Attorney at Law Magazine sat down with Carl Berkowitz of Forensic Engineering Institute. He has been a key figure in the field of transportation engineering and safety for over 60 years. He has contributed significantly to the planning, design, engineering, safety, security, construction, maintenance, operations, and management of intermodal transportation systems. And, since 1997, he has brought his knowledge to the legal industry as an expert witness.
AALM: What circumstances led you to your career in the transportation industry?
CB: From a young age, I was fascinated by the intricate systems that keep our world moving. Growing up in New York City, I spent countless hours observing trains and imagining the complex logistics behind their operations. This ignited a passion for transportation engineering. I pursued a degree in civil engineering, then did graduate work in transportation and traffic engineering, urban planning, and railway systems.
AALM: Tell us a bit about your work for the government.
CB: My career in government began with various managerial and administrative positions in transportation planning and engineering. My early roles involved working with local and state government agencies to develop and implement transportation projects. One of my key contributions has been in intermodal transportation. I gained extensive experience in planning, designing and managing transportation systems that integrate various modes of transport. I have played a crucial role in enhancing transportation safety and ensuring regulatory compliance as well as developing safety standards and protocols for various transportation modes.
AALM: You have quite a resume of accomplishments, what are you most proud of?
CB: I founded several important organizations, including the International Marine Transit Association, the Metropolitan Association of Urban Designers and Environmental Planners, and the Forensic Engineering Institute.
AALM: You’ve served as a professor, most recently at Dowling College. What did you enjoy most about those roles?
CB: My tenure as a professor at Dowling College has been a fulfilling journey. One of the most gratifying aspects of being a professor is the opportunity to inspire and mentor students. Witnessing their growth and success has been incredibly rewarding.
I was also involved in cutting-edge research projects that addressed real-world challenges in transportation and logistics. Collaborating with colleagues and students on these projects advanced our collective knowledge and fostered a culture of curiosity and creativity. I enjoyed the freedom to explore new ideas and contribute to the academic community through publications and conferences.
AALM: What types of cases do you typically work on?
CB: My extensive knowledge and experience have made me a sought-after expert witness in various transportation safety legal cases. My expertise encompasses a wide range of transportation modes, including urban rail (subway), commuter and intercity rail, transit and intercity bus, school bus, passenger ferries, pedestrians, bicyclists, workplace safety and urban light-rail. I provide critical insights into the safety standards, operational procedures, and regulatory compliance of these systems, helping to determine liability and improve safety practices. I also work on cases involving slip, trip, and fall incidents.
AALM: Looking back on your career as an expert, is there any case that stands out?
CB: Each case comes with its unique challenges and significance. Among these, one case stands out for its complexity and impact. The case centered around a tragic collision between a passenger train and a school bus at a railroad crossing, resulting in multiple fatalities and injuries. The incident raised questions about the safety measures in place at the crossing and the responsibilities of the involved parties. I was brought in to provide expert analysis and testimony on the safety and operational aspects of the railroad crossing. My findings revealed that the crossing design contributed to the accident. Additionally, I identified deficiencies in the training and protocols followed by the operators.
AALM: Tell us a little about your life outside the office.
CB: I place a high value on family and community. I enjoy spending quality time with my family, including eight grandchildren. Outside the office, my passion for lifelong learning is evident in my participation in educational programs and my support for initiatives that promote STEM education among young students.
