Our Experts
S. D. Lyons has steadily built its current team by seeking highly qualified individuals with exemplary credentials and years of combined related service in the automotive and engineering fields.
The Founder
Dennis Lyons is the founder and President of S. D. Lyons, Inc., and is an ASE Certified Master Automotive Technician, Master Auto Body and Paint Technician, and a Master Engine Machinist. He is also a Certified Forensic Locksmith, a Certified Fire and Explosion Investigator, and a Certified Vehicle Fire Investigator. He began his career in automotive accident reconstruction and vehicle forensics in 1978 with APC Engineering, which later became Avery Technical Services, located in Rhode Island. Mr. Lyons has over 40 years experience in electrical and mechanical failure analysis, vehicle fire origin and cause, and vehicle theft analysis.
He is a court qualified expert in the areas of fire origin and cause, automotive ignition and security system analysis, mechanical failure analysis, and physical damage analysis. Mr. Lyons is a vehicle fire instructor at the Massachusetts Fire Academy and the Connecticut Fire Academy and has lectured around the country on the subjects of vehicle fire origin and cause and vehicle theft analysis.
Dennis Lyons
Accredited Accident
Reconstructionists
Highly trained in field inspections and investigation, our Accredited Accident Reconstructionists physically inspect vehicles and document physical evidence and measurements at the accident scene. They employ principles of physics in combination with specialized training and experience to investigate and reconstruct motor vehicle accidents.
Our reconstructionists are degreed Mechanical Engineers also accredited by ACTAR, the Accreditation Commission for Traffic Accident Reconstruction.
Christopher Borelli
Christopher Borelli is a Mechanical Engineer (B.S.M.E.) and an ACTAR-accredited Accident Reconstructionist, and is the managing director of the Accident Reconstruction division of S. D. Lyons, Inc. Mr. Borelli received his primary education in accident reconstruction from the Northwestern University in Chicago, Illinois, and receives continuing education at various universities and related associations around the country.
He has provided expert testimony for trials and arbitrations in Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Connecticut. Mr. Borelli has over 25 years of experience reconstructing motor vehicle accidents.
James Siegfried
James Siegfried is a Mechanical Engineer (B.S.M.E.) and an ACTAR-accredited Collision Reconstructionist. Mr. Siegfried received his primary education in collision reconstruction from the Northwestern University in Chicago, Illinois, and receives continuing education at various universities and related associations around the country. He has provided expert testimony for trials and depositions in Massachusetts. Mr. Siegfried has been engaged in the field of Automotive Forensics with S. D. Lyons, Inc., for over 20 years and has over 7 years of experience specializing in the reconstruction and analysis of motor vehicle accidents and damages.
Mr. Siegfried also is a Certified Fire and Explosion Investigator (CFEI) and a Certified Vehicle Fire Investigator (CVFI), as certified through the National Association of Fire Investigators (NAFI). Mr. Siegfried has over 10 years experience examining, reviewing, and analyzing vehicular fires. In addition, he has extensive training and experience in analysis of vehicle theft losses and anti-theft security devices.
Automotive Forensic
Technicians
Experts in forensic work, our Automotive Forensic Technicians determine if a mechanical failure or defect could have contributed to an accident or collision. They analyze vehicles alleged to have been stolen to determine if security devices were compromised and if any prior cosmetic or mechanical deficiencies existed at the time of the alleged loss.
From electronic engine management systems to brake systems, our technicians understand the complexities of the modern automobile and the failures and malfunctions potentially contributing to a fire or collision loss. These Auto Forensic Technicians can team up with our Accredited Accident Reconstructionists to provide a multi-faceted analysis of a given loss, such as determining if an alleged collision occurred and if a mechanical failure caused the collision.
Our team of technicians features experts with industry-specific qualifications such as Certified Vehicle Fire Investigators, Certified Fire and Explosion Investigators, ASE Master Automotive Technicians, and Certified Forensic Locksmiths.
CHRIS DICHIARA
Chris DiChiara is an ASE certified master automotive technician and specializes in engine mechanical diagnosis, vandalism, water intrusion, and automotive theft cases. He is a Certified Forensic Locksmith and a court qualified expert witness.
Analysts, Researchers
& Technical Support
Supporting our Accredited Accident Reconstructionists and Automotive Forensic Technicians in the field and providing prompt customer service to our clients is our highly-trained office staff. They provide the research, analysis, and technical expertise to enable our Technicians and Engineers to expediently conduct their analyses, ensuring the most accurate reports delivered in a timely fashion.