fe.com

30 Forensic Seminar Series at a Glance
(click on webinar titles to register)

Joint Examinations and Site Assessments During COVID-19

Thursday, May 14th – 11:00am EST

Water Loss Investigations in Condo and Office Towers – Systems Overview and Failure Case Studies

Thursday, May 21st – 11:00am EST

Collision Reconstruction Assessments of Suspected Fraudulent Claims

Thursday, May 28th – 11:00am EST

Fire Losses from Start to Finish

Thursday, June 4th – 11:00am

Soil-Structure Interaction – Losses Requiring Geotechnical and Structural Expertise

Thursday, June 11th – 11:00am EST

Multidisciplinary Assessments of Personal Injury Claims – Biomechanics, Building Code and Human Factors

Thursday, June 18th – 11:00am EST

How to Stop Building Envelope and Environmental Issues from Turning Small Losses into Big Losses

Thursday, June 25th —  11:00am EST

Human Factors & Collision Reconstruction – Cover Your Bases in Liability Assessments

Thursday, July 9th —  11:00am EST

About 30 Forensic Engineering

30 Forensic Engineering is one of Canada’s largest and most respected multi-disciplinary forensic firms. Our core team of 70 professional engineers, experts, investigators, engineering technicians and support staff is enhanced through relationships with some of the top scientists, standard-makers and specialized consultants in North America serving a wide variety of industries including: Insurance, Manufacturing, Legal, Construction, Health Care, Commercial and Residential Property, Financial, Government, Hospitality, Mining, Renewable Energy and Transportation.

We provide world-class engineering and consulting expertise in:

Civil/Structural Failure
Building and Fire Code
Geotechnical and Mining
Biomechanics & Personal Injury
Human Factors
Collision Reconstruction
Transportation Safety
Renewable Energy
Environmental Health & Safety
Multi-disciplinary Remediation
Materials & Product Failure / Piping & HVAC
Fire / Electrical & Explosion investigations
Trucking

The Canadian Lawyer Magazine readership acknowledged 30 Forensic Engineering as their top choice in both forensic engineering categories:

For further information and media inquiries, please contact:

Paul Aquino, Director, Marketing
paquino@30fe.com

For confidential inquiries on becoming a member of the 30 Forensic Engineering team, please contact:

Stephanie d’Obrenan, Director, Human Resources
sdobrenan@30fe.com

       VANCOUVER   TORONTO             OTTAWA

30 Forensic Engineering Promotes Djordje Miholjcic to Intermediate Associate within Collision Reconstruction Group

30 Forensic Engineering, Canada’s leading and fully-independent multi-disciplinary forensics firm, is pleased to announce the promotion of Djordje Miholjcic B.A.Sc., P.Eng. to Intermediate Associate within the Collision Reconstruction Group.

Djordje Miholjcic B.A.Sc., P.Eng.
Intermediate Associate 
Collision Reconstruction

For over a half decade, Djordje has been focusing on collision reconstruction. He has conducted technical investigations pertaining to collision reconstruction along with research and analysis for technical projects. Djordje is a Member of the Professional Engineers of Ontario (PEO) and the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE). He graduated from the University of Toronto with a Bachelor in Applied Science (Materials Engineering) in 2015.

SPECIALIZED PROFESSIONAL COMPETENCIES

  • Motor Vehicle Accident Investigation and Reconstruction
  • Airbag Module Data Retrieval and Analysis
  • Restraint System Usage and Effectiveness Assessment
  • Collision Scene and Visibility Examinations
  • Simulation of Motor Vehicle Collisions

Mark Fabbroni B.A.Sc., M.A.Sc., P.Eng., Vice President & Practice Lead, Collision Reconstruction & Truckingstates: “Over the years we have seen Djordje grow professionally to a very capable expert who is able to handle any file that comes his way. Aside from his client work, Djordje has contributed to many internal projects, including a published research project, that have improved the team’s capabilities and made everyone around him better. He is truly a “homegrown” success story. We are proud to recognize his achievements and promote him to Intermediate Associate, and excited to watch him help lead the Collision Reconstruction team into the future.”

