Judge to limit expert witnesses in Toyota cases, discovery to begin soon

Judge to limit expert witnesses in Toyota cases

SANTA ANA, Calif. — The federal judge overseeing sprawling litigation against Toyota has indicated he will not allow plaintiffs’ attorneys to call expert witnesses who work for the carmaker’s competitors.

U.S. District Court Judge James V. Selna said Wednesday during a two-hour hearing in Santa Ana that he agreed with Toyota Motor Corp. that calling such witnesses could allow competitors access to the automaker’s proprietary information.

Selna, however, tentatively said he would allow plaintiffs to call expert witnesses who have worked for a Toyota competitor in the past, but are not currently employed by one.

Selna will issue a written ruling finalizing his orders.