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{\title IN THE SUPREME COURT OF GUAM}{\author lroberto}{\operator blake_r}{\creatim\yr2005\mo8\dy12\hr9\min3}{\revtim\yr2006\mo3\dy14\hr7\min52}{\version4}{\edmins2}{\nofpages5}{\nofwords1560}{\nofchars8894}{\*\company Superior Court of Guam}
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\i\fs20\insrsid744125 '}{\i\fs20\insrsid6559882 Mara v. Hechanova et al}{\fs20\insrsid6559882 , Opinion\tab Page }{\field{\*\fldinst {\fs20\insrsid6559882 PAGE }}{\fldrslt {\fs20\lang1024\langfe1024\noproof\insrsid12666913 5}}}{\fs20\insrsid6559882  of 7

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\fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\b\insrsid6559882\charrsid12666913 IN THE SUPREME COURT OF GUAM}{\insrsid12666913 
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\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid12666913 {\b\insrsid6559882\charrsid12666913 ADRIENNE O}{\b\insrsid744125\charrsid12666913 '}{\b\insrsid6559882\charrsid12666913 MARA,}{\insrsid6559882\charrsid12666913 
\par Plaintiff-Appellee,
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\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid12666913 {\b\insrsid6559882\charrsid12666913 vs.}{\insrsid6559882\charrsid12666913 
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\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid12666913 {\b\insrsid6559882\charrsid12666913 SUE P. HECHANOVA, ESTATE OF HOWARD P. HECHANOVA,
\par ALPHA INSURERS, a Guam Corporation, and DOES I THROUGH X,}{\insrsid6559882\charrsid12666913 
\par Defendants-Appellants.}{\insrsid12666913 
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\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid12666913 {\insrsid6559882\charrsid12666913 Supreme Court Case No.: CVA00-0025
\par Superior Court Case No.: CV1252-98}{\insrsid12666913 
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\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid12666913 {\b\insrsid6559882\charrsid12666913 Filed: June 13, 2001}{\insrsid12666913 
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\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\tqc\tx4680\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid12666913 {\b\insrsid6559882\charrsid12666913 Cite as: 2001 Guam 13}{\insrsid12666913 
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\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid12666913 {\insrsid6559882\charrsid12666913 Appeal from the Superior Court of Guam
\par Argued and Submitted on May 11, 2001
\par Hag\'e5t\'f1a, Guam}{\insrsid12666913 
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\par }{\ul\insrsid6559882\charrsid12666913 Appearing for Plaintiff-Appellee}{\insrsid6559882\charrsid12666913 :
\par Law Offices of Cesar C. Cabot, P.C.
\par Bank Pacific Bldg., Second Floor
\par 825 S. Marine Dr.
\par Tamuning, Guam 96911\cell 
\par }{\ul\insrsid6559882\charrsid12666913 Appearing for Defendants-Appellants}{\insrsid6559882\charrsid12666913 :
\par Thomas C. Moody, III, Esq.
\par Klemm, Blair, Sterling, & Johnson, P.C.
\par 1008 Pacific News Bldg.
\par 238 Archbishop F.C. Flores St.
