Find It! Without Bias.
Have confidence in the answers you get from the company many have come to trust.
How do you know you found it? Get your answers explained and backed up by the facts.
I find Nederveld to be the best engineering firm to deal with due to promptness and directly addressing issues. — Satisfied Client
Finding the Facts Exposes the Truth
From the time the assignment comes in, there are people helping you, walking you thru the process, and having a continual conversation to figure out what’s best for you. We will do the work to find the answers. In fact, we will help you find the right questions.
Did you ever wonder: Did they get my assignment? Who is the engineer/ fire investigator? When is the evaluation scheduled for? Who can I ask all these questions?
Every day we are maintaining communication with you so you know what’s going on with your assignment.
Our Promise
Intentional Communication
Reliable Service
Justifiable Conclusions
Your Praise
We appreciate any time we can continue a strong partnership that is good for both sides. We appreciate companies that share our pursuit of excellent performance and pride in being knowledgeable and providing great service. — Satisfied Client
I really appreciated the quick responses to messages and phone calls that I had. I look forward to doing business again. — Satisfied Client
We have been extremely impressed with the follow up, response time and reporting from your organization. Your engineer has been great to work with as he provided us with exactly what was needed in an unprecedented amount of time. I will recommend Nederveld to my colleagues and clients and I look forward to us working together on future assignments. — Satisfied Client
Structural Evaluations
Understanding structures and the issues that can lead to problems and failures.
Storms, lack of maintenance, installation issues and design failures can all affect how a structure performs or when damage occurs. Determining the cause of structural problems requires the understanding of proper design, construction methods, materials utilized and how they all interact in a structure.
Our structural engineers have years of experience with projects ranging from multi-story institutional and commercial structures to large petrochemical farms and chemical containment structures. They have worked on industrial, commercial and residential structures with concrete, steel, masonry and timber construction.
Their experience with structural design and hands-on construction management gives them an exceptional understanding of the issues that can lead to problems and failures in structures. Whether you need assistance before or during construction, after severe weather, or any time damage has been reported, Nederveld is ready to help.
- Basement Evaluation
- Building Crack/Movement
- Building Envelope
- Building/Roof Collapse
- Construction Defects
- Construction Vibration Damage
- Design Review
- Document Review
- Exterior Insulation & Finish System (EIFS)
- Flooring
- Foundation
- Hail Damage
- Ice Dams
- Retaining Wall Failure
- Roof Evaluation
- Truss/Rafter
Fire & Explosion
Providing You with a Comprehensive Investigation
Sifting through a fire loss can get complicated quickly. Knowing that your fire investigator can handle any situation they encounter is invaluable.
I am extremely happy with the product provided and the level of service provided was absolutely top notch. Your fire investigator was extremely kind, professional, approachable, and his communication skills are unmatched. The product value and knowledge your fire investigator adds to the Nederveld Team should be used as a threshold for all.
Satisfied Client
Determining the cause of a fire or explosion requires experts analyzing multiple factors and how they interact. Nederveld’s investigators always provide a level of confidence and trust that will exceed your expectations. Their experience detecting the presence or absence of arson and subrogation possibilities allows us to provide a comprehensive investigation in the most cost-efficient manner for all of your fire investigations.
When necessary, our investigators are also supported by in-house examination and testing laboratories for product testing or multi-party meetings as well as a staff of mechanical, electrical and structural engineers to assist in the laboratory or at the loss location. Our experts have been lead investigators in several areas.
- Commercial Properties
- Industrial Properties
- Residential Properties
- Vehicles
- Watercraft/Recreational Vehicles
- Explosion Investigations
- Fire Protection/Sprinkler System Evaluation
- Much More!
Electrical Evaluations
Complex electrical systems in commercial and residential structures or products can be affected by improper design, faulty workmanship, power surges, lightning strikes and more.
Electrical issues are often blamed for product failures, fire losses and more. Whether you’re looking at a product or an entire structure, our experts have extensive experience examining electrical systems in commercial or residential structures, code concerns, lightning strikes, power surges and more.
- Component Testing
- HVAC & Plumbing Equipment
- Boat / Watercraft
- Industrial Accidents & Explosions
- Machinery
- Investigation of Service Performed
- Review of Repair Cost Estimates
- Personal Injury
- Expert Witness
- Tire Evaluations
- Passenger Vehicle
Mechanical Evaluations
Determining if the damage was caused by a manufacturer defect, design flaw or accident requires a superior understanding of product mechanics.