About 30 Forensic Engineering

30 Forensic Engineering is one of Canada’s largest and most respected multi-disciplinary forensic firms. Our core team of 70 Professional Investigators, Engineering Technicians and support staff is enhanced through relationships with some of the top scientists, standard-makers and specialized consultants in North America serving a wide variety of industries including: Insurance, Manufacturing, Legal, Construction, Health Care, Commercial and Residential Property, Financial, Government, Hospitality, Mining, Renewable Energy and Transportation.

We provide world-class engineering and consulting expertise in:

Civil/Structural Failure
Building and Fire Code
Geotechnical and Mining
Biomechanics & Personal Injury
Human Factors
Collision Reconstruction
Transportation Safety
Renewable Energy
Environmental Health & Safety
Multi-disciplinary Remediation
Materials & Product Failure / Piping & HVAC
Fire / Electrical & Explosion investigations
Trucking

The Canadian Lawyer Magazine readership acknowledged 30 Forensic Engineering as their top choice in both forensic engineering categories:

For further information and media inquiries, please contact:

Paul Aquino, Director, Marketing
paquino@30fe.com

For confidential inquiries on becoming a member of the 30 Forensic Engineering team, please contact:

Stephanie d’Obrenan, Senior Manager, People and Culture
sdobrenan@30fe.com

30 Forensic Engineering Promotes Harrison Griffiths to Intermediate Associate within Collision Reconstruction Group

30 Forensic Engineering, Canada’s leading and fully-independent multi-disciplinary forensics firm, is pleased to announce the promotion of Harrison Griffiths B.Sc.E, P.Eng. to Intermediate Associate within the Collision Reconstruction Group.


Harrison Griffiths B.Sc.E, P.Eng.
Intermediate Associate
Collision Reconstruction

Since joining 30 Forensic Engineering in 2015, Harrison has performed many investigations in relation to motor vehicle collisions including field examination and data collection from collision sites, vehicles, and has completed comparative experimental testing. Harrison is a member of the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) and recognized as a Professional Engineer in the Province of Ontario. He graduated from Queen’s University with a Bachelor of Science and Engineering (Mechanical) in 2012.

SPECIALIZED PROFESSIONAL COMPETENCIES

  • Motor Vehicle Collision Reconstruction
  • Retrieval and Interpretation of Passenger Vehicle and Heavy Truck ‘Blackbox’ data
  • Restraint System Usage and Effectiveness Assessment
  • Research and Testing of Vehicle Dynamics
  • Computer Simulations and Animations of Collisions

Mark Fabbroni B.A.Sc., M.A.Sc., P.Eng.
Vice President & Practice Lead
Collision Reconstruction & Trucking

Mark Fabbroni B.A.Sc., M.A.Sc., P.Eng., Vice President & Practice Lead, Collision Reconstruction & Trucking states: “The positive attitude Harrison brings to the office is infectious, and his calm, mature approach to issues facing the team show a wisdom beyond his years. I have no doubt that Harrison is one of the future leaders of this firm, and it gives me great pleasure to acknowledge his promotion to Intermediate Associate.”

About 30 Forensic Engineering

30 Forensic Engineering is one of Canada’s largest and most respected multi-disciplinary forensic firms. Our core team of 70 Professional Investigators, Engineering Technicians and support staff is enhanced through relationships with some of the top scientists, standard-makers and specialized consultants in North America serving a wide variety of industries including: Insurance, Manufacturing, Legal, Construction, Health Care, Commercial and Residential Property, Financial, Government, Hospitality, Mining, Renewable Energy and Transportation.

