ATA Associates Announces Ten Noteworthy Engineering Cases of 2009 (Click to see list)
ATA Associates Offers Free Product Liability Case Consultations
ATA Associates is offering free consultations for product liability cases. A $250 value, experts experienced in marine, aviation, petrochemical, automotive and product failures will analyze and advise clients on a case's merits.
Houston, TX (PRWEB) November 12, 2009 -- In recent years, ATA has built its reputation as experts in trucking accident reconstruction. Having worked hundreds of heavy trucking cases involving issues ranging from mechanical failure and defective components, to driver error, ATAs expertise is second to none. ATAs legal, insurance and industry clients rely on the company to deliver reliable solutions to their litigation problems.
To emphasize its capabilities outside of trucking, ATA Associates is offering potential product liability clients a free case consultation with an engineering expert. A $250 value, this hour-long consultation can be conducted by phone or in the office and includes an elementary review of supporting materials.
According to CEO, Bob Swint, We are often asked if we do more than trucking accident reconstruction. The answer is a resounding, Yes. In our thirty-five years in business, we have seen and done it all in accident analysis. Boating, aviation, railroad, petrochemical, product liability-- you name the industry and I can tell you how we have applied our engineering and consulting services successfully.
ATA Associates understands that when product failure occurs, the stakes are high. Whether your interest is in minimizing liability or maximizing damages it utilize the best experts in the industry, the most advanced facility of its kind in Texas, and its systematic forensic investigation process to provide clients with the insights and testimony needed to get results.
Said Swint, We are pleased to spend our valuable time reviewing tough cases with our clients. Their success matters to us. If we cant help a client, we will happily find someone who can. We feel so strongly about delivering the best service possible, we also proudly offer a Client Service Guarantee.
To schedule your free consultation, please contact Project Manager, Stephanie Thiem at 281-480-9847.
About ATA Associates, Inc.
ATA Associates is a leading provider of accident reconstruction, product failure analysis and technical consulting services. ATA has created animations for architectural, mechanical, civil, electrical and engineering projects, to name only a few. Computer graphics, 3-D animations, High Definition video, and photography are used to make accurate, clear, and memorable teaching tools. ATA does it all with a level of expertise and integrity unparalleled in our field.
ATA Associates Conducts Low Speed Crash Tests
ATA Associates, Inc., an accident reconstruction and forensic engineering company, performed multiple rear and frontal low speed crash tests at its technology center in Texas.
Houston, TX (PRWEB) October 22, 2009 -- On Friday October 16, ATA Associates, Inc. conducted low speed automobile crash tests for an audience of invited guests in the high bay of the ATA facilities near the Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas. Four in-line crashes were staged in which a "bullet" vehicle struck a stationary "target" vehicle in the rear. Bullet vehicle speeds ranged from 5.1 mph to 10.2 mph. In the first two tests, a 1996 Ford Taurus 4-door sedan (curb weight 3,330 lbs) served as the target and was struck by a 1992 Ford Escort 2-door hatchback (curb weight 2,400 lbs). In the final two tests, the vehicles' bullet and target roles were reversed, and the Escort was struck by the Taurus.
In all four tests, a 3-axis accelerometer set, mounted on the floorboard of the Taurus just ahead of the front seat, monitored the collision-induced accelerations and decelerations of that vehicle. In addition, an instrumented live subject in the driver's seat of the Taurus provided data on the inertial reactions of the human body to the collision impacts. Jody Haselbarth, an experienced motion picture stuntwoman and a veteran of several previous tests at ATA, wore a 3-axis accelerometer set on her chest and a second 3-axis accelerometer set on her head to provide the body response data.
The tests were documented on video from multiple camera angles. After each test, ATA's guests, which included attorneys, safety professionals and law enforcement officers were provided with an immediate review of the data and video that had just been recorded.
According to CEO Bob Swint, "Testing is an important part of what we do as scientists and experts. Testing helps us answer difficult questions and provide solid answers for our legal and industrial clients. ATA's facility is unique in the Houston area. With our 7,500-sq. ft. high bay, ten-ton overhead crane, and 10,000-pound capacity vehicle lift, we are well equipped to perform all manner of testing."
