Opinion ID: 2428959
Heading Depth: 3
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Insufficient Evidence Appellee Altered Odometer on Appellant's Truck

Text: This argument deals with 15 U.S.C. § 1984 which prohibits the resetting, disconnection or alteration of the odometer of any vehicle with intent to change the number of miles indicated thereon. WBF moved for a directed verdict on the grounds there was no evidence that WBF disconnected, altered, or reset the odometer on Smith's truck. WBF argues the only evidence that WBF could have altered Smith's odometer is a parts invoice issued by WBF for repairs to Smith's truck one week before the transfer from Ford Motor Credit to WBF. WBF contends this is purely speculative evidence and does not prove that WBF altered the odometer, therefore, the trial court erred in submitting this issue to the jury. In determining whether a directed verdict should have been granted, we view the evidence in the light most favorable to the party against whom the verdict is sought and give it its highest probative value, taking into account all reasonable inferences deducible from it. Mankey v. Wal-Mart Stores, Inc., 314 Ark. 14, 858 S.W.2d 85 (1993). A motion for a directed verdict should be granted only if there is no substantial evidence to support a jury verdict. Id. Where the evidence is such that fair-minded persons might reach different conclusion, then a jury question is presented, and the directed verdict should be reversed. Id. With respect to 15 U.S.C. § 1984, Smith is required to prove that the odometer alteration occurred while the truck was in WBF's dominion and control. See Delay v. Hearn Ford, 373 F.Supp. 791 (D.S.C.1974). The invoice indicates the truck was in WBF's possession before Ford Motor Credit transferred the truck to WBF. Thus, the jury could have concluded the odometer was rolled back while the truck was in WBF's possession. Viewing the evidence in the light most favorable to Smith, we conclude this evidence is substantial evidence to support the verdict of liability. The trial court did not err in denying WBF's motion.