We provide world-class engineering and consulting expertise in:

Civil/Structural Failure
Building and Fire Code
Geotechnical and Mining
Biomechanics & Personal Injury
Human Factors
Collision Reconstruction
Transportation Safety
Renewable Energy
Environmental Health & Safety
Multi-disciplinary Remediation
Materials & Product Failure / Piping & HVAC
Fire / Electrical & Explosion investigations
Trucking

The Canadian Lawyer Magazine readership acknowledged 30 Forensic Engineering as their top choice in both forensic engineering categories:

For further information and media inquiries, please contact:

Paul Aquino, Director, Marketing
paquino@30fe.com

For confidential inquiries on becoming a member of the 30 Forensic Engineering team, please contact:

Stephanie d’Obrenan, Senior Manager, People and Culture
sdobrenan@30fe.com

30 Forensic Engineering Strengthens Collision Reconstruction Group with the Appointment of Derek Wong

30 Forensic Engineering, Canada’s leading and fully-independent multi-disciplinary forensics firm, is pleased to announce that Derek Wong B.Sc., B.A.Sc. has joined the firm as Associate with our Collision Reconstruction Group.

Derek first studied at Dalhousie University, obtaining a Bachelor of Science in 2011. After graduation, he worked in the pulp and paper industry, before deciding to return to school. Combining his lifelong passion for vehicles, and desire to understand how things work, Derek completed a Bachelor of Applied Science, Mechanical Engineering, with an Automotive Specialization at the University of Windsor in 2017.

“Derek is an absolute gear-head in the best sense of the term. We have no doubt that his natural mechanical intuition and background will make him a great collision reconstructionist.” stated Mark Fabbroni, Vice President & Practice Lead, Collision Reconstruction & Trucking.

About 30 Forensic Engineering

30 Forensic Engineering is one of Canada’s largest and most respected multi-disciplinary forensic firms. Our core team of 65 Professional Investigators, Engineering Technicians and support staff is enhanced through relationships with some of the top scientists, standard-makers and specialized consultants in North America serving a wide variety of industries including: Insurance, Manufacturing, Legal, Construction, Health Care, Commercial and Residential Property, Financial, Government, Hospitality, Mining, Renewable Energy and Transportation.

We provide world-class engineering and consulting expertise in:

Civil/Structural Failure
Building and Fire Code
Geotechnical and Mining
Biomechanics Personal Injury
Human Factors
Collision Reconstruction
Transportation Safety
Renewable Energy
Environmental Health & Safety
Multi-disciplinary Remediation
Materials & Product Failure / Piping & HVAC
Fire / Electrical & Explosion investigations
Trucking

The Canadian Lawyer Magazine readership acknowledged 30 Forensic Engineering as their top choice in both forensic engineering categories:

        

30 Forensic Engineering Expands Collision Reconstruction Group with the Appointment of Heather Aitken

30 Forensic Engineering, Canada’s leading and fully-independent multi-disciplinary forensics firm, is pleased to announce the appointment of Heather Aitken, E.I.T., B.Sc., B.Eng. as Associate within our Collision Reconstruction Group.

Heather holds a Bachelor of Engineering with a focus in Mechanical Engineering, and an Honours Bachelor of Science in Human Kinetics. In her role at 30 Forensic Engineering, Heather will analyze collisions involving different types of vehicles, including automobiles, trucks, light rail vehicles, bicycles, motorcycles, and other types of heavy machinery.

Prior to starting her career in Forensic Engineering, Heather worked in transportation with a focus on the design and testing of Light Rail Vehicles. She has also worked in the aerospace and health care sectors. Heather currently serves as Director for the non-profit WTS (Women’s Transportation Seminar) Canadian Education Foundation and is active in promoting women’s advancement in Engineering fields.

“Heather’s commitment to learning and ability to see the big picture will make her a success at handling the types of complex, multi-disciplinary investigations that we at 30 Forensic Engineering excel at. We know Heather will be a great resource for our valued clients going forward.” Stated Mark Fabbroni, Vice President & Practice Lead, Collision Reconstruction & Trucking.

