Case Digest (G.R. No. 73998)
Facts:
In Pedro T. Layugan v. Intermediate Appellate Court, Godofredo Isidro, and Travellers Multi-Indemnity Corporation (G.R. No. 73998, November 14, 1988), petitioner Pedro T. Layugan filed a complaint in the Regional Trial Court (Branch XXVI, Cabanatuan City) seeking damages against respondent Godofredo Isidro for personal injuries sustained on May 15, 1979 in Baretbet, Bagabag, Nueva Vizcaya. Layugan and a companion were repairing a flat tire of their truck (Plate SU-730) parked along the highway when Isidro’s vehicle (Plate PW-583), driven by Daniel Serrano, collided with the stalled truck. Layugan alleged hospitalization expenses of ₱10,000, future lost earnings of ₱70,000, and legal fees of ₱10,000. Isidro defaulted and later filed an answer, counterclaim, and third-party complaint against his insurer, Travellers Multi-Indemnity Corporation, under Policy No. 11723. The trial court found Serrano negligentCase Digest (G.R. No. 73998)
Facts:
- Parties and Procedural History
- Pedro T. Layugan (plaintiff-appellee) filed for damages against Godofredo Isidro and, by third-party complaint, against Travellers Multi-Indemnity Corp. for a collision on May 15, 1979.
- The Regional Trial Court (RTC) awarded Layugan damages; the Intermediate Appellate Court (IAC) reversed and dismissed all claims; Layugan petitioned the Supreme Court for certiorari.
- Accident and Injuries
- While Layugan was repairing a flat tire on his parked cargo truck along the national highway in Bagabag, Nueva Vizcaya, Daniel Serrano (driver of Isidro’s truck) negligently struck the rear of Layugan’s vehicle.
- Layugan was hospitalized at two medical centers, spent ₱10,000 in medical bills, had his left leg amputated below the knee due to gangrene, lost future earnings estimated at ₱70,000, and agreed to pay his counsel ₱10,000.
- Counterclaims and Third-Party Litigation
- Isidro counterclaimed for ₱5,000 counsel’s fee, ₱200 per court appearance, and ₱30,000 moral damages.
- Isidro’s insurer contested coverage limits under policy No. 11723, argued premature filing, and blamed Layugan’s own negligence.
Issues:
- Whether the IAC erred in reversing the RTC’s decision and dismissing Layugan’s complaint.
- Whether the doctrine of res ipsa loquitur was properly applied to shift the burden of proof onto Layugan.
Ruling:
- (Subscriber-Only)
Ratio:
- (Subscriber-Only)
Doctrine:
- (Subscriber-Only)