Product and mechanical failures can be the source of serious injuries and extensive property damage. Years of experience with a variety of mechanical issues has given our experts a unique perspective on patterns of failure and how they could or could not relate to the loss.
Whether you’re looking at a machine that caused injuries to an employee or a product that is believed to be the source of water loss, our expert mechanical engineers are skilled at conducting initial examinations at the scene and recognizing when further steps could support subrogation. When needed, our engineers can conduct detailed product inspections, set proper protocols for destructive or non-destructive testing, or conduct multi-party inspections at our examination and testing facility.
- Commercial and Industrial Machinery
- Generators
- Fire Suppression Systems
- Electric Chair Lifts
- Large Electric Garage Doors
- Water Heaters
- Dishwashers
- Washers and Dryers
- Well Pumps
- Much More!
HVAC Solutions
Resolution using facts, relevant data, and accurate conclusions.
Providing you with Actionable HVAC Solutions is a better service at a better value.
Our collective HVAC experience of white collar knowledge with blue collar know-how, makes Nederveld a nationwide leader. In July of 2021 First Point Consulting became part of Nederveld Inc. – read more. This brings national expertise in Actionable HVAC Solutions to the Nederveld team.
For professionals working in the various property sectors; HVAC is often the source of challenges. From maintenance reviews for property managers to post-loss damage consultation for insurance adjusters and everything in between Nederveld can eliminate those challenges.
Consulting Services
Whether it is for remote project management, an insurance claim, or a maintenance audit; Nederveld understands the importance of setting the proper precedent. Early engagement of our services ensures your organization’s objectives will be met on time and on budget.
Field Services
At Nederveld our most important assets are the skilled tradesmen, engineers, and specialists we deploy. The battle-tested expertise they demonstrate is enhanced by long standing HVAC industry relationships.
Technical & Support Services
As masters of the trade, Nederveld applies extensive industry knowledge to create effective and efficient solutions for your organization’s HVAC related problems. We understand that every client has different needs and whether you face a one-off challenge or need a customized program, your organization will benefit from our support.
Services
- Property Inspections
- Peril Validations
- Pre-Loss Valuation
- Risk Engineering
- Desktop Evaluations
- Custom Desk Reviews
- Loss Control
- Diagnostics
- Repair
- Replacement
- Equipment Cataloging
- Data Retrieval
- Due Diligence
- Project Management
- Engineering
- Scope Vetting
- Bid Prep
- Help Desk
- Quantification
- Salvage Assistance
- Litigation Support
Applications
- Commercial
- Industrial
- Process
- Data Centers
- Historical
- Green Buildings
- Medical
Systems
- Air Cooled, Make-Up Air
- Water Cooled, Ventilation Systems
- Split Systems, Controls
- Gas Fired, Duct Systems
- Packaged Units, Piping Systems
- Ductless, Steam Systems
- VRF, Burners
- Chillers, Boilers
- Refrigeration
How does Nederveld deliver superior outcomes?
Real Relationships. Real Results.
The value of any consulting firm lies in its ability to apply expert knowledge to client problems in a way that delivers on assignment objectives.
Knowledge. Know-how. Experience.
Offering the perfect mix of science, knowledge, and real-world application with unique perspectives on specific HVAC units, we have shifted the paradigm in HVAC consulting. Our accurate field data further enhanced by expert analysis translates to informed decisions by our clients
We are more than engineers, more than technicians, and more than consultants. We are problem solvers. Whatever challenge you face, if it involves HVAC, your first point of contact should be Nederveld.
Vehicle Event Evaluations
Providing an affordable solution that preserves evidence and valuable collision-related data through our Low Velocity Impact (LVI) Centers.
A CDR (Crash Data Retrieval) Report along with photographic documentation is delivered via email within 48 hours of completion.
Nederveld uses a combination of EDR (Event Data Recorder) system data, and a 360°-photographic method, to provide a high-quality examination documentation product at an affordable price.
