Opinion ID: 2093533
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 4

Heading: Relevancy of Evidence

Text: Plaintiffs' offers of proof sought to establish defendant's past custom and habit in operating the forklift truck. Both witnesses testified about Schaefer's habit of not watching for pedestrians and other vehicles as he unloaded trailers with his forklift. They further testified that Schaefer hit or nearly hit numerous other objects as a result of his failure to watch where he was going. Plaintiffs' witnesses Davison and Linsey also stated that their repeated complaints to supervisors at Deere did not remedy Schaefer's driving habits. This testimony bears on the question of knowledge on the part of Deere's management. In addition, the evidence of Schaefer's past habits and conduct all pertained to actions occurring in the same work environment as that in which the accident involving Sharri Gamerdinger occurred. In Greyhound Lines, Inc. v. Miller, 402 F.2d 134 (8th Cir.1968), the court held that evidence of prior accidents on the same premises was relevant to show the owner's knowledge of the dangerous conditions. We find that this evidence was relevant and probative as to the likelihood of Schaefer's being negligent in operating his forklift truck. It also may bear on the jury's assessment of the percentage of fault attributable to Schaefer by his conduct. The evidence clearly comes within the purview of Iowa Rule of Evidence 406 and should have been admitted. Admissibility in this case does not depend on whether defendants opened the door in their examination of Schaefer so that plaintiffs could then use their evidence of habit in rebuttal. This evidence was admissible as proffered by plaintiffs, standing alone. We hold the trial court erred in not so ruling on the admissibility of this evidence proffered at trial.