Traffic Engineering and Accident Reconstruction
Who we are.
Since 1989, John Desch Associates has built a reputation for delivering thorough, objective accident reconstruction and engineering analysis. Law firms, insurance companies, fleet managers, and government agencies turn to JDA when cases demand scientific rigor and expert testimony that holds up in court.
OUR CREDENTIALS
One of the largest ACTAR-certified accident reconstruction staff in the United States
Licensed Professional Engineers in New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania
ASE-certified mechanics and civil engineers
24/7 emergency response capability nationwide
What we do.
John Desch Associates combines extensive academic training with decades of experience across all types of accident reconstruction and traffic engineering assignments. We employ advanced equipment including 3D laser scanning, electronic measurement devices, crash data retrieval systems, and physics-based computer modeling software.
From pedestrian accidents to multi-vehicle commercial crashes, our certified reconstructionists provide in-depth technical analysis for criminal and civil litigation.
- Emergency accident response (24/7 deployment)
- Vehicle damage inspection and mechanical failure analysis
- Commercial vehicle reconstruction (trucks, fleet vehicles)
- Event Data Recorder (EDR) downloads and analysis
- Construction site accident investigation
- Slip and fall analysis
- Delta-v analysis and occupant kinematics for injury assessment
Our emergency response teams arrive on scene to collect and preserve evidence while it exists. Many team members are retired or active police officers with established relationships with local authorities, enabling efficient evidence collection under time-sensitive conditions.
Our licensed engineers provide technical analysis and expert testimony for traffic-related litigation and development projects.
- Traffic impact studies for development approvals
- Signal warrant analysis (MUTCD compliance)
- Roadway defect analysis and tort claims defense
- Work zone safety evaluation
- Capacity analysis and Level of Service calculations
- Turning movement counts and traffic recording
- Simulation modeling for visual demonstration
We serve both private developers seeking municipal approval and government agencies defending allegations of roadway negligence.
JDA provides complete litigation support from initial evidence collection through expert testimony.
- Expert witness testimony (civil and criminal cases)
- Comprehensive written reports with scientific documentation
- Multi-jurisdictional experience (NJ, NY, PA, nationwide deployment)
- Collaboration with biomechanical engineering specialists when cases warrant
- Balanced representation (plaintiff and defense work)
We work on a per-hour basis or provide detailed project proposals with scope and budget estimates. If preliminary findings prove unfavorable, we stop work and discuss results to minimize unnecessary expenses.
Who we serve.
Attorneys
Personal injury, defense, and criminal defense attorneys rely on JDA for objective expert analysis. We balance plaintiff and defense assignments, which strengthens our credibility as impartial experts. Our firm assisted in litigation that resulted in one of the largest plaintiff verdicts ever received in New Jersey.
Insurance Companies
More than 50 insurance carriers and third-party administrators have retained JDA for claim investigation, evidence collection, and litigation defense.
Fleet Managers
Major package carriers and transportation companies contract with JDA for immediate post-accident response and technical analysis to defend potential litigation. Our clients include national carriers such as FedEx, UPS, USPS and Amazon.
Law Enforcement Agencies
Local, county, and state agencies retain JDA when cases require impartial, independent analysis separate from internal police investigation resources.
Developers and Municipalities
We prepare and review traffic impact assessments for commercial, industrial, retail, and residential development projects.
Meet our team.
- John DeschP.E., President, ACTAR #46
- Joseph MaiellaDirector of Operations, P.E., P.P., C.M.E.
- Gary AndersonDirector of Engineering, ACTAR #2227
- Brian DeschTechnical Advisor
- Lucky RobertoComptroller
- Michael GrassiProject Manager, Senior Reconstructionist, ACTAR #2200
- Steve EdmondProject Manager, P.E., P.P.
- Robert SinnaeveProject Manager, Senior Reconstructionist, ACTAR #767
- Michael BoccherProject Manager, Reconstructionist, ACTAR #5010
- Bruce KuipersProject Manager, Senior Reconstructionist, ACTAR #965
- Kevin BarrierAssociate
- Juan RestrepoGraduate Engineer
- Ray HagemannA.S.E. Master Certified Inspector
- Xavier SantiagoAnimation Specialist, Technical Assistant
- Joanna CunninghamLitigation Graphics Specialist
- Kelly MorgiewiczOffice Administrator, Financial Assistant
- Sherri HahnOffice Administrator
JOIN OUR TEAM
We are always looking for experienced professionals with backgrounds in law enforcement, civil engineering, and accident investigation.
If you’re a recently retired first responder interested in accident reconstruction work, we want to hear from you.