If you would like to be invited to our next seminar, join ATA's newsletter and e-mail list. Send contact information to bluntl (at) ataassociates (dot) com to be included.
About ATA Associates, Inc.
ATA Associates is a leading provider of accident reconstruction, product failure analysis and technical consulting services. ATA has created animations for architectural, mechanical, civil, electrical and engineering projects, to name only a few. Computer graphics, 3-D animations, High Definition video, and photography are used to make accurate, clear, and memorable teaching tools. ATA does it all with a level of expertise and integrity unparalleled in our field.
ATA Associates Awarded Government Contract
ATA Associates awarded contract to produce three-dimensional computer models for the Ira C. Eaker Center for Professional Development at the Maxwell Air Force Base in Alabama.
Houston, TX (PRWEB) September 16, 2009 -- Founded by former NASA engineer, Bob Swint, ATA Associates provides forensic engineering and animation services in a variety of technical industries. ATA was awarded a contract to produce classroom training material for the Ira C. Eaker Center at the Maxwell Air Force Base in Alabama. Eaker Center's mission is to provide the highest quality, multi-disciplined professional continuing education and technical training to Air Force, Department of Defense (DOD), and International students.
The models will simulate on-base and off-base conditions and will be used in teaching incident and accident response scenarios in the Air Force Incident Management Course in the Commanders' Professional Development School.
According to, Swint, "ATA Associates has been in the accident reconstruction business for over 35 years. In our work, using graphics and animation is a very effective way to realistically show accidents. We are pleased to share our engineering and animation expertise with the Air Force."
About ATA Associates, Inc.
ATA Associates is a leading provider of accident reconstruction, product failure analysis and technical consulting services. ATA has created animations for architectural, mechanical, civil, electrical and engineering projects, to name only a few. Computer graphics, 3-D animations, High Definition video, and photography are used to make accurate, clear, and memorable teaching tools. ATA does it all with a level of expertise and integrity unparalleled in our field.
ATA Associates Congratulates Bush & Ramirez, L.L.C. on Zero Liability Verdict
Bush & Ramirez, L.L.C., a general civil and commercial trial practice with special expertise in litigation, and ATA Associates Inc., an accident reconstruction and forensic engineering company, successfully defend Texan Eagle Transportation, Inc. in lawsuit.
Houston, TX (PRWEB) August 20, 2009 -- ATA Associates is pleased to offer its congratulations to Bush & Ramirez, L.L.C. for or a zero liability verdict for Texan Eagle in Charles Lemmond vs. Texan Eagle Transportation Inc., A Texas Corporation; Carlos Aguilar; and Gallery Furniture (No. 2006-23345, District Court of Harris County, Texas, 215th Judicial District).
Truck driver Carlos Aguilar backed his trailer into a Gallery Furniture loading bay hitting and injuring plaintiff Charles Lemmond. An aggressive defense by John Ramirez revealed Lemmond's lack of compliance with workplace safety rules and training procedures. The jury found Lemmond violated best safety practices and put no fault on Texan Eagle and Aguilar.
ATA Associates provided accident reconstruction services, visiting the site and determining visibility issues through 3-D re-creations. Technical animations clearly showed Aguilar's adherence to proper backing procedures as well as the limited visibility of the loading dock area.
About Bush & Ramirez, L.L.C.:
Bush & Ramirez, L.L.C. is an "AV" rated Houston law firm. The firm includes Shareholders, William S. Bush and John A. Ramirez. Firm Associates include Jason Bath, Christopher "Chay" LeUnes, Amanda Keiser, Megan Ardoin, Charlotte A. Fields, Stephen Ricks, Thomas Taylor, James J. Thorpe, Keith Weir, and Ken Woodard. Bush & Ramirez, L.L.C. has special expertise in the representation of transportation clients throughout Texas. The firm's attorneys have the experience to handle a wide variety of cases, from simple cargo claims, to accidents involving multiple fatalities. The firm's attorneys are members of several state and national transportation organizations.
About ATA Associates, Inc.
ATA Associates is a leading provider of accident reconstruction, product failure analysis and technical consulting services. ATA does it all with a level of expertise and integrity unparalleled in our field. In fact, ATA Associates has provided expert witness services to defense and plaintiff attorneys for over 30 years earning a level of credibility unsurpassed in the industry.
