Opinion ID: 2567333
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: the kirks waived objection to the admission of seatbelt evidence

Text: In 1988 the legislature added Idaho Code § 49-673(8), which states: The failure to use a safety restraint shall not be considered under any circumstances as evidence of contributory or comparative negligence, nor shall such failure be admissible as evidence in any civil action with regard to negligence. I.C. § 49-673(8)(2004). This statute codified the common law rule that evidence of seatbelt use or non-use is inadmissible to show contributory negligence or a failure to mitigate damages in an automobile negligence action. Quick v. Crane, 111 Idaho 759, 780, 727 P.2d 1187, 1208 (1986); Hansen v. Howard O. Miller, Inc., 93 Idaho 314, 318, 460 P.2d 739, 743 (1969). According to Quick, [t]he reason for this rule is the lack of connection between failure to wear a seat belt and the occurrence of the accident. Quick, 111 Idaho at 780, 727 P.2d at 1208 (citing Hansen, 93 Idaho at 318, 460 P.2d at 743; Barry v. Coca Cola Co., 99 N.J.Super. 270, 239 A.2d 273 (1967)). The Kirks obtained a favorable ruling on the issue of seatbelt evidence in response to their motion in limine. However, at trial the district court allowed Ford's expert witness to testify that the decedents were unbelted at the time of the accident and that they would have survived the crash had they been belted. Ford contends that the Kirks failed to properly object to Moffatt's expert testimony and stipulated that the decedents were unbelted thereby waiving the issue for appeal. When presented with a motion in limine, a trial court has the authority to deny the motion and wait until trial to determine if the evidence should or should not be excluded. Gunter v. Murphy's Lounge, LLC, 141 Idaho 16, 25, 105 P.3d 676, 685 (2005)(citing Lanham v. Idaho Power Co., 130 Idaho 486, 492, 943 P.2d 912, 918 (1997)). If the trial court decides to wait and hear the actual foundation laid before determining whether to admit or exclude evidence, the moving party is required to continue to object as the evidence is presented. Id. (citing State v. Hester, 114 Idaho 688, 760 P.2d 27 (1988)); Karlson, 140 Idaho at 565, 97 P.3d at 432. The purpose behind this rule is that: [A] motion in limine is based on an alleged or anticipated factual scenario, [and] without the benefit of all the other actual evidence which will be admitted at trial, the trial judge will not always be able to make an informed decision regarding the admissibility of the evidence prior to the time the evidence is actually presented at trial. Hester, 114 Idaho at 699, 760 P.2d at 38 (emphasis in original). If, however, the trial court unqualifiedly rules on the admissibility of evidence prior to trial no further objection is required to preserve the issue for appeal. Id. at 700, 760 P.2d at 39 (citing Davidson v. Beco Corp., 112 Idaho 560, 733 P.2d 781 (Ct.App.1986) rev'd and aff'd Davidson, 114 Idaho 107, 753 P.2d 1253 (1987)). The district court originally granted the Kirks' motion in limine regarding seatbelt evidence. However, this grant was qualified by the following language, [e]xcept as the Court may permit by supplemental motion prior to trial or at trial and heard outside of the hearing of the jury . . . During trial and outside the presence of the jury, Ford reminded the court of its intention to call Moffatt to the stand as an expert witness. Part of this discussion involved the admissibility of seatbelt evidence in regards to the addition of a punitive damage claim by the Kirks. Ford's intention to present seatbelt evidence was clearly stated. The Kirks did not state an objection or respond to Ford's statements on the record. The following day, the district court allowed Moffatt to testify without additional comment. The Kirks did not object to Moffatt's testimony. They stipulated in front of the jury that the decedents were unbelted at the time of the accident. Similar to Gunter and Karlson, the seatbelt order was a qualified ruling on the admissibility of seatbelt evidence. The Kirks and the district court were advised of the proposed evidence and the basis for its offer. The Kirks were required to renew their objection. They waived objection to the admission of seatbelt evidence. The district court did not abuse its discretion in allowing the presentation of the evidence.