 Crash Investigations and
Reconstruction
The basic rate is $185.00 per hour plus all related expenses.
A four (4) hour minimum applies for any file analysis ($740.00).
Weekend work is $200.00 per hour if you request it plus all
related expenses. If we choose to work the weekend then the
normal rate is charged. If you have a need to expedite the work
then you are charged at double time rate.
Charges are portal to portal, unless an overnight stay is
required. In that event, the client is billed for the actual
working hours and return time on the final day of the trip.
A minimum of a sixteen (16) hour retainer ($2960.00) is
requested on reconstruction cases.
Any unbilled portion of the retainer is refunded to the client
should the investigation or reconstruction not require full
sixteen hours of work.
Work will not begin on a case until the retainer has been
received
Please do not send file material and assume that work has begun,
when the retainer was not forwarded. Retaining attorney is
responsible for all charges incurred, not the attorneys client.
Depositions
A four (4) hour minimum is charged for deposition testimony. If
it is requested that we travel to the deposition location, then
retaining attorney is responsible for travel time, unless he/she
has arranged for opposing counsel to pay the travel fee. This is
too often a debated point. Please have it worked out in advance.
Deposition travel time is portal to portal at the normal rate
plus expenses. Should the deposition time run over four (4)
hours, each portion of an hour is billed at the normal rate.
Maximum sitting time for a deposition is limited to four (4)
hours. We will adjourn and reconvene at a mutually agreeable
time and place.
Retaining attorney is charged for the time required for reading
and signing of the deposition. Payment for appearance at a
deposition must be made in advance.
Scale Diagrams
If a scale diagram is required, the minimum charge will be
$800.00 plus the regular rates. Large-scale printouts, exhibits
and copies of diagrams will be billed as a miscellaneous expense
for actual cost.
Animations/Sequences
Animations are $2625.00 plus $400.00 for each second if a scale
diagram has already been generated. Crash Sequences are $875.00
plus $200.00 for each second.
If the animation/sequence requires that we diagram the scene,
the regular rates will apply in addition to the animation rate.
Crash Data Retrieval
A charge of $400.00 will apply for any local (within 50 mile
radius of Chattanooga, TN) crash data retrieval that is required
for the reconstruction. If travel and removal of the air bag
sensor is required, the regular rates will apply in addition to
the data retrieval rate.
Court Appearances
A full eight (8) hour day is charged at the normal rate for
court appearances, as the day must be blocked out. If we travel
to a trial location and must standby for a day or two, then we
will endeavor to spend that time in pre-trial preparation. You
will be billed an eight-hour minimum for each day of trial
standby time.
Associated Staff
Reconstructionist
We reserve the right to bring in an expert in a given area for
the benefit of the client. Rates may vary in doing so. If this
becomes necessary then the retaining attorney would be notified
prior to committing the resources. If an associated firm is
brought into the case then the retaining attorney will be
notified in advance and the rates of that firm will apply.
Generally our rates for an associate specialist are $85.00 per
hour. All expenses will be added at the actual rate.
Miscellaneous Expenses
Administrative labor is charged at $50.00 per hour.
Expenses normally charged, but are not limited to:
| |
Film, developing and
enlargement costs
Mileage at 48 cents per mile
Airfare
Car rentals and services
Cost of preparing any specialized demonstrative
evidence exhibits
Meals
Lodging on overnight trips
Photocopying
Postage
Telephone and facsimile charges |
Documentation is provided for
all expenses. They are billed at the actual cost to the company.
Photographs
Photographs, when requested by opposing counsel are $5.00 each,
plus cost of development and clerical labor.
page updated 3/21/07
www.chattanoogacrash.com |
