Opinion ID: 1834135
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: Exclusion of Lay Witness Testimony

Text: The receipt of lay opinion testimony is a matter resting in the discretion of the trial court. Renze Hybrids, Inc. v. Shell Oil Co., 418 N.W.2d 634, 639 (Iowa 1988). We will not interfere with a trial court's ruling on the admissibility of opinion evidence unless there exists a manifest abuse of that discretion. Id. Lay opinion testimony is admissible if it is: (a) rationally based on the witness's perception; and (b) helpful to a clear understanding of the witness's testimony or the determination of a fact in issue. Iowa R.Evid. 701. Lay opinion will be excluded if the factual foundation for the opinion is inadequate. Hegtvedt v. Prybil, 223 N.W.2d 186, 189 (Iowa 1974). The Sonneks contend the trial court erred in excluding the testimony of a police officer regarding the speed at which a prudent driver should have been traveling at the time and place of the accident. They contend Officer Hull had special knowledge of the conditions and area at the approximate time of the accident which qualified him to give his opinion regarding what speed was safe at the time and place of the accident. On the other hand, defendant Warren contends Hull gained his special knowledge through observation of circumstances dissimilar to those existing at the time and place of the accident. The trial court excluded officer Hull's testimony regarding the speed at which a prudent driver should have been traveling at the time and place of the accident. The record indicates weather conditions that evening were rapidly changing. Warren testified the roads were not icy at the time of the accident. Hull's contrary observations at the scene took place several minutes after the accident occurred. Hull was not present at the time and place of the accident. Hull's other observations regarding weather conditions and appropriate speed of travel were made away from the scene, before the accident occurred. Under this record, we do not feel the trial court abused its discretion in excluding Hull's testimony. Where a lay witness opinion is based on observations of circumstances dissimilar to those existing at the time and place of the accident, it is not an abuse of discretion to exclude the testimony. Wadle v. Jones, 312 N.W.2d 510, 515 (Iowa 1981). The trial court could have properly concluded such testimony would confuse, rather than assist the jury. Id. The Sonneks' argument regarding the exclusion of Officer Hull's testimony is without merit.