ATA Testing on Directional Tires Published
Houston, TX (PRWEB) August 6, 2009 -- ATA Associates' paper "Effect of Directional Tires on Wet Traction" was recently published by Rubber and Plastic News in their July 27th 2009 Technical Notebook. Written by ATA's Bob Swint and Ed Fritsch, in partnership with Bobby Unser and Harold Herzlich, the paper describes tests looking for quantifiable differences in braking and handling performances related to the specific orientation of directional tires.
The study was litigation related and designed to test reversed rotation with regard to wet braking and wet lane change. At issue in Poole v. Pep Boys (No. 06-03657-E, District Court of Dallas County, Texas 101st Judicial District) was the claim that improper mounting of a directional tire was responsible for an unfortunate motor vehicle accident.
"ATA performed straight-line braking tests and lane change maneuvers with various brands of tires and plotted the trajectory of the vehicles. Testing at the site and two additional testing locations revealed no significant decrease in performance associated with directional tires and wet surface handling," according to Swint. The paper further addresses hydroplaning, tread depth and pattern, as well as the coefficient of friction of road surfaces.
"We are pleased to have our finding published in Rubber and Plastic News. As engineers and scientists, it is our responsibility to share our technical results with the public," said Swint.
Founded in 1971, Rubber & Plastics News serves rubber product manufacturers primarily engaged in the production of tires and inner tubes, rubber and plastic footwear, reclaimed rubber, rubber and plastic hose and belting, fabricated rubber products, rubber adhesives and wire and cable products.
For a copy of the paper please contact Lisa Blunt at bluntl(at)ataassociates(dot)com or 281-480-9847 or see www.rubbernews.com.
About ATA Associates, Inc.
ATA Associates is a leading provider of accident reconstruction, product failure analysis and technical consulting services. ATA does it all with a level of expertise and integrity unparalleled in our field. In fact, ATA Associates has provided expert witness services to defense and plaintiff attorneys for over 30 years earning a level of credibility unsurpassed in the industry. For additional information visit www.ataassociates.com
ATA Associates, Inc. Congratulates The Berry Firm on Poole v. Pep Boys Outcome
The Berry Firm, a defense and commercial trial law firm, and ATA Associates, Inc., an accident reconstruction and forensic engineering company, successfully defend Pep Boys in landmark tire case. Through extensive testing, the defense was able to show there was no significant impact on wet weather handling and braking associated with improper mounting of a single directional tire.
Houston, TX (PRWEB) July 30, 2009 -- ATA Associates is pleased to offer its congratulations to The Berry Firm for a zero liability verdict in Poole v. Pep Boys (No. 06-03657-E, District Court of Dallas County, Texas 101st Judicial District). The Berry Firm, lead by firm founder D. Bowen (Bo) Berry, successfully defended client, Pep Boys, against claims that irregular mounting of a directional tire was responsible for an unfortunate motor vehicle accident. The plaintiffs asserted that an incorrectly mounted tire caused the vehicle to lose control on a damp road surface resulting in a devastating crash.
Berry aggressively defended Pep Boys actions, assembling a team of experts knowledgeable about tires, vehicle handling, and road surfaces to name a few. Berry skillfully educated the jury on the nuances of tire design- specifically directional tires; factors affecting vehicle handling and loss of control; and the science behind hydroplaning.
ATA Associates performed tests looking for quantifiable differences in braking and handling performances related to the specific orientation of directional tires. ATA also characterized the topography of the accident site through survey and contracted with a special laboratory to make careful measurement of the pavement coefficient of friction at the site and two testing locations. Using investigational data, as well as, conventional tools of accident reconstruction, such as PC Crash, ATA Associates was able to build a technical case to refute the plaintiff's claim that improper mounting of a single directional tire was responsible for the car accident.
Ultimately, the jury found no negligence on Pep Boys part.
About The Berry Firm
The Berry Firm is a defense and commercial trial firm serving clients throughout Texas and Oklahoma. The firm's innovative approach and culture of team work are the foundations of its success. The firm's aggressive, individualized motion practice produces time and cost efficient results. Its extensive trial record sends the message that The Berry Firm will run, not walk to the courthouse. This reputation coupled with its assertive representation tends for force realistic evaluations by opponents and more favorable resolutions. For additional information visit www.berryfirm.com.