\par Hag\'e5t\'f1a, Guam 96910\cell }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\intbl\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0 {\insrsid6559882\charrsid12666913 \trowd \irow0\irowband0\lastrow 
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\par }{\insrsid6559882\charrsid12666913 BEFORE: BENJAMIN J.F. CRUZ, Chief Justice; PETER C. SIGUENZA, JR., and F. PHILIP CARBULLIDO, Associate Justices
\par 
\par }{\b\insrsid6559882\charrsid12666913 CARBULLIDO, J.:}{\insrsid6559882\charrsid12666913 
\par }{\b\insrsid12666913 
\par }{\b\insrsid6559882\charrsid12666913 [1]}{\insrsid6559882\charrsid12666913 \tab Adrienne O}{\insrsid744125\charrsid12666913 '}{\insrsid6559882\charrsid12666913 Mara (}{\insrsid6559882\charrsid12666913 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 65 \\f 
"WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid6559882\charrsid12666913 O}{\insrsid744125\charrsid12666913 '}{\insrsid6559882\charrsid12666913 Mara}{\insrsid6559882\charrsid12666913 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 64 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols"
 \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid6559882\charrsid12666913 ) was injured when her automobile was struck by another vehicle driven by Howard P. Hechanova (}{\insrsid6559882\charrsid12666913 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 65 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols"
 \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid6559882\charrsid12666913 H. Hechanova}{\insrsid6559882\charrsid12666913 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 64 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid6559882\charrsid12666913 
) and owned by Sue Hechanova (}{\insrsid6559882\charrsid12666913 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 65 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid6559882\charrsid12666913 S. Hechanova}{\insrsid6559882\charrsid12666913 {\field{\*\fldinst 
SYMBOL 64 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid6559882\charrsid12666913 ).}{\insrsid12666913  }{\insrsid6559882\charrsid12666913 H. Hechanova died in the accident.}{\insrsid12666913  }{\insrsid6559882\charrsid12666913 O}{
\insrsid744125\charrsid12666913 '}{\insrsid6559882\charrsid12666913 Mara sued S. Hechanova and Alpha Insurers (}{\insrsid6559882\charrsid12666913 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 65 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{
\insrsid6559882\charrsid12666913 Alpha}{\insrsid6559882\charrsid12666913 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 64 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid6559882\charrsid12666913 ) under Guam}{\insrsid744125\charrsid12666913 '}{
\insrsid6559882\charrsid12666913 s imputed negligence statute.}{\insrsid12666913  }{\insrsid6559882\charrsid12666913 
The principal issue is whether S. Hechanova as the owner of the vehicle gave her consent to H. Hechanova to drive the vehicle which injured O}{\insrsid744125\charrsid12666913 '}{\insrsid6559882\charrsid12666913 Mara.}{\insrsid12666913  }{
\insrsid6559882\charrsid12666913 After finding implied consent, the trial court denied the defendants motions for directed verdict and judgment notwithstanding the verdict and allowed the jury verdict to stand in favor of O}{
\insrsid744125\charrsid12666913 '}{\insrsid6559882\charrsid12666913 Mara.}{\insrsid12666913  }{\insrsid6559882\charrsid12666913 Defendants appeal.}{\insrsid12666913  }{\insrsid6559882\charrsid12666913 We reverse. 
\par 
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\par }{\b\insrsid6559882\charrsid12666913 [2]}{\insrsid6559882\charrsid12666913 \tab On October 18, 1997, a car driven by H. Hechanova collided with a car driven by Plaintiff-Appellee O}{\insrsid744125\charrsid12666913 '}{\insrsid6559882\charrsid12666913 Mara.
}{\insrsid12666913  }{\insrsid6559882\charrsid12666913 H. Hechanova was killed and O}{\insrsid744125\charrsid12666913 '}{\insrsid6559882\charrsid12666913 Mara was injured in the accident.}{\insrsid12666913  }{\insrsid6559882\charrsid12666913 
The vehicle driven by H. Hechanova was owned by Defendant-Appellant, S. Hechanova and insured by Chung Kuo Insurance Co., Inc. (Chung Kuo) whose general agent in Guam at the time was Defendant-Appellant Alpha.}{\insrsid6559882 
\par }{\insrsid12666913\charrsid12666913 
