Mr. Christian A. Yates, M.S., P.E.
Alpha Engineering & Consulting, LLC
4530 St. Johns Ave., Suite 15 Unit 367
Jacksonville, FL 32210
Jacksonville, FL 32210
Mobile: 904-544-4055
Office: 904-544-6161
Office: 904-544-6161
Introduction
Mr. Yates is a Mechanical Engineering Expert with over 20 years of experience investigating thousands of cases related to a variety of forensic engineering issues. He specializes in accident reconstruction cases involving autos, tractor-trailers, bicycles, pedestrians, and other roadway related incidents. His expertise also includes seat belt analysis, occupant kinematics, product failure analysis, and electronic module downloads for both automobile airbag modules and tractor-trailer electronic control modules.
In addition to providing documentation, analysis, reports, and deposition and trial testimony in forensic matters, Mr. Yates has been involved in the design of various products including safety guards for grinders and band saws, port container handling systems, vehicle and boat storage systems, warehouse material handling systems, and material handling systems for shipboard use.
Areas of Expertise
- Accident Investigation
- Accident Reconstruction
- Automotive
- Bicycle
- Biomechanics
- Black Box/Data Recorder
- Bus & Truck Safety/Accident
- Demonstrative Evidence/Exhibits
- Design Engineering
- Equipment & Machinery
- Forensic Engineering
- Mapping & Surveying
- Mechanical Engineering
- Motorcycles
- Photogrammetry
- Products Liability
- Professional Engineering
- Robotics
- Safety Engineering
- Seat Belts & Air Bags
Expert Background
- Q: Please list your professional accreditations, degrees, licenses, and certificates granted:
- A: University of Florida, Gainesville, FL - 1999 - Master of Science, Mechanical Engineering
Specialization: Dynamics and Robotics
Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA - 1995 - Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering, with Honor
Specialization: Dynamic Systems and Design
Licensed Professional Engineer, Florida, #58819
Certified Counter Balanced Forklift Operator
FAA Remote Pilot, #4431670 - Q: Please list your affiliations or memberships in any professional and/or industry organizations:
- A: • Florida Engineering Society (FES)
• National Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE)
• American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME)
• National Association of Professional Accident Reconstruction Specialists (NAPARS)
• Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) - Q: Please list any teaching or speaking experience you have had, including subject matter:
- A: “Fieldwork Safety”, Quality Forensic Engineering, LLC, Tallahassee, FL, May 3, 2022
“Technology and Accident Reconstruction”, Florida Bar CLE#2009648N, 2021-2022
“Download and Analysis Techniques for Hyundai and Kia Vehicles”, Quality Forensic Engineering, LLC, Tallahassee, FL, December 1, 2021
“Engine Control Modules & Downloads”, Quality Forensic Engineering, LLC, Tallahassee, FL, December 1, 2021
"Fieldwork Safety”, Quality Forensic Engineering, LLC, Tallahassee, FL, July 7, 2021
“Toyota Techstream Download Capabilities”, Quality Forensic Engineering, LLC, Tallahassee, FL, December, 10, 2020
“Tractor Trailer Inspection 101”, Quality Forensic Engineering, LLC, Tallahassee, FL, July 23, 2020
“Berla iVe Overview”, Quality Forensic Engineering, LLC, Tallahassee, FL, July 23, 2020
“Fundamentals of CDR Downloads”, Quality Forensic Engineering, LLC, Tallahassee, FL, February 5, 2020
“ACM Repowering Rig and the CDR900”, Quality Forensic Engineering, LLC, Tallahassee, FL, February 5, 2020
“Fieldwork Safety”, Quality Forensic Engineering, LLC, Tallahassee, FL, February 5, 2020
Accident Reconstruction and Trucking Technologies, National Interstate Trucking Super Summit, St. Augustine, FL, May 16, 2016
All Data Energy Methods, Restraint Systems and Black Boxes, BEC Consulting, LLC, July 30, 2007
ACTAR Training, Benedict Engineering Company, March 2004
CDR Black Box Training, Benedict Engineering Company, September 23, 2003.
Airbag Black Boxes, Benedict Engineering Co., Inc., March 9, 2001
Accident Prevention Signs, FAMU-FSU School of Engineering, February 2000 - Q: Have any of your accreditations ever been investigated, suspended or removed? (if yes, explain)
- A: No
- Q: On how many occasions have you been retained as an expert?
- A: Approximately 1000
- Q: For what area(s) of expertise have you been retained as an expert?
- A: • Automobile Collisions
• Tractor / Trailer Collisions
• Bicycle Accidents
• Motorcycle Accidents
• Pedestrian Accidents
• Occupant Kinematics
• Black Box Analysis
• Tractor Trailer Electronic Control Modules (ECM)
• Product Failure Analysis
• Restraint System Analysis - Q: In what percentage of your cases were you retained by the plaintiff?
- A: Approximately 60%
- Q: In what percentage of your cases were you retained by the defendant?
- A: Approximately 40%
- Q: On how many occasions have you had your deposition taken?
- A: Rule 26 testimony list is available upon request.
- Q: When was the last time you had your deposition taken?
- A: Rule 26 testimony list is available upon request.
- Q: On how many occasions have you been qualified by a court to give expert testimony?
- A: Rule 26 testimony list is available upon request.
- Q: On how many occasions have you testified as an expert in court or before an arbitrator?
- A: Rule 26 testimony list is available upon request.
- Q: For how many years have you worked with the legal industry as an expert?
- A: ~25 years
- Q: What services do you offer? (E.g.: consulting, testing, reports, site inspections etc.)
- A: Chris Yates, PE is a consulting forensic engineer that specializes in reconstruction of accidents involving passenger vehicles, tractor-trailers, pedestrians, bicycles, and motorcycles as well as issues dealing with mechanical and design issues.
He uses the latest technology for documenting evidence and retrieving data including photo scanning, aerial drone imaging, and black box downloads. - Q: What is your hourly rate to consult with an attorney?
- A: $300
- Q: What is your hourly rate to review documents?
- A: $300
- Q: What is your hourly rate to provide deposition testimony?
- A: $300
- Q: What is your hourly rate to provide testimony at trial?
- A: $300
- Q: Please list any fees other than those stated above (E.g.: travel expenses, copy fees, etc.)
- A: Travel time is billed portal to portal and all travel expenses are billed. Evidence storage and the use of specialized equipment is billed. Please contact us for our fee schedule.
References
References upon request.