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In today’s fast-paced infrastructure world, trenchless construction has become the go-to method for installing or repairing underground utilities without disturbing surface structures. But while this method saves time and reduces disruption, it brings its own set of challenges—especially when something goes wrong. That’s where trenchless construction vehicle and equipment inspection comes in. At Discovery Experts, we specialize in examining the machinery behind trenchless operations—like directional drills, auger borers, hydro excavators, and pipe bursting systems. Whether you’re facing litigation after a fiber optic strike or trying to prevent costly equipment failure on a major pipeline job, our experts deliver unbiased, detailed inspections that hold up under scrutiny. Think of us as the bridge between the construction field and the courtroom—ready to explain what happened, how, and why.
Trenchless construction isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. It’s a complex discipline involving highly specialized machines operating in unforgiving conditions—underground, out of sight, and often with high stakes. When things go wrong, understanding whether the fault lies with the machine, the operator, or an environmental factor isn’t something you can leave to guesswork.
That’s why legal teams, insurers, and project owners call us. We’ve been brought in after directional drills hit gas mains, when sewer lines collapsed during auger boring, and even when poorly maintained equipment led to million-dollar utility outages. In every case, an expert inspection plays a pivotal role in uncovering the truth—and often, determining who’s responsible.
Here’s a quick rundown of what we typically evaluate:
We examine these machines for wear, calibration errors, maintenance issues, and operational flaws that could cause—or have already caused—a failure.
Trenchless construction is used across industries that quite literally keep the world running. Think about it—how many underground systems does your city rely on? Fiber optics, gas lines, storm drains, water mains, even petroleum pipelines. Now imagine the cost of downtime if one goes out due to poor equipment use or maintenance.
Our clients come from sectors like:
We’ve worked with contractors and municipalities alike to inspect damage after trenchless operations went sideways. And when responsibility is unclear, we help clients uncover the facts with confidence.
No two inspections are identical—but they all have one goal: get to the root of the issue. Our inspections combine technical depth with investigative clarity, drawing on years of experience and industry best practices.
Here’s what we focus on:
Modern trenchless machinery often includes diagnostic tools built in, and we know how to use them. In addition, we might deploy:
In short, we bring both the tools and the training to interpret them effectively. Curious about other technical investigations we do? Explore our Discovery Experts page.
In trenchless construction disputes, clear, expert-backed testimony can be the difference between winning or losing a case. Lawyers, arbitrators, and judges often lack the technical background to understand complex construction failures—and that’s where our testimony becomes crucial.
We’ve testified in cases involving:
What separates Discovery Experts from others? For starters, our team includes professionals who’ve worked both in the field and in court. They’ve operated directional drills, overseen major trenchless installations, and presented findings before judges and juries.
Our credentials include:
Extensive courtroom experience in depositions and trials
You can read more about our role in legal disputes on our construction disputes page.
If you’re wondering what it’s like to work with us, here’s a snapshot of our process—from first call to final report.
Throughout, we maintain open communication and transparency—because in high-stakes situations, clarity matters.
As cities modernize and demand for underground utilities increases, trenchless construction is booming. But growth comes with growing pains. We’ve seen a steady rise in equipment-related claims, especially in urban areas where space is tight and the margin for error is razor-thin.
Recent examples include:
In one notable case, a contractor faced $500,000 in damages after failing to properly map utilities before boring. Our analysis helped prove the drilling plan was flawed from the start—not just the execution—leading to a favorable judgment for the property owner.
These stories underscore why inspection and expert input aren’t optional—they’re essential.
Top Law Firms and Contractors Trust Our Trenchless Inspection Expertise
We’re proud to support some of the most respected law firms, engineering consultancies, municipalities, and utility contractors in the country. While we keep client names confidential, our track record includes:
Our clients trust us because we deliver answers—backed by data, explained clearly, and always grounded in real-world experience.
If you’re dealing with a trenchless construction issue—don’t wait. A proactive, expert inspection can save your project, your budget, and your legal standing. Discovery Experts is here to help you get clarity and move forward with confidence.
Let’s talk. Reach out now to schedule a consultation and find out how we can support your next trenchless inspection or litigation case.
Discovery Experts, led by founder Brian H. Aanestad, is your premier source for expert witness services in construction and transportation. With over 39 years of experience, we bring unparalleled expertise to every challenge, ensuring excellence is always the standard.