How you go about engaging my services
Estimates and Fees
Many individuals inquire about the cost of my services, particularly when it comes to handling their cases. However, it is essential to understand that determining the cost of my services is not a straightforward process and can vary greatly. Each case is unique and requires a thorough evaluation of several factors before I can provide an accurate quotation.
At IBF Investigations, I do not adhere to a rigid or one-size-fits-all pricing model. While I do maintain standard fees for certain services, these are seldom applied without taking into account the specific circumstances of each case. I believe that the uniqueness of each matter – from the type of vehicles involved to the availability of evidence – requires a personalized approach and tailored solutions. As a result, I typically refrain from providing a standard quote until I have had the opportunity to review the merits of the case.
No Fees for Initial Case Review
I do not charge any fees to review the merits of a case. I encourage prospective clients to provide all relevant documentation – such as merits documents, evidence, and expert reports – for an initial evaluation. This allows me to assess the case and determine the scope of work before I offer a quotation. This preliminary review is highly valuable, even if I am not ultimately engaged, as it ensures that both parties are fully aware of the complexity of the case and the services required.
Upon reviewing the matter, I will present you with a clear roadmap outlining the actions I propose to take, as well as an estimated fee structure. Factors such as the distance I may need to travel, the number of vehicles involved, the nature of those vehicles, the availability of evidence, and the type of case (civil or criminal) all influence the extent of my contribution and the services I will need to provide.
Ethical Commitment to Clients
I take a very cautious approach before committing to any case. I believe it would be unethical to collect fees in a matter where I cannot contribute meaningfully, or in a case where the merits are so clearly unfavorable to the party engaging me that my role may ultimately be to testify against them. This is why I prioritize reviewing the merits of each case before offering my services – to ensure I can provide real value and avoid any potential conflicts.
Tailored Approach to Every Case
Each case I take on requires a careful and thoughtful application of my skills and expertise. Whether investigating an incident, reconstructing a collision, or reviewing the merits of a case, I always consider the questions I may face during trial, even if that trial occurs years after my initial involvement. My goal is to apply my skills thoroughly and with full consideration of the potential impact of my contributions in court.
I encourage you to reach out to me, regardless of whether you have a complex case or a straightforward inquiry. The free review I offer is more than just a courtesy – it provides invaluable insights and a roadmap for how we can work together to achieve the best possible outcome. By carefully assessing each case, I ensure that clients are never charged for unnecessary services and are only billed for work that adds tangible value.
Let’s discuss your case and determine the best way forward. I look forward to reviewing your matter and exploring how I can assist you.
Appointing me earlier
In regard to the matter of billing for court proceedings, it is pertinent to note that the costs associated therewith are sometimes more easily determined, as the work, commitment, time, duration, and location might be fixed and predictable. In contrast, when I am retained to conduct an investigation in a particular matter, and engaged in ongoing criminal matters, or where there are complex evidence dynamics, various elements of the case will influence the billing structure.
As such, the following are the primary factors that I will take into consideration when preparing a quotation for my services in your matter:
Number of Vehicles Involved
In certain circumstances where I am not present at the scene of a collision, it is important to note that the number of vehicles involved can significantly impact the scope and effort required for my investigation. A single-vehicle collision, involving only one vehicle, would require a limited amount of time and effort at the scene. Therefore, my standard protocol of examining each vehicle would not be necessary.
With respect to on-scene appointments, I typically consider up to two commercial vehicles with their trailers, or up to four light motor vehicles as a “standard investigation.” However, when the number of vehicles involved exceeds this threshold, additional time and effort will be required, and special allowances will have to be made for this increase in scope. It is important to keep this in mind when determining the appropriate billing structure for your matter.
Location of Vehicles
In certain cases, the relocation of vehicles involved in a collision can have a significant impact on my investigation. For instance, I were once retained to investigate a collision on the N2 outside Stormsriver in the Eastern Cape, where the Red VW Bus was available for examination at a local storage facility, but the Land Rover had already been removed and transported to Johannesburg in Gauteng, resulting in a delay of three days in obtaining access to the vehicle. This scenario is not uncommon with commercial vehicles, which are frequently transported to repair centers or storage yards of the owner’s choosing, which may be further away from the scene. Thus, the relocation of vehicles from the incident location is a crucial factor that I take into account when preparing my billing structure.
Location of the scene
As a Court Expert within the Southern Africa jurisdiction, which includes but is not limited to territories of Lesotho, Swaziland, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Tanzania, Kenya, and potentially other areas within the Middle East, I conduct on-site investigations of all incidents, whenever feasible. Due to the unpredictable nature of collisions, including their location and timing, as well as the potential relevance of various factors in any potential litigation, it is my standard practice to physically attend the scene of an incident. This may require me to incur travel expenses, including but not limited to airfare, lodging, and ground transportation, which may be billed to the client based on the location of the incident and my intention to physically attend, either at the time of the incident or post-event.
Nature of the request (type of case)
As a Court Expert, I understand that each case I undertake presents unique challenges and demands varying degrees of effort, resources, and time to conduct proper investigation and/or reconstruction. The services required can range from simple evidence preservation tasks, such as on-site photography and measurement, to the development of detailed reconstruction reports, animations, and advanced 3D models for use in court. In addition, certain cases may necessitate supplementary services such as experimental testing, exemplar vehicle examination, research, data analysis, and review of expert reports.
Furthermore, cases I take on can have various complexities and difficulties such as ballistic testing, or those involving murder by hanging, which require specialized expertise. Given the nature and scope of the cases I handle, it may not be feasible for me to provide a precise cost estimate until I have a clear understanding of the specific services required.
Travel, Accommodation, Toll Fees, etc.
As a Court Expert, I understand that in carrying out my services, I may need to travel to different locations within South Africa and abroad. However, due to the unpredictable nature of fuel prices and currency exchange rates, I may not be able to accurately determine the direct costs associated with my deployment beforehand. Additionally, there may be additional expenses incurred while traveling, including but not limited to toll fees on specific routes such as the N3 and N4 within South Africa, accommodation, airfare, visa fees, or medical testing costs when traveling internationally. While I regret any inconvenience caused to my clients by these expenses, I am obliged to pass them on, except where they are not applicable.
Bulk of Evidence
As a Court Expert, I understand that each case I undertake presents its own unique challenges and varying degrees of complexity. While some cases may be relatively straightforward, involving only a single vehicle and a pedestrian, others may require the examination of multiple expert reports, vehicle data or video analysis, complex dynamics, numerous vehicles, and multiple witnesses. In such cases, a comprehensive analysis and interpretation of the relevant evidence is necessary before a report can be prepared.
Unfortunately, due to the unpredictable nature of the cases I handle, I may not be able to provide an accurate cost estimate until I have thoroughly assessed the merits of the case and determined the level of effort, resources, and time required to properly investigate and reconstruct the incident. Rest assured that I will provide you with a detailed breakdown of my anticipated costs as soon as possible, so that you can make an informed decision about how to proceed with your case.