About ATA Associates, Inc.
ATA Associates is a leading provider of accident reconstruction, product failure analysis and technical consulting services. ATA does it all with a level of expertise and integrity unparalleled in our field. In fact, ATA Associates has provided expert witness services to defense and plaintiff attorneys for over 30 years earning a level of credibility unsurpassed in the industry. For additional information visit www.ataassociates.com
ATA Associates, Inc. forms new safety education company, Codega LLC, and signs ten year contract with the American Trucking Associations.
HOUSTON, TX - The catastrophic engineering firm, ATA Associates, recently formed Codega LLC, a company dedicated to providing creatively different and educationally significant training experiences. Focusing on motivation, reinforcement, retention and transference of information, Codega's training initiatives increase safety using alternative learning techniques.
According to Bob Swint, Founder of ATA Associates and Codega, "With ATA Associates' years of accident reconstruction and product liability experience, it is a natural fit to apply our knowledge to the safety training industry. In Venice, during the Middle Ages, a "Codega" was hired to guide you by lantern through the dark Venetian streets, warding off assailants and offering comfort and protection. That is what the Codega the company intends to do - guide and protect learners through challenging environments."
In recent years, ATA Associates has focused a lot of its effort on the heavy trucking industry, investigating thousands of accidents and supporting many prominent transportation companies. It comes as no surprise that ATA Associates sister company, Codega, has signed a ten year contract to develop training videos in conjunction with the American Trucking Associations.
The American Trucking Associations is dedicated to serving every facet of the trucking industry. Ensuring the industry's interests are promoted, improving the business climate for trucking companies, voicing trucking interests before Capitol Hill, and promoting safety and sound environmental policies, represent only some of the American Trucking Associations broad mission.
Codega is pleased to welcome Van O'Neal, former Director of Transportation Training at Houston Community College's (HCC) Division of Continuing Education, as its new President. Van was the founder of the Commercial Truck Driving program at HCC and has served as Chair for the Automotive and Logistics programs.
Codega and the American Trucking Associations look forward to presenting their first joint offering in early October at the American Trucking Associations annual Management Conference and Exhibition. The initial series of videos will address Pre and Post Trip Inspections, Visual Search, Hazardous Road Conditions and Basic Intersection Control.
For additional information, contact:
Codega
Van O'Neal, President
1301 Gemini
Houston, TX 77058
Phone: 281-480-9847
www.codegatraining.com.
ATA Associates
Bob Swint, CEO
1301 Gemini
Houston, TX 77058
Phone: 281-480-9847
www.ataassociates.com.
Accident Reconstruction Program Presented At Gulf Coast Fleet Maintenance Council
Houston, Texas (July 10, 2007) – John Sweatt and Stephanie Thiem, representatives of ATA Associates, an accident reconstruction engineering firm, recently presented a program, “Accident Scene Reconstruction” to over 30 members of the Gulf Coast Fleet Maintenance Council. The program was presented at the facilities of the Roland Smith Truck Driving School of the Houston Community College Northeast.
The Gulf Coast Fleet Maintenance Council is an organization dedicated to the practices and responsibilities of truck fleet maintenance as well as trucking operations in the Gulf Coast area. Large and small truck fleet operators, service and equipment suppliers, safety and health organizations, city and state work departments and police agencies comprise the membership.
The pair talked about how accident site surveys are created and used; Electronic Control Modules or ECMs and how the downloaded information is used to determine actions of the vehicle during the accident; and how gathered information is integrated and used to recreate the accident scenario for litigation and safety purposes. They also showed and discussed ATA's newly released truck driver training DVD – “The Road Series 2…After The Accident” , which discusses what truckers should do when involved in an accident. The DVD is part of a free truck driver training safety series developed by ATA Associates for the trucking industry.
For additional information regarding the program presentation or ATA Associates, Inc., call Stephanie Thiem at 281-480-9847, via e-mail at theism@ataassociates.com, or visit their website at: www.ataassociates.com.
