Jessica P. Maitim A.K.A. 'Jean Garcia' v. Maria Theresa P. Aguila

Summary

This Supreme Court case involves a vehicular accident where a 6-year-old child was sideswiped and seriously injured by a vehicle in a townhouse driveway. The Court applied the res ipsa loquitur doctrine to establish the driver's negligence, noting that the severe injuries were inconsistent with careful, slow driving. The vehicle owner was held vicariously liable under Article 2180 of the Civil Code for failing to prove due diligence in employee selection and supervision. The Court rejected contributory negligence defenses, emphasizing that children under nine are conclusively presumed incapable of contributory negligence. The decision affirmed solidary liability for actual damages, moral damages, and attorney's fees, establishing important precedents for vehicular accident liability and employer responsibility in quasi-delict cases.