About 30 Forensic Engineering

30 Forensic Engineering is one of Canada’s largest and most respected multi-disciplinary forensic firms. Our core team of 65 Professional Investigators, Engineering Technicians and support staff is enhanced through relationships with some of the top scientists, standard-makers and specialized consultants in North America serving a wide variety of industries including: Insurance, Manufacturing, Legal, Construction, Health Care, Commercial and Residential Property, Financial, Government, Hospitality, Mining, Renewable Energy and Transportation.

We provide world-class engineering and consulting expertise in:

Civil/Structural Failure
Building and Fire Code
Geotechnical and Mining
Biomechanics Personal Injury
Human Factors
Collision Reconstruction
Transportation Safety
Renewable Energy
Environmental Health & Safety
Multi-disciplinary Remediation
Materials & Product Failure / Piping & HVAC
Fire / Electrical & Explosion investigations
Trucking

The Canadian Lawyer Magazine readership acknowledged 30 Forensic Engineering as their top choice in both forensic engineering categories:

        

Cyclist was in driver’s blind spot, defence crash specialist testifies

‘[Victim] would have been in the driver’s blind spot,’ senior collision reconstructionist tells court

The truck involved in the crash that killed Ottawa cyclist Nusrat Jahan didn’t have side guards. (CBC)

A collision reconstructionist called by the defence at the trial examining the cycling death of Nusrat Jahan says the driver of the construction truck would not have seen her when they were stopped at a red light in downtown Ottawa.

Steven Conley, 40, has pleaded not guilty to criminal negligence causing death and dangerous driving causing death.

Jahan, a 23-year-old student originally from Bangledesh, was cycling to school on the morning of Sept. 1, 2016, when the truck struck her at the intersection of Laurier Avenue W. and Lyon Street just before 8 a.m., pinning her under its rear wheels.

Mark Paquette, a senior collision reconstructionist with 30 Forensic Engineering in Toronto, conducted a blind spot analysis of the fatal collision for the defence team.

Paquette has been a forensic engineer for 10 years, developing specialities in reconstructing vehicle collisions of both cars and commercial vehicles and analyzing driver blind spots.

He has not yet been qualified as an expert by Ontario Court Justice David Berg.

Tested blind spot

In late May, Paquette went to an Ottawa parking lot with the same Tomlinson vehicle involved in the collision.

Paquette placed himself in the driver’s seat and adjusted his seating position to Conley’s height.

An assistant put a rod equal to Jahan’s height to the right side of the passenger door. The rod was moved back in increments in order to determine at what point the rod was no longer visible to the driver.

The engineer then layered that data over 3D photographs from the fatal intersection — including the stop lines as they were at the time of the crash.

Paquette concluded that when Conley and Jahan were stopped at the red light, the driver couldn’t see Jahan on her bicycle.

Nusrat Jahan, 23, was struck by a truck and killed while cycling on Laurier Avenue West on Sept. 1, 2016.(courtesy of family)

“Ms. Jahan would have been in the driver’s blind spot, she would have not been visible to Mr. Conley when they were both stopped at the stop line on the red light,” Paquette testified.

Bike stop lines moved since collision

At the time of the collision there was a 1.77-metre separation between the bicycle and vehicle painted stop lines marked on Laurier Avenue W.

After Jahan’s death the city moved the stop lines, and there is now five metres of separation.

In court, defence lawyer Dominic Lamb asked Paquette if he agreed with the blind spot analysis conducted by Det.-Const. Greg Rhoden, who concluded that Conley would not have seen Jahan from the cab of his truck.

“I would agree with that,” Paquette replied.

Rhoden was replaced on the investigation for “unrelated reasons” and his replacement, Det.-Const. Alain Boucher, conducted a re-enactment at the fatal intersection.

Boucher’s report was revealed in court to contain several key mistakes, and Berg ruled Monday that Boucher wasn’t qualified as an expert witness, and both his testimony and report are inadmissible.

Paquette told court Boucher’s finding that Conley would have been able to see Jahan was “incorrect” because he used a stand-in driver taller than Conley and used an incorrect location of the bicycle stop line.