Individuals involved in many minor damage incidents may initially report to law enforcement as non-injurious PDO events, with passengers later reporting or claiming injury. While incidents that result in fatalities or significant injury at the scene provide clear insight into the potential for tort exposure or a claim, incidents of a more minor nature may not have such obvious signs that a claim or lawsuit is imminent. Oftentimes, when an adjuster receives notice that a potential claim exists, the valuable evidence from the incident may no longer exist. Additionally, an attorney may have a client that seeks representation, but the collision data may not be at hand to properly evaluate the legitimacy of the claim.
In response, Nederveld has developed Low Velocity Impact (LVI) Centers to provide Vehicle Event Evaluations. This high-quality examination documentation product is an affordable solution that preserves evidence and valuable collision-related data for incidents of a minor to more severe (drive-away) nature.
LVI Center Experience
As our client, you may contact us for the arrangement of your client’s vehicle drop-off at one of our LVI Center locations. Once they arrive for their vehicle inspection appointment, they will fill out a reception form. We will pull the vehicle into one of our inspection docks, concluding within 1 hour, in most cases.
Document
Nederveld technicians provide the following:
- A detailed exterior inspection of the vehicle.
- Measurable photographic documentation of the vehicle exterior.
- Documentation of trunk and/or engine compartment for evidence of structural damage.
- Documentation of bumper brackets and reinforcement bars for evidence of damage.
- Documentation of seatbelt operation and emergency locking capabilities.
- Documentation of occupant seating positions.
Download
- Nederveld technician performs imaging download of vehicle’s Event Data Recorder (if supported; not all vehicles supported, feel free to call ahead at no obligation to check on download support).
Modern vehicles have sophisticated electronics that can record a collision event utilizing an Event Data Recorder (EDR) device.
Nederveld technicians and engineers are highly trained in the download of EDR data from passenger vehicles and heavy commercial vehicles. This provides you, the client, with the assurance that a proper and non-destructive download occurred to preserve valuable collision-related evidence.
Deliver
Nederveld provides the following to you via email within 48 hours of completing the service:
- PDF version of photographs (raw photographs maintained by Nederveld for 3 years or as arranged with client).
- PDF version of the CDR Report or other format of ACM download report (raw files maintained by Nederveld for 3 years or as arranged with client).
- Access the Nederveld Client Portal where you can view and download the information as needed (raw files maintained by Nederveld for 3 years or as arranged with client).
LVI Center Locations
By appointment only; contact us at 800.222.1868 or email forensic@nederveld.com to schedule today.
Grand Rapids, Michigan
Denver, Colorado
Remote Service
Remote service is available
for an additional fee.
How does Nederveld deliver superior outcomes?
Real Relationships. Real Results.
The value of any consulting firm lies in its ability to apply expert knowledge to client problems in a way that delivers on assignment objectives.
Vehicle Accident Reconstruction
Engineering experience that fully understands the physics involved with collision analysis for crash data retrieval, vehicle inspections or complete accident reconstruction.
Providing you with the Vehicle Deformation Analysis Method to determine total velocity change.
Experienced in collision reconstruction, Nederveld is a nationwide leader. In August of 2020 OEC Forensics became part of Nederveld Inc – read more. This brings national expertise with over 20 years of collision analysis experience to the Nederveld team.
Vehicle Photo (L) Compared to Digitized Point Cloud (R)
State-of-the-art Analysis
Cutting-edge testing and documentation equipment coupled with accurate, high-level analysis methods.
Determining the cause of an accident or vehicle malfunction can be difficult. Everyone involved has varying accounts of events, there are multiple site and roadway factors to consider as well as a variety of electrical and mechanical components in a vehicle’s confined space.
Our team of experts includes mechanical and civil engineers and an ASE Master Technician for a combination of practical experience and engineering background. We are adept at analyzing collisions involving any number and combination of passenger vehicles, commercial vehicles, motorcycles, off-road motor vehicles, bicycles, trains, pedestrians, and more.
Examining the involved vehicles and the site of the incident, our engineers carefully document roadway evidence, geometry, and conditions as well as damage to the vehicles. The investigation process also includes documenting incident scenes and the vehicles with state-of-the-art High Definition Survey (HDS) Scanning to create photo-realistic 3D point clouds and full 3D visualizations of collision events and downloading any “black box” event data related to the incident. From speed determination and site distances to crush analysis and velocity potential, our team will make sure you get the facts you need.
Our rapid response team is available on call to respond to a collision event anytime, anywhere. Contact us to find out how the Nederveld rapid response team can be of service to you, and we will be happy to provide you with after-hours contact information.