\par }{\b\insrsid6559882\charrsid12666913 [3]}{\insrsid6559882\charrsid12666913 \tab O}{\insrsid744125\charrsid12666913 '}{\insrsid6559882\charrsid12666913 
Mara filed the underlying Complaint in this action to recover damages for injuries caused by H. Hechanova}{\insrsid744125\charrsid12666913 '}{\insrsid6559882\charrsid12666913 
s alleged negligence from S. Hechanova and directly from the purported insurer of the vehicle, Alpha.}{\insrsid12666913  }{\insrsid6559882\charrsid12666913 O}{\insrsid744125\charrsid12666913 '}{\insrsid6559882\charrsid12666913 Mara also named H. Hechanova
}{\insrsid744125\charrsid12666913 '}{\insrsid6559882\charrsid12666913 s estate as a party.}{\insrsid12666913  }{\insrsid6559882\charrsid12666913 However, Defendants pointed out, without dispute from O}{\insrsid744125\charrsid12666913 '}{
\insrsid6559882\charrsid12666913 Mara, that no probate case was filed for H. Hechanova.}{\insrsid12666913  }{\insrsid6559882\charrsid12666913 Thus, the estate is not a proper party hereto.}{\insrsid12666913  }{\insrsid6559882\charrsid12666913 O}{
\insrsid744125\charrsid12666913 '}{\insrsid6559882\charrsid12666913 Mara did not amend her Complaint to include the actual insurer, Chung Kuo.}{\insrsid6559882 
\par }{\insrsid12666913\charrsid12666913 
\par }{\b\insrsid6559882\charrsid12666913 [4]}{\insrsid6559882\charrsid12666913 \tab Alpha}{\insrsid12666913  }{\insrsid6559882\charrsid12666913 filed an answer, entitled }{\insrsid6559882\charrsid12666913 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 65 \\f 
"WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid6559882\charrsid12666913 Answer of Defendant Chung Kuo Insurance Co., LTD.,}{\insrsid6559882\charrsid12666913 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 64 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}
}{\insrsid12666913  }{\insrsid6559882\charrsid12666913 and later filed an amended answer entitled }{\insrsid6559882\charrsid12666913 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 65 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid6559882\charrsid12666913 
Amended Answer of Defendant Alpha Insurers and Answer of Defendant Sue P. Hechanova.}{\insrsid6559882\charrsid12666913 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 64 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid12666913  The Amended Answer supers}{
\insrsid6559882\charrsid12666913 eded the Original Answer.}{\insrsid12666913  }{\insrsid6559882\charrsid12666913 After O}{\insrsid744125\charrsid12666913 '}{\insrsid6559882\charrsid12666913 
Mara rested her case in the jury trial, Defendants moved the court for a directed verdict pursuant to Guam Rule of Civil Procedure 50(a).}{\insrsid12666913  }{\insrsid6559882\charrsid12666913 Alpha and S. Hechanova also filed 
a separate Motion for Directed Verdict per GRCP 50(b).}{\insrsid12666913  }{\insrsid6559882\charrsid12666913 The court took the motions under advisement and the case was submitted to the jury.}{\insrsid12666913  }{\insrsid6559882\charrsid12666913 
The jury reached its verdict in favor of O}{\insrsid744125\charrsid12666913 '}{\insrsid6559882\charrsid12666913 Mara.}{\insrsid12666913  }{\insrsid6559882\charrsid12666913 Defendants then filed a Motion for Judgment Notwithstanding the Verdict.}{
\insrsid12666913  }{\insrsid6559882\charrsid12666913 The grounds for these motions were the same: that O}{\insrsid744125\charrsid12666913 '}{\insrsid6559882\charrsid12666913 Mara failed to prove consent and failed to name the appropriate insurer.}{
\insrsid12666913  }{\insrsid6559882\charrsid12666913 The trial court denied Defendant}{\insrsid744125\charrsid12666913 '}{\insrsid6559882\charrsid12666913  motion and this appeal followed. 
\par 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid12666913 {\b\insrsid6559882\charrsid12666913 II.}{\insrsid6559882\charrsid12666913 
\par }\pard \qj \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid12666913 {\b\insrsid12666913 
\par }{\b\insrsid6559882\charrsid12666913 [5]}{\insrsid6559882\charrsid12666913 \tab This court has jurisdiction over an appeal from a final judgment.}{\insrsid12666913  }{\insrsid6559882\charrsid12666913 Title 7 GCA }{\insrsid6559882\charrsid12666913 
{\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 39 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid6559882\charrsid12666913  3107(b) (1994).
