THOMAS J. LEPPER

Automotive Expert

Over 14 years experience as a consultant, inspector and tester within the automotive industry. More than 8 years experience as a forensic automotive consultant for nationally known insurance companies and law firms.  Qualified to testify in the Superior Court for the State of California.

AREAS OF EXPERTISE Brake Systems and Failures Tire Separations and Failures Fire Cause and Origin Theft and Forced Entry Issues	Steering and Suspension Systems Seat Belt and Air Bag Issues Mechanical Defects Throttle/Unwanted Acceleration Issues
PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS AND LICENSES Southern Association of Technical Accident Investigators California Conference of Arson Investigators Sports Car Club of America (S.C.C.A.) National Competition License Sports Car Club of America (S.C.C.A.) Pro Competition License National Auto Sports Association (N.A.S.A.) Pro Racing License Completed over 800 hours towards California Private Investigator's license.
EDUCATION   Automotive and Aviation Safety, Sytems and Design Education University of California, Irvine, California Completed double major course work - graduation expected graduation date in 2001 Additional Accredited Training National Police Training Institute - Tire Failure and Analysis Lee S. Cole Automotive Fire School Southern Association of Technical Accident Investigations - Mechanics of Low Speed Impact (Actual Demonstrations) - Accident Reconstructions National Institute of Forensics Studies - Traffic Accident Scene Documentation and Damaged Vehicle Inspection Methodologies
PROFESSIONAL HISTORY
1993 - Present, FORENSIC, AUTOMOTIVE BRAKES AND TIRE EXPERT Automotive consultation has been performed for major nationwide insurance companies, nationally known rental car companies, and law firms.  Consultations have included but are not limited to: Investigation of vehicle failures and defeats; including brakes, fuel, and suspension systems, tires - including tread separations and other manufacturing defeats, air bag and seat belt issues, fire cause and origin, and theft. Qualified witness in Superior Court, State of California Conducted and participated in over 3,000 investigations consisting of field inspection and scene measurement Report and correspondence generation Documentation review and analysis Extensive photograph and video experience
1987 - Present, CONSULTANT, VEHICLE/TIRE SPECIALIST Independent tire testing and design consultant for Toyo Tires, Goodyear Tires, Tokico Shocks, and B.F. Goodrich Tires.
1986-1988, OWNER, TOAD HOLLOW AUTO REPAIR Full service car auto repair facility located in Martinez, California. Race care design and preparation
1978-1982, INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR Race car driver, race car technical inspections, technical race car performance, repair and development work.

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