Teala RITTER et al., Appellants, v. Victor JIMENEZ et al., Appellees, 343 So. 2d 659

Summary

Appellants, a driver and her husband, sued for damages after an accident in which the driver was seriously injured when the school bus she was driving was involved in a collision with a vehicle driven by appellee. Appellee admitted liability and the only issue at trial was damages. A jury awarded damages to both the driver and her husband. Appellants contended that the trial judge made a number of errors that deprived them of a fair trial. In affirming the trial judge, the court ruled first that although Fla. Stat. ch. 90.615 was neither in effect at the time of the trial or during the pendency of the appeal, it would apply that law to the case. The act allowed the trial judge to call witnesses whom all parties would cross-examine. The court also agreed with the trial court that it was the trial judge's duty to determine the qualification of an expert witness, and ruled that the trial court's judgment would not be disturbed on appeal absent a clear abuse of discretion. The court also ...