Opinion ID: 1865898
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 9

Heading: Diagram Showing Stop Sign.

Text: Next, defendants assign error to the use of a demonstrative diagram by Highway Patrol Officer Ingemunson, an enlargement of the diagram from his accident investigation report which showed the presence of the stop sign at the accident scene. Defendants contend that because they admitted liability it was improper to permit the use of a diagram showing the stop sign that Strong ran which caused the accident. During his testimony, Officer Ingemunson did not refer to the stop sign, the fact that Strong ran the stop sign, or the fact that Strong received a citation for the stop sign violation. The diagram was not offered into evidence and was used only to illustrate the circumstances of the accident that caused Stormo's severe injuries. We have held that evidence of the details of an auto collision is admissible as relevant and material to the issue of plaintiff's damages, notwithstanding defendant's prior admission of liability. Piper v. Barber Transp. Co., 79 S.D. 353, 367, 112 N.W.2d 329, 336 (1961). See Baltus v. von der Lippe, 293 Minn. 99, 196 N.W.2d 922 (1972). The trial court properly permitted the use of the diagram pursuant to Piper.