Collision Analysis
Our team of engineers are experienced in handling a wide variety of incidents, including but not limited to:
- Motor vehicle collisions ranging in severity from very serious to the very minor (including those involving multiple vehicles and commercial vehicles)
- Download of airbag control modules (“black boxes”) and heavy vehicle ECMs
- Motorcycle, bicycle and pedestrian impact events
- Single vehicle rollovers and loss of control.
- Vehicle dynamics, vehicle testing and roadway friction assessment
- Train, snowmobiles and various other motor vehicle collision analysis
The collision analysis techniques used by Nederveld are always based on physical evidence documented at the scene and during vehicle inspections, as well as by evaluating photographs and measurements taken by emergency response teams.
Commercial Vehicles
Our engineers have the knowledge, experience and equipment to thoroughly document and accurately analyze any incident involving a range of commercial vehicles, including the following:
- Collisions and failures involving commercial vehicles, heavy trucks and equipment
- Transit, buses and commercial passenger carrier events
- Railroad and railway events
In addition to photography, measurements and high definition scans of commercial vehicles, Nederveld provides the following services:
- Download and interpretation of heavy vehicle engine control modules (ECMs or “black boxes”)
- Brake system measurements and analysis with state-of-the-art ultrasonic measurement and recording equipment
- Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSR) compliance
- Telematics and GPS information analysis
- Locomotive electronic data recorder (EDR) analysis
Motorcycle/Recreational Vehicle Evaluation
Our experts are skilled at analyzing the unique factors involved with motorcycle, recreational vehicle, and other specialized vehicle collisions, including:
- Differing visibility factors
- The impact of road conditions and road hazards
- Stop distance and braking ability
- Safety features and standards
- Weight capacity and load issues
Event Recorder Data
Nederveld has the equipment and training to download/image the “black box” data both from passenger vehicles and heavy vehicles. The engineers’ extensive training and experience facilitates the obtainment of data from even the most heavily damaged vehicles. Our team of experts have the education, training and experience to correctly and confidently analyze the information contained within event data recorders and convey the findings in an approachable and understandable way.
If you have an inquiry about the event data possibly recorded by a vehicle please do not hesitate to contact us, and an engineer will be happy to let you know what information may have been recorded.
Roadway and Work Zone Design
Collisions are often the result of multiple contributing factors converging at the point of the incident. The multi-disciplinary approach of Nederveld allows the engineers to analyze the roadway-vehicle-human interface. Areas of examination include:
- Highway geometry, roadside design and pavement edge drop-off
- Construction zone temporary traffic control design, implementation and safety
- Traffic signalization, traffic control warrants and roadway striping and signage issues
- Visual obstructions and sight triangles
- Railroad crossing design, equipment and traffic control
Testing, Documentation and Product Liability
Whether a vehicle component failure produces a collision event or the failure results from the event is often a crucial determination for many catastrophic collision events. Workmanship and vehicle performance issues often affect a driver’s ability to safely operate, stop and handle the vehicle. Nederveld can identify those commonly difficult-to-determine contributing factors. Services offered to aid in this determination include the following:
- Vehicle performance testing
- Roadway friction testing
- Brake system performance measurements and evaluation
- Component failures, tire/wheel failures, workmanship and product design
- Vehicle fires and source
- Product evaluations and reasonable alternative designs
In addition to documenting the vehicle using High Definition Survey (HDS) Scanning, we will document the components themselves with HDS if they remain in place on the vehicle or if they have been removed.
State-of-the-Art Analysis
Our engineers combine advanced analysis methodologies with cutting-edge measurement and documentation equipment. This combination yields accurate and reliable analysis of the incident.
Nederveld’s deeper understanding of the physics, mathematics, and planer dynamics at the core of the analysis methods allows the engineers to correctly analyze even the most challenging problems and present the results in a clear and easy-to-understand manner.
The engineers of Nederveld have authored numerous peer-reviewed and accepted treatises on contemporary forensic engineering analysis and methodologies. Nederveld emphasizes continuing education via both teaching and training for its team as well as regularly attending the most up-to-date training to stay at the forefront of the industry. Nederveld engineers additionally teach courses in forensic engineering analysis and methodologies to further hone their presentation skills and ability to approachably describe the state-of-the-art analysis methods utilized.
