Edison Prieto v. Erlinda Cajimat

Summary

This case involves civil liability for damages arising from a fatal vehicular accident. On January 14, 2003, Federico Rondal Jr., driving Edison Prieto's tricycle, collided head-on with Narciso Cajimat III's motorcycle after occupying the wrong lane, causing Cajimat III's death. Erlinda Cajimat, the victim's mother, sued for damages. The courts consistently found both defendants liable - Rondal Jr. for negligent driving and Prieto as registered owner under vicarious liability principles. The Supreme Court affirmed the lower courts' findings, rejecting petitioners' argument that the victim was contributorily negligent for allegedly driving without headlights. The Court emphasized that petitioners failed to meet their burden of proof and that questions of fact cannot be reviewed in Rule 45 petitions. The decision demonstrates the application of quasi-delict provisions and vicarious liability principles in vehicular accident cases.