Moliere v. WrightMoliere v. Wright
New Orleans Public Service (NOPSI) appeals a jury award in favor of Michael Moliere (Moliere). As compensation for injuries received from a collision with a NOPSI bus, the jury awarded Moliere $109,000.00. Under the comparative negligence statute, this sum was reduced to $81,750.00 on the jury‘s finding Moliere was 25% at fault.
On appeal, NOPSI contends that on the basis of the evidence produced at trial, it was manifest error for the jury to find Moliere only 25% at fault. NOPSI also contends that it was reversible error for the trial court to exclude testimony from the investigating officer. Having reviewed the record, we find these contentions to be without merit and affirm the decision of the trial court.
At 10:30 p.m. on August 1, 1982, a NOPSI bus and a bicyclist, Michael Moliere, collided. Moliere testified that he was making a right turn from Basin Street onto Conti, when a bus made a right turn at the same time. Moliere further testified that although he made several attempts to avoid a collision, the bus clipped his rear tire, throwing him under the bus, and causing multiple injuries.
Michael Wright, the NOPSI bus driver, testified that he passed Moliere in midblock
Absent a showing of manifest error, we will not overturn the findings made by the trier of fact. Arceneaux v. Dominigue, 365 So.2d 1330 on remand 377 So.2d 1262, writ denied 374 So.2d 660 (La.1978).
A close review of the records reveals considerable evidence to support the decision of the trial court apportioning 75% of the fault to NOPSI. Two expert witnesses, testifying on behalf of the plaintiff, agreed that the accident could not have happened as NOPSI claims.
Dr. Oscar Griffith, a physicist and accident reconstructionist, testified that if the vehicles had been traveling at the speeds estimated by the driver, and the bus had completely passed Moliere before the accident, the bicyclist could not have caught up to the bus.
Dr. Raymond Burkart, an accident reconstructionist, concluded that Moliere‘s testimony is consistent with the actual damage done to the bicycle. A photograph of the bike in evidence proves that it was hit from behind. Burhart testified that if Moliere had hit the bus, the damage would be to the front of the bike.
NOPSI also contends that the trial judge erred by excluding testimony of the investigating officer on the ground that it contained inadmissable hearsay statements made by Moliere. When a trial judge rules the testimony of a witness inadmissable, an offer of proof, or proffer, may be made.
For the foregoing reasons, we affirm the decision of the trial court at appellant‘s cost.
AFFIRMED.