\par }{\b\insrsid12666913 
\par }{\b\insrsid6559882\charrsid12666913 [6]}{\insrsid6559882\charrsid12666913 \tab A denial of a motion for directed verdict is reviewed }{\i\insrsid6559882\charrsid12666913 de novo.}{\i\insrsid12666913  }{\i\insrsid6559882\charrsid12666913 
Oglesby v. Southern Pac. Transp. Co.}{\insrsid6559882\charrsid12666913 , 6 F.3d 603, 605 (9th Cir. 1993).}{\insrsid12666913  }{\insrsid6559882\charrsid12666913 A denial of a motion for judgment notwithstanding the verdict is reviewed de novo.}{
\insrsid12666913  }{\i\insrsid6559882\charrsid12666913 Leon Guerrero v. DLB Const. Co.,}{\insrsid6559882\charrsid12666913  1999 Guam 9, }{\insrsid6559882\charrsid12666913 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 38 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}
}{\insrsid6559882\charrsid12666913  11.}{\insrsid12666913  }{\insrsid6559882\charrsid12666913 A motion for a directed verdict and a motion for judgment notwithstanding the verdict is the same as a motion for judgement as a matter of law.}{
\insrsid12666913  }{\i\insrsid6559882\charrsid12666913 See id.}{\insrsid6559882\charrsid12666913 ;}{\i\insrsid6559882\charrsid12666913  see also}{\insrsid6559882\charrsid12666913  }{\i\insrsid6559882\charrsid12666913 Frank v. Daimler-Benz}{
\insrsid6559882\charrsid12666913 , 226 N.W.2d 143, 147 (N.D. 1975) (stating that a motion for directed verdict should be granted when the moving party is entitled to judgment as a matter of law).}{\insrsid12666913  }{\insrsid6559882\charrsid12666913 
A judgment as a matter of law is proper if the evidence, construed in the light most favorable to the nonmoving party, permits only one reasonable conclusion, and that conclusion is contrary to that of the jury. }{\i\insrsid6559882\charrsid12666913 Id.}{
\insrsid12666913  }{\insrsid6559882\charrsid12666913 The standard of review for a jury verdict is whether it is supported by substantial evidence or against the clear weight of evidence.}{\insrsid12666913  }{\i\insrsid6559882\charrsid12666913 Id.}{
\insrsid6559882\charrsid12666913  at }{\insrsid6559882\charrsid12666913 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 38 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid6559882\charrsid12666913  21 (citing}{\insrsid12666913  }{
\i\insrsid6559882\charrsid12666913 J.J. Moving Service, Inc. v. Sanko Bussan Co. Ltd}{\insrsid6559882\charrsid12666913 ., 1998 Guam 19, }{\insrsid6559882\charrsid12666913 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 38 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}
}{\insrsid6559882\charrsid12666913  28).}{\insrsid12666913  }{\insrsid6559882\charrsid12666913 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 65 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid6559882\charrsid12666913 
Substantial evidence is such relevant evidence which reasonable minds might accept as adequate to support a conclusion even if it is possible to draw two inconsistent conclusions from the evidence.}{\insrsid6559882\charrsid12666913 {\field{\*\fldinst 
SYMBOL 64 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid12666913  }{\i\insrsid6559882\charrsid12666913 Id.}{\insrsid6559882\charrsid12666913  at }{\insrsid6559882\charrsid12666913 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 38 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols"
 \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid6559882\charrsid12666913  20 (citations omitted).
