Jeffrey Bonsall

BSME, MSME, SAE

Senior Managing Accident Reconstructionist

Biography

Mr. Bonsall earned his Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering (BSME) with an Automotive Engineering concentration from California State University, Northridge in 2015. During his time in school, he was able to become involved with many projects such as the Formula SAE racecar. He was trained in vehicle dynamics, internal combustion engines, automotive powertrains, and chassis and suspension design. He has since earned his Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering (MSME) with a concentration in Dynamics, Controls, Vibrations, and Robotics from California State University, Long Beach. He authored a thesis on the ability to control an autonomous vehicle to avoid multiple consecutive collisions.

Mr. Bonsall began reconstructing traffic incidents at Momentum Engineering Corp. in 2015. Prior to his work in accident reconstruction, he worked at an aftermarket automotive parts manufacturer conducting failure analysis and quality control. He has performed maintenance on vehicles from small, open-wheel racecars to half-ton pickup trucks. This experience allowed him to become acquainted with the dynamic handling differences between many different vehicle classifications and power transfer systems.

Mr. Bonsall has found himself creating a deep love for the science of reconstructing traffic incidents. He has been able to immerse himself in the minute details of forensic analysis, obtaining and documenting evidence through inspecting vehicles and sites, virtually recreating incidents using advanced software packages such as PC-Crash and HVE, and acquiring numerous certifications and advanced knowledge to assist in his reconstructions. He brings a breadth of automotive knowledge and a new way of problem solving to the industry.

Credentials

BSME | Bachelor of Science - Mechanical Engineering
MSME | Master of Science - Mechanical Engineering
SAE | Accident Reconstruction Certificate Program, 2018
SAE | Vehicle Dynamics Certificate Program, 2025
CDR | Certified Trainer-Mentor, 2018
CDR | Technician, 2017
CDR | Data Analyst, 2017
Berla | iVe Examiner, 2017
Berla | Certified Vehicle System Forensic Technician, 2020
Berla | Certified Vehicle System Forensic Examiner, 2020
Certified Industrial Truck Operator (Toyota-Lift of Los Angeles)
Certified Commercial Vehicle Brake Inspector (USDOT, FHA), 2022
FMCSA – Vehicle Brake Inspector, CVSA Level V, 2022

Professional Experience

2022 - Current | Senior Manage | YA Engineering Services
2015 - 2022 | Senior Forensic Engineer | Momentum Engineering Corp.
2015 - 2015 | Testing and Validation Engineer | URO Parts

Area of Practice

Accident Reconstruction
Failure Analysis
Heavy Trucking
Historic Preservation
Human Factors
Non-Destructive Testing
Products Liability
Motorcycle Accident Reconstruction
Fire Origin & Cause

Publications and Presentations

2019 - Fatzinger, E.C., Landerville J.B., Bonsall J.S., Simacek D.S. , “An Analysis of Sport Bike Motorcycle Dynamics during Front Wheel Over-Braking” , SAE Publication
2021 - Morales, R., Gamboa, J., Nguyen, B., Siddiqui, O., Bonsall, J. , "Accuracy and Validation of Geotab GPS Fleet Tracking Devices" , SAE Technical Paper

Education

California State University - Master of Science - Mechanical Engineering (MSME) - Dynamics, Controls, Vibrations & Robotics Concentration - Long Beach - California
California State University - Bachelor of Science - Mechanical Engineering (BSME) - Automotive Technology Concentration - Northridge - California