Difference between "prima facie" and "preliminary" evidence?

Question

I came across many sentences in empirical economics papers using the term:> prima facie evidenceIs there any difference between *"prima facie"* evidence and *"preliminary evidence"*?

Answer 1

Prima facie is evidence that is clear upon first look.

For example: Two cars with the hoods smashed in is prima facie evidence of a car accident.

Preliminary evidence indicates a possible conclusion, but further investigation is needed.

For example: After viewing the accident, preliminary evidence suggests that the east bound car was driving too fast. Further investigation revealed that the driver of the west bound car may have been driving while intoxicated.