Can I file a separate civil case for a vehicular accident?

Answer

Yes. A negligent act that causes damage can give rise to a quasi-delict, an independent source of civil liability that, under Article 2177 of the Civil Code, is entirely separate and distinct from the civil liability arising from the crime — though the injured party cannot recover damages twice for the same act.

The law also helps the victim prove fault: under Article 2185, a driver who was violating any traffic regulation at the time of the mishap is presumed negligent unless proven otherwise. Damages for death are governed by Article 2206.

Sources & further reading

• Civil Code Art. 2177 — quasi-delict vs. crime
• Civil Code Art. 2185 — presumption of negligence
• Civil Code Art. 2206 — damages for death
• Full report: reckless imprudence

Cases on this topic

• Aniceto Ibabao v. People
• Asis v. Ronquillo
• Calang v. People
• Francis O. Morales v. People
• George Manantan v. Court of Appeals
• Grumo, Jr. v. People
• Hedy Gan y Yu v. Court of Appeals
• Inocencio Tugade v. Court of Appeals

Related questions

• What is reckless imprudence under Article 365?
• What is the penalty for reckless imprudence resulting in homicide?
• What is the difference between reckless and simple imprudence?
• What happens if a driver fails to help the accident victim?