\par 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\tqc\tx4680\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid12666913 {\b\insrsid6559882\charrsid12666913 III.}{\insrsid6559882\charrsid12666913 
\par }\pard \qj \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid12666913 {\b\insrsid12666913 
\par }{\b\insrsid6559882\charrsid12666913 [7]}{\insrsid6559882\charrsid12666913 \tab It is not disputed that S. Hechanova was the owner of the
 vehicle driven by H. Hechanova or that Alpha was merely the general agent of Chung Kuo, the actual insurer of the vehicle.}{\insrsid12666913  }{\insrsid6559882\charrsid12666913 We first address the issue of whether O}{\insrsid744125\charrsid12666913 '}{
\insrsid6559882\charrsid12666913 Mara may recover damages from S. Hechanova.}{\insrsid12666913  }{\insrsid6559882\charrsid12666913 Guam}{\insrsid744125\charrsid12666913 '}{\insrsid6559882\charrsid12666913 s Imputed Negligence Statute permits}{
\insrsid12666913  }{\insrsid6559882\charrsid12666913 recovery of damages against the owner of a vehicle if the owner gave consent to the negligent driver.}{\insrsid12666913  }{\insrsid6559882\charrsid12666913 The statute provides in part:}{
\insrsid6559882 
\par }{\insrsid12666913\charrsid12666913 
\par }\pard \qj \fi720\li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid12666913 {\insrsid6559882\charrsid12666913 Liability of Private Owners.
\par }\pard \qj \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid12666913 {\insrsid6559882\charrsid12666913 
\par }\pard \qj \li720\ri720\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin720\lin720\itap0\pararsid12666913 {\insrsid6559882\charrsid12666913 Responsibility of owners for negligent operation by person using motor vehicle with permission: 
imputation of negligence. Every owner of a motor vehicle is liable and responsible for the death of or injury to person or property resulting from negligence in the operation of such motor vehicle, in the business of such owner or otherwise, by any person
 using or operating the same with the permission, express or implied, of such owner, and the negligence of such person shall be imputed to the owner for all purposes of civil damages.
\par }\pard \qj \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid12666913 {\insrsid6559882\charrsid12666913 
\par 16 GCA }{\insrsid6559882\charrsid12666913 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 39 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid6559882\charrsid12666913  17101(a) (1993).
\par }{\b\insrsid12666913 
\par }{\b\insrsid6559882\charrsid12666913 [8]}{\insrsid6559882\charrsid12666913 \tab Under the statute, and because there is no dispute as to S. Hechanova}{\insrsid744125\charrsid12666913 '}{\insrsid6559882\charrsid12666913 
s ownership, the only element to be proved is consent.}{\insrsid12666913  }{\insrsid6559882\charrsid12666913 O}{\insrsid744125\charrsid12666913 '}{\insrsid6559882\charrsid12666913 
Mara must affirmatively prove that S. Hechanova gave express or implied permission to H. Hechanova to drive her car.}{\insrsid12666913  }{\i\insrsid6559882\charrsid12666913 See Engstrom v. Auburn Auto. Sales Corp}{\insrsid6559882\charrsid12666913 
., 11 Cal.2d 64, 68, 77 P.2d 1059, 1062 (1938); }{\i\insrsid6559882\charrsid12666913 Scheff v. Roberts}{\insrsid6559882\charrsid12666913 , 35 Cal.2d 10, 12, 215 P.2d 925, 926 (1950).}{\cs15\super\insrsid6559882\charrsid12666913 \chftn {\footnote 
\pard\plain \qj \fi720\li0\ri0\sa240\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\cs15\super\insrsid6559882 \chftn }{\insrsid6559882   }{\fs20\insrsid6559882 Guam}{\fs20\insrsid744125 '}{
\fs20\insrsid6559882 s Imputed Negligence Statute was adopted from California.  }{\i\fs20\insrsid6559882 Look v. Mobley}{\fs20\insrsid6559882 
, 323 F.2d 214, 215 (9th Cir. 1963).  California case law on this issue is persuasive when there is no compelling reason to deviate from California}{\fs20\insrsid744125 '}{\fs20\insrsid6559882 s interpretation.  }{\i\fs20\insrsid6559882 See e.g}{
\fs20\insrsid6559882 . }{\i\fs20\insrsid6559882 Fajardo v. Liberty House Guam}{\fs20\insrsid6559882 , 2000 Guam 4, }{\fs20\insrsid6559882 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 38 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 10}{\fldrslt\f36\fs20}}}{\fs20\insrsid6559882  17.}}}{
\insrsid12666913  }{\insrsid6559882\charrsid12666913 The fact that S. Hechanova was the owner of the vehicle at the time of the accident does not prove consent.}{\insrsid12666913  }{\i\insrsid6559882\charrsid12666913 See Engstrom}{
\insrsid6559882\charrsid12666913 , 11 Cal.2d at 69, 77 P.2d at 1062.
