Who is liable in a car accident in the Philippines?

Asked by: Prof. Marlin Torphy  |  Last update: May 24, 2025
Score: 4.1/5 (14 votes)

Registered-owner rule. In the June 2015 case of Metro Manila Transit Corporation vs. Reynaldo Cuevas and Junnel Cuevas, the Supreme Court concluded that the vehicle's registered owner is legally responsible for any accidents it causes, even if an employed driver is operating it.

What is the law of vehicular accidents in the Philippines?

The Penal Code, Article 365 on imprudence and negligence, is the law which governs vehicular accident resulting in damage to persons and to property, or both.

What happens if the person at fault in an accident has no insurance in the Philippines?

If an insurance settlement cannot be reached or the at-fault party lacks adequate insurance coverage, legal action may be pursued. There are several pathways to consider: Filing a Civil Case for Damages: Under Article 2176 of the Civil Code, you may file a civil suit against the at-fault party for damages.

Is the registered owner of a car liable for an accident in the Philippines?

Under the Civil Code of the Philippines, the registered owner of a motor vehicle is presumed to be responsible for the acts of the driver when the vehicle is involved in an accident.

Am I responsible if someone else crashes my car?

In the US. Legally, they are responsible for the accident, providing it was their fault. They are responsible for any injuries, providing it was their fault. The driver would receive any citations the police decided to issue to the driver of your car.

"Ever wondered if you could be held liable for a car accident even if you weren't driving?

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What happens if someone not on your insurance gets in an accident?

Insurance follows the vehicle, so if someone else drives your car and gets into an accident, your insurance will handle the claim. This is known as permissive use — your policy covers the damage, not theirs.

Am I liable if my name is on a car title?

If the truck is in your name and they get into an accident, you are jointly liable with them for damages caused. If your insurance finds they have no license they will not cover the damages and you would be personally liable.

How do I settle a car accident in the Philippines?

Legal Remedies in the Philippines for Vehicle Damage Following a Car Accident
  1. Filing for Civil Damages. ...
  2. Compulsory Third-Party Liability (CTPL) Insurance Claims. ...
  3. Filing a Police Report and Mediation. ...
  4. Filing a Complaint with the Land Transportation Office (LTO) ...
  5. Small Claims Court. ...
  6. Negotiation and Settlement.

Who is liable if someone borrows your car?

Vehicle Owners Are Liable Under California Law

This law holds a vehicle's owner responsible for collisions caused by the driver of the vehicle – even if the driver is not the owner. Liability is determined by identifying the actual owner of the vehicle.

What is vicarious liability law in the Philippines?

Vicarious liability is a significant legal concept under the New Civil Code of the Philippines. It ensures that employers and principals are held accountable for the actions of their employees and agents when those actions occur within the scope of their duties.

Is it illegal to not have car insurance in the Philippines?

According to Section 373c, Chapter VI of the Insurance Code of the Philippines, car owners must get compulsory third-party liability insurance, or CTPL, when registering a vehicle. A CTPL is a type of car insurance that offers coverage for any legal liability to a third party.

Can you sue someone in a no-fault accident?

Most no-fault states also have a monetary threshold law that only allows victims to sue if their medical bills and expenses meet or exceed the monetary threshold. Though it varies from state to state, the threshold is typically around $1,000. The monetary threshold can only be met from expenses actually accrued.

How do I report a car accident to the police in the Philippines?

If there's no traffic enforcer in sight, call the MMDA hotline (136 or 882-0860) or the police for assistance. Get the names of the police or investigator in charge. Allow traffic investigators to manage the situation.

What is legally considered an accident?

An accident is an unplanned, unintentional event that causes damage or injury. Accidents are unpredictable and occur without any intent or negligence. For example, a tree branch falling on a parked car during a storm in California would be considered an accident - there was no intent or negligence, just bad luck.

What is the primary responsibility of driver in road crash in the Philippines?

In determining liability in this type of traffic accident, Philippine law primarily looks at the behavior and actions of the driver during the event. Under the Civil Code of the Philippines, a driver has a duty to exercise reasonable care when operating a vehicle to avoid harm to other road users.

What is the emergency vehicle law in the Philippines?

The general rule when it comes to the right of way and emergency vehicles, according to Article III, Section 43 B of the Republic Act 4136 or the Land Transportation and Traffic Code, is for all drivers to yield the right of way to emergency vehicles when they signal their approach.

What happens if my friend borrowed my car and gets in an accident?

Usually, a car insurance policy covers the vehicle itself, not the person driving it, and that means the liability coverage (which is required by California law) should cover the friend. California is an at-fault state, which means the driver responsible for an accident is the one whose insurance will be the primary ...

Can my son drive my car if he is not insured?

Most insurers cover someone else driving the policyholder's car with their permission once in a while. But, if you're going to start driving one of your parent's cars regularly, you'll need to be added or named on their auto insurance. You can't legally drive your parents' car without any insurance at all, either.

What happens if someone who isn't on your insurance crashes your car Progressive?

Allowing another licensed driver to borrow your vehicle is known as "permissive use," which means you give someone, who isn't listed on your car insurance policy, permission to operate your vehicle. If they're involved in an accident, your auto insurance may pay for the damages and injuries, up to your coverage limits.

What is the law of vehicular accident in the Philippines?

If the accident results in physical injuries or death, the driver may be held criminally liable under the Revised Penal Code of the Philippines. For instance, under Article 365 of the Code, the crime of "reckless imprudence resulting in homicide, serious physical injuries, or damage to property" may be charged.

What happens if I can't pay car accident settlement?

The Consequences of Not Paying a Car Accident Lawsuit

The court could garnish your wages, put a lien on your property, or order you to sell assets to come up with the money. If you still cannot pay, you could be sent to jail. The court may allow you to set up a payment plan in some states.

How can I settle in Philippines?

If you intend to live and work in the Philippines long-term, you must apply for a visa before you arrive. This can be either a work visa or retirement visa. The type of working visa you apply for depends on your work arrangements.

Does it matter whose name is on the car?

Yes, the name on a car title can impact insurance coverage. Insurance companies usually require the policyholder to have an insurable interest in the vehicle, meaning they either own the car or have a significant financial interest in it.

Who is responsible for the accident?

The owner of the vehicle and the driver of the vehicle could both be held liable in a lawsuit. In this case, the owner does not have to be inside the car at the time of the accident in order to face a lawsuit.