Motorcycle, ATV, UTV, Automobile, Failure Analysis

Specialties & Experience of this Expert Witness

Additional Information

Mr. Kittel is a board certified Forensic Engineer, registered Professional Engineer, and accident reconstruction expert with extensive experience investigating motor vehicle crashes and product failures across a wide range of transportation modes. He specializes in the reconstruction of accidents, and analysis of mechanical failures, involving motorcycles, ATVs, UTVs, and other powersport vehicles, as well as passenger cars, commercial vehicles, bicycles, and pedestrian involved crashes. Mr. Kittel’s accident reconstruction expertise includes vehicle dynamics, vehicle performance, time-distance analysis, perception-response, and operator behavior. His investigations frequently involve the evaluation of vehicle system failures or malfunctions, including braking systems, tires, seat belts, airbags, steering systems, and other safety-critical components. He also regularly addresses occupant kinematics, human factors, visibility analysis, and roadway or environmental conditions. His analyses are supported by physical evidence, vehicle inspections, data analysis, and industry accepted engineering principles and practices. In addition to accident reconstruction, Mr. Kittel performs detailed product failure analyses involving individual components as well as complex mechanical, hydraulic, and pneumatic systems. He has investigated failures for private parties and governmental agencies, including OSHA, and is experienced in evaluating whether a failure resulted from a design defect, manufacturing defect, maintenance issue, or operator error. His background in engineering design and manufacturing provides him with a strong foundation for identifying root causes of failures and assessing safety implications. Mr. Kittel previously served as a Senior Engineer in the Research and Development division of Honda Motor Corporation, where he worked on the development and testing of powersport vehicles, including motorcycles, ATVs, UTVs, and personal watercraft. His responsibilities included dynamic handling and stability testing, structural and fatigue analysis of safety-critical components, and post-production failure investigations. This experience gives him a comprehensive understanding of the product lifecycle, from concept and testing through production and post-market evaluation. As a result of his investigations and technical expertise, Mr. Kittel has been retained to provide expert testimony in cases nationwide and internationally. He has worked with both plaintiff and defense counsel and has been qualified as an expert witness in state and federal courts. His testimony experience includes mechanical engineering, accident reconstruction, vehicle dynamics, and motorcycle operation and riding practices. Mr. Kittel is known for providing clear, well-supported opinions that are understandable to judges and juries and that withstand rigorous cross-examination.