\par }{\b\insrsid12666913 
\par }{\b\insrsid6559882\charrsid12666913 [9]}{\insrsid6559882\charrsid12666913 \tab Review of the record including the transcripts of the trial shows that O}{\insrsid744125\charrsid12666913 '}{\insrsid6559882\charrsid12666913 Mara d
id not submit any evidence showing that S. Hechanova gave H. Hechanova her express consent to drive her car.}{\insrsid12666913  }{\insrsid6559882\charrsid12666913 We note that during the post-trial Motion for Judgment Notwithstanding the Verdict, O}{
\insrsid744125\charrsid12666913 '}{\insrsid6559882\charrsid12666913 Mara introduced as an exhibit in her opposition, S. Hechanova}{\insrsid744125\charrsid12666913 '}{\insrsid6559882\charrsid12666913 
s response to interrogatories in which S. Hechanova admitted giving H. Hechanova permission to use her vehicle.}{\insrsid12666913  }{\insrsid6559882\charrsid12666913 Appellant}{\insrsid744125\charrsid12666913 '}{\insrsid6559882\charrsid12666913 
s Excerpts of Record at Tab 55, Exh. 2.}{\insrsid12666913  }{\insrsid6559882\charrsid12666913 However, the responses to interrogatories were not introduced during O}{\insrsid744125\charrsid12666913 '}{\insrsid6559882\charrsid12666913 Mara}{
\insrsid744125\charrsid12666913 '}{\insrsid6559882\charrsid12666913 s case in chief and were not part of the record before the jury.}{\insrsid12666913  }{\insrsid6559882\charrsid12666913 Thus, this admission cannot be considered in this appeal.
\par }{\b\insrsid12666913 
\par }{\b\insrsid6559882\charrsid12666913 [10]}{\insrsid6559882\charrsid12666913 \tab There being no express consent, the issue, under section 17101, becomes whether S. Hechanova gave implied permission to H. Hechanova.}{\insrsid12666913  }{
\insrsid6559882\charrsid12666913 We look to the record to determine whether there is substantial evidence of implied consent.}{\insrsid12666913  }{\i\insrsid6559882\charrsid12666913 See e.g. Leon Guerrero}{\insrsid6559882\charrsid12666913 
, 1999 Guam 9 at }{\insrsid6559882\charrsid12666913 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 38 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}{\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 38 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid6559882\charrsid12666913 
 20-21.}{\insrsid12666913  }{\insrsid6559882\charrsid12666913 Implied consent may be determined from circumstances in the evidence and inferences therefrom.}{\insrsid12666913  }{\i\insrsid6559882\charrsid12666913 Scheff}{\insrsid6559882\charrsid12666913 
, 35 Cal.2d at 12-13, 215 P.2d at 926.}{\insrsid12666913  }{\insrsid6559882\charrsid12666913 The only evidence of implied consent presented at trial was that S. Hechanova and H. Hechanova shared the same last name.}{\insrsid12666913  }{
\insrsid6559882\charrsid12666913 Although O}{\insrsid744125\charrsid12666913 '}{\insrsid6559882\charrsid12666913 
Mara failed to introduce any evidence that S. Hechanova and H. Hechanova were related, the suggestion here was that there was a relation and consent could be implied from this inference.}{\cs15\super\insrsid6559882\charrsid12666913 \chftn {\footnote 
\pard\plain \qj \fi720\li0\ri0\sa240\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\cs15\super\insrsid6559882 \chftn }{\insrsid6559882   }{\fs20\insrsid6559882 We note that during closing arguments O}{
\fs20\insrsid744125 '}{\fs20\insrsid6559882 Mara}{\fs20\insrsid744125 '}{\fs20\insrsid6559882 s counsel mention