Collision and Event Visualizations
Nederveld specializes in collision and event visualizations using state-of-the-art, high-definition laser scans. Using ultramodern documentation methodology and the most advanced visualizations software yields the production of highly-detailed visualizations depicting our analysis findings and presenting them in a way that clear and easy-to-understand for clients and jurors alike.
Services Related to Collision Analysis
In addition to collision analysis you may also need an investigation for fire damage to the vehicle or an assessment for structural damage caused by the vehicle. Whatever your needs may be, Nederveld has many forensic engineers with expertise in Vehicle Fire Investigation, Structural Damage Assessments for Damage Caused by Vehicles, and many other areas to get the facts you need.
Nationwide Rapid Response Team
Engineers & Analysts
Nederveld engineers have authored peer-reviewed scholarly papers and technical publications in the field of collision analysis, perpetually contributing to and advancing the body of knowledge pertaining to forensic engineering. They also prioritize further development of their own educations, enrolling in continuing education courses and training specific to the fields of engineering and collision analysis.
Jerry S. Ogden, PhD, PE
Mathew Martonovich, MS, PE
Jerry has over 24 years of experience in Forensic Engineering. He has earned a PhD in Civil/Mechanical engineering from the University of Colorado Denver, developing a generalized, broadly applicable vehicle deformation analysis method for determining total velocity change.
Mathew is responsible for the investigation, diagramming, and animation of motor vehicle collision events. He conducts research, prepares expert reports, and assists with forensic case work.
Product and Component
Providing a unique perspective on patterns of failure and how they might relate to the loss.
Product defects can be the source of serious injuries and extensive property damage. Determining if these injuries and damage were actually caused by a product defect or if the loss resulted from other factors, such as misuse, improper installation, or age-related considerations, is a key element in determining your recovery potential. The forensic analysis necessary to make this determination requires a superior understanding of product design, manufacturing, and mechanics along with the ability to piece together information from multiple sources. Years of experience with a variety of products and industries provides Nederveld’s experts with a unique perspective on patterns of failure and how they might relate to the loss.
Commercial / Industrial Equipment
- Fire Suppression Systems
- HVAC Systems
- Process Equipment
- Generators
- Fans
- Pumps
Residential Equipment
- Dishwashers
- Washers & Dryers
- Refrigerators
- Generators
- Air Conditioners
- Water Heaters
- Well Pumps
- Water Softeners
Plumbing / Fixtures
- Sump Pumps
- Faucets/Dispensers
- Water Filters
- Solenoid Valves
- Hand Valves
- Fittings
- Piping/Tubing
Ship to Our Laboratory or Send Us to the Loss Location – It’s Your Choice!
Whether we’re on-site looking at large machinery or in one of our laboratories inspecting a small component, our expert mechanical and electrical engineers are skilled at both non-destructive initial examinations as well as recognizing when further steps are needed to explore subrogation possibilities.
When a site visit is not feasible or necessary, products and components can easily be shipped to our laboratories for:
- Performance of Detailed Product Inspections
- Establishing Proper Protocols for Destructive or Non-destructive Testing
- Facilitating Multi-party Inspections
- Secured Evidence Retention
Simply notify Nederveld when your product is ready to go and we will email the shipping label and packing slip documents to you. You can then choose to package the items yourself or have FedEx do the printing and/or packaging for you.
Providing Free Consultation
Getting thorough advice up-front will help you in determining your recovery options and minimize baseless subrogation efforts. When faced with a new loss, allow our multi-faceted team of experts to assist you by speaking with our engineers first. Our no-cost phone consultation will help you choose the best course of action to determine the cause of loss, responsible parties, and the potential for recovery. Let one of our project coordinators know you are requesting a free initial consultation.
Indoor Air Quality
Breathe easier with clear answers on mold, asbestos, radon and other air pollutants.
Determining the source of air quality issues and if the damage is from a recent event or a long-term problem is not always obvious. Our team has the engineering background and the experience to dig through the details and bring you solid answers.
- Airborne Contaminant Testing
- Asbestos Sampling and Testing
- Building Envelope Evaluations
- Cause of Water or Mold
- Interior Staining
- Lead Testing
- Mold Sampling/Testing
- Plumbing/Pipes Evaluation
- Repair and Remediation Plans
- Soot Evaluations
- Much More!