Opinion ID: 1829871
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: Did the trial court err in admitting the expert testimony of Dr. Rudoph Limpert?

Text: Limpert's expertise was in the field of mechanical engineering. It was apparent that Limpert was to testify as to his opinion on why the engine stalled. GM made no objection to Limpert's qualifications as an expert prior to his testimony. While making a motion for a directed verdict at the close of the plaintiffs' evidence, GM moved to strike Limpert's testimony based on a lack of expertise. At that point, Limpert had already been dismissed as a witness in the case. Clearly, GM should have objected to Limpert's qualifications as an expert before the close of the plaintiffs' evidence. GM should have objected prior to Limpert's testifying as to his expert opinion. By failing to do so, GM failed to preserve this issue for review. Even if GM had properly preserved this issue for review, we would conclude that Limpert's testimony was admissible. The trial court has wide discretion in determining who may be qualified as an expert and its decision will not be reversed on appeal unless it abused that discretion. Baker v. Merry-Go-Round Roller Rink, Inc., 537 So.2d 1 (Ala.1988). Based on the record, we would conclude that there was no abuse of discretion. Limpert was qualified as an expert in mechanical engineering. Limpert admitted on cross-examination that he had not participated in the design and development of a PROM. However, the record indicates that Limpert knew the fuel delivery system in this engine and was qualified to give his opinion as to whether and why the engine stalled. GM contends that the plaintiffs failed to ask Limpert hypothetical questions and, thus, that his testimony was inadmissible. GM waived any objection to the form of the questions asked by the plaintiffs when it failed to object before the questions were answered. In order to be timely, an objection to oral testimony must be made after the objectionable question is asked but before the objectionable answer is given. Davis v. Southland Corp., 465 So.2d 397 (Ala.1985). Error cannot be preserved by an objection made after a responsive answer to the question asked is given. Id. In a situation where a witness answers so quickly that the party objecting does not have a reasonable chance to make an objection to the question before the answer is given, the party objecting should immediately make a motion to strike or to exclude the answer from the record. Green v. Standard Fire Ins. Co., 398 So.2d 671, appeal after remand, 477 So.2d 333 (Ala.1981). One of the most common reasons given for the requirement of a timely objection to an improper question is that it prevents the would-be-objector from speculating that the witness' answer will be favorable toward him. A second reason for the requirement is that a specific objection will enlighten the trial court and aid in its determination of whether the question is truly an improper one. C. Gamble, McElroy's Alabama Evidence, § 426.01(2) (4th ed. 1991). GM is now barred from objecting to the form of questions asked by the plaintiffs, because it failed to make a timely objection at trial.