Opinion ID: 1410593
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Corroborative Evidence Test

Text: The second question certified to this Court involves application of what we refer to as the corroborative evidence test. See Hamric, 201 W.Va. at 620, 499 S.E.2d at 624. Only through the introduction of independent third-party testimony by disinterested individuals which clearly shows the negligence of an unidentified vehicle was a proximate cause of the accident can the exception created in Hamric be applied. Id. This requirement of independent third-party testimony is aimed at eliminating those claims that are fraudulent or collusive in nature. See id. at 621, 499 S.E.2d at 625. While we acknowledged the inherent difficulty in stating an all-encompassing definition of what qualifies as independent third-party evidence, we offered the following guidelines in Hamric: [W]e believe we must be very clear about what is not adequate independent third-party testimony. Testimony by close family members, close personal friends, by those who might share in the award or have a direct pecuniary interest in the outcome of the case, and all others similarly situated is not testimony which is sufficient to allow the claim to proceed. Evidence from these witnesses standing alone is not adequate to meet the corroborative evidence test. This is not to suggest that family members would routinely perjure themselves; we believe most would not. However, if we are going to have a truly effective bright line rule which genuinely eliminates the very real potential for fraud, clear and simple guidelines must be established. We realize that to avoid fraud, the evidence needs to be free of taint or suspicion and be strong and reliable. Accordingly, to insure that this Court is not opening the door to fraud, the corroborative witnesses or other evidence must be absolutely and totally independent and reliable. 201 W.Va. at 620-21, 499 S.E.2d at 624-25. Allstate argues that the circuit court wrongly determined that Mr. Mace is a disinterested witness whose testimony satisfies the parameters of Hamric 's corroborative evidence test. Mr. Mace, according to Allstate, cannot qualify as an independent third party since he was a named defendant in a separate action arising from the accident. Allstate suggests that by shifting liability to the unknown Joe Doe driver, Mr. Mace may either reduce or eliminate his liability for the accident. In so doing, Mr. Mace could affect the amount of any excess judgment or even insulate himself from a surcharge with regard to his own automobile insurance premiums. Allstate maintains that Mr. Mace utterly fails to meet the high standard set by this Court in Hamric which demands that the testimony of the corroborative witness must be absolutely and totally independent and reliable. 201 W.Va. at 621, 499 S.E.2d at 625. Conversely, Mr. Dunn advocates that Mr. Mace is a disinterested witness within the confines of Hamric. In support of his position, [10] Mr. Dunn states that Mr. Mace has no direct pecuniary interest in the outcome of this case. Since his insurer is providing a defense, he is not incurring any personal expenses or fees. Any benefit in the way of avoiding an insurance premium surcharge or increase is an indirect benefit that was not addressed by the guidelines delineated in Hamric. Finally, Mr. Dunn argues that because his interests are not antagonistic to those of Mr. Mace, there is clearly no incentive for the two of them to engage in collusion. What Mr. Dunn overlooks in making his arguments is the fact that the corroborative evidence test is aimed at fraud as well as collusion. See Hamric, 201 W.Va. at 619-21, 499 S.E.2d at 623-25. Even assuming the veracity of Mr. Dunn's profession of no collusion, Mr. Dunn cannot attest to whether Mr. Mace has made fraudulent statements with regard to the accident. The facts of this case easily demonstrate why a disinterested third-party is required to permit application of the Hamric exception. No one but Mr. Mace has testified that a John Doe vehicle crossed the center line and set the events in motion that led to the collision between the Mace and Dunn vehicles. Mr. Dunn testified that he did not believe that there was any other vehicle involved in the accident and that a John Doe vehicle was not a proximate cause of the accident. Although he was aware that there was a blue pickup truck [11] ahead of him, Mr. Dunn testified that he did not observe the truck weaving, entering the oncoming lane of traffic in which Mr. Mace was driving, or causing Mr. Mace to lose control of his vehicle. Mr. Dunn testified that Mr. Mace's version of the facts did not make any sense to him. The investigating officer, Trooper Reda, found Mr. Mace's claim of a John Doe vehicle suspect. When deposed, Trooper Reda stated that he believed Mr. Mace had not properly maintained control of his vehicle under the road conditions. Trooper Reda also observed that there was no independent evidence to substantiate Mr. Mace's allegations regarding the John Doe vehicle and concluded that the John Doe vehicle did not play a part in the accident. We were clear in Hamric that [i]t would be impossible to say in advance what might constitute sufficient corroborative evidence in a given case. 201 W.Va. at 620, 499 S.E.2d at 624. Thus, the fact that Mr. Mace may not fit squarely into one of the designated categories of individuals who does not qualify as a disinterested third-party is not dispositive of the issue. Only when the facts of a given case are closely scrutinized, can a determination be made as to whether the witness can qualify as both independent and disinterested. Upon careful consideration of the facts of this case, we cannot conclude that Mr. Mace fits the definition of a disinterested, independent third-party witness within the meaning of Hamric. Simply put, Mr. Mace's role in the accident prevents us from viewing him as a witness capable of proffering evidence that is simultaneously free of taint or suspicion and strong and reliable. Id. at 621, 499 S.E.2d at 625. Having answered the questions certified to this Court, this action is hereby dismissed from the docket of this Court. Certified questions answered. Justice SCOTT did not participate in the decision of the Court.