Accident Reconstruction Firm Touts Successful Release of Free Truck Driver Training Program
Houston, Texas (July 17) – ATA Associates, an accident reconstruction engineering firm, confirmed the successful release of “The Road Series 2 …After the Accident,” a truck driver training DVD developed and offered at no charge to the trucking industry.
“The response by the trucking industry has been tremendous,” said Robert J. Swint, ATA's founder and CEO. “Truck companies nationwide have reviewed the program and given us positive feedback. Safety is a major concern to everyone who uses the highways, especially those who make their living on the roads.”
The success of the DVD program and also the first of the series – “The Road Series – A Simple Safety Session” has prompted ATA officials to begin planning a third program in the series. This new program will discuss Level 1 Vehicle Inspections and is slated for distribution this fall.
To obtain DVD copies of either or both of The Road Series programs or to pre-order the third in the series, contact Anita White at 281-480-9847, via e-mail at Whiteam@ataassociates.com or visit the website at www.ataassociates.com.
Successful Trucking Litigation Outcome for Houston Firm
Houston, Texas (February, 2005) – The value of thorough expert litigation support, including the use of both 2-dimensional and 3-dimensional graphic presentation methods, proved itself in a recent trial result.
“I didn't know how to express myself about what happened in the accident. ATA's animation did it for me,”
Those were the words of a commercial truck driver involved in a serious accident in which the driver's truck was forced into a collision with a vehicle by another car. At the trial, a jury found that, although the truck struck the plaintiff's car almost head-on, the trucking company bore no responsibility for the accident. The defense attorney for the case attributed the favorable outcome to the thorough accident investigation, forensics analysis and demonstrative aids presented at trial by ATA Associates.
“The unflappable testimony of ATA's accident reconstruction expert greatly contributed to the effort to convince the jury of our side of the story.” said the defense attorney. “The plaintiff's expert presented a conflicting theory that was not supported by the forensic evidence, nor did he present effective demonstrative aids at the trial.”
ATA Associates, Inc., located in Houston, Texas, is an accident reconstruction engineering firm specializing in trucking, automotive, boating, petrochemical and amusement ride cases.
Bobby Unser teams with accident reconstruction firm, ATA Associates.
HOUSTON, TX-- Mention the name Bobby Unser to the average person and winning auto races instantly comes to mind. Unser, a 3-time Indy 500 Champion, has compiled one of the most impressive lists of accomplishments in American racing history.
Unser’s accomplishments include: the first driver to record a 200 mph qualifying average speed in Indy car competition, 35 career Indy car wins, 49 Indy car pole positions, eight 500-mile Indy car victories, winnings over $2.6 million, 4 International Race of Champions (IROC) wins, and a record 13 Pikes Peak Hill Climb wins.
Unser will be busier and more successful than ever in his role as an automotive expert with ATA Associates (www.ataassociates.com).
Founded in 1974 by former NASA engineer Bob Swint, ATA Associates specializes in accident reconstruction, specialized testing, vehicle and product analysis, and litigation support. ATA’s experts use the latest forensic techniques to analyze car, truck, railroad, marine, industrial and heavy equipment failures.
Swint and Unser successfully collaborated on an Alfa Romeo case in the 1980s and are pleased to continue their partnership. “ATA Associates has developed a strategy for success and proven themselves to be real winners in litigation testing and support,” said Unser.
Engineers rave about the abilities of racing drivers to detect the smallest chassis malfunction while traveling at speeds well over 200 mph. And racing drivers marvel at an engineer’s knowledge of suspension technology. But a person with dual abilities is a renowned wizard. Bobby Unser is constantly referred to as the latter.
According to Swint, “Unser’s experience has taught him the complexities of human dynamics as they relate to automobile safety and design. Combining Unser’s knowledge of vehicle handling and performance, mechanical systems, seat restraints and suspension, with ATA’s engineering and analysis capabilities is a definite winning scenario.”
For additional information, or to request an "ATA and Bobby Unser…A Winning Team" CD, please contact:
Bob Swint, CEO
ATA Associates
1301 Gemini
Houston, TX 77058
Phone: 281-480-9847
Email: swintr@ataassociates.com
www.ataassociates.com
Bobby Unser
Bobby Unser Enterprises
7700 Central Ave. S.W.
Albuquerque, NM 87105
Phone: 505-831-1500