Evidence — expert testimony

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Wisconsin Court of Appeals

Civil

Evidence — expert testimony

Janelle, Garland, Alexandra, and Teiya Farmer (collectively, “the Farmers”) appeal a judgment dismissing their negligence claims against Bruce Kotarski, Rhinelander Transfer & Storage, Inc., and Integon National Insurance Company (collectively, “Kotarski”). A jury found Janelle Farmer eighty percent causally negligent for a 2006 auto accident involving the Farmers’ vehicle and a semi truck driven by Bruce Kotarski. On appeal, the Farmers assert the circuit court erred by: (1) instructing the jury to disregard evidence of maladjusted brakes on Kotarski’s semi; (2) permitting an investigating officer to testify to his opinion that Farmer caused the accident; and (3) concluding their post-verdict motion was untimely and denying their motion to enlarge time. They also assert they are entitled to a new trial based on an improper closing remark by the defense. We affirm. This opinion will not be published.

2011AP1258 Farmer, et al. v. Kotarski, et al.

Dist III, Vilas County, Nielsen, J., Per Curiam

Attorneys: For Appellant: Lucareli, Steven M., Eagle River; For Respondent: Kost, Keith K., Rhinelander; Strutz, Sven W., Rhinelander