ed that H. Hechanova was the son of S. Hechanova.  Opposing counsel correctly objected. However, the trial court did not strike the statement, ordering the jury to let their recollections govern.  Transcript vol. II p. 58 (Jury Trial May 8, 2000).}}}{
\insrsid6559882\charrsid12666913 
\par }{\b\insrsid12666913 
\par }{\b\insrsid6559882\charrsid12666913 [11]}{\insrsid6559882\charrsid12666913 \tab 
However, even where a relationship such as by blood, marriage or principal-agent is not disputed, the party proving consent must provide some direct evidence, albeit weak, of implied consent.}{\insrsid12666913  }{\i\insrsid6559882\charrsid12666913 
Elkinton v. Calif. State Auto. Ass}{\i\insrsid744125\charrsid12666913 '}{\i\insrsid6559882\charrsid12666913 n.,}{\insrsid6559882\charrsid12666913  173 Cal.App.2d 338, 344, 343 P.2d 396, 399 (1959) (}{\insrsid6559882\charrsid12666913 {\field{\*\fldinst 
SYMBOL 65 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid6559882\charrsid12666913 Where, for example, the parties are relate
d by blood, or marriage, or where the relationship between the owner and the operator is that of principal and agent, weaker direct evidence will support a finding of such use than where the parties are only acquaintances, or strangers.}{
\insrsid6559882\charrsid12666913 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 64 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid6559882\charrsid12666913 ) (citations omitted).
\par }{\b\insrsid12666913 
\par }{\b\insrsid6559882\charrsid12666913 [12]}{\insrsid6559882\charrsid12666913 \tab In the case at bar, there was no evidence whatsoever of a relationship other than the shared last name.}{\insrsid12666913  }{\insrsid6559882\charrsid12666913 
Shared last names does not automatically mean that the parties are related by blood or marriage.}{\insrsid12666913  }{\insrsid6559882\charrsid12666913 Two people can share the same last name and be total strangers to each other.}{\insrsid12666913  }{
\insrsid6559882\charrsid12666913 A shared name by itself does not amount to affirmative proof to support an inference of express or implied permission.}{\insrsid12666913  }{\i\insrsid6559882\charrsid12666913 See e.g. Engstrom}{
\insrsid6559882\charrsid12666913 , 11 Cal.2d at 68, 77 P.2d at 1062.}{\insrsid12666913  }{\insrsid6559882\charrsid12666913 Further, it is not substantial evidence to support the jury}{\insrsid744125\charrsid12666913 '}{\insrsid6559882\charrsid12666913 
s verdict.}{\insrsid12666913  }{\i\insrsid6559882\charrsid12666913 See}{\i\insrsid12666913  }{\i\insrsid6559882\charrsid12666913 Leon Guerrero}{\insrsid6559882\charrsid12666913 , 1999 Guam 9, at }{\insrsid6559882\charrsid12666913 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL
 38 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid6559882\charrsid12666913  12.}{\insrsid12666913  }{\insrsid6559882\charrsid12666913 Thus, we find that O}{\insrsid744125\charrsid12666913 '}{\insrsid6559882\charrsid12666913 
Mara failed to prove the essential element of consent and hold that the trial court erred in not granting the Motion for Directed Verdict or the Motion for Judgment Notwithstanding the Verdict.
\par }{\b\insrsid12666913 
\par }{\b\insrsid6559882\charrsid12666913 [13]}{\insrsid6559882\charrsid12666913 \tab Because we find that S. Hechanova is not liable under the Imputed Negligence Statute, her insurer is also not liable thereunder.}{\insrsid12666913  }{
\insrsid6559882\charrsid12666913 Thus, we need not pass on the issue of whether the suit against Alpha, as the general agent of Chung Kuo, should be dismissed.}{\insrsid12666913  }{\insrsid6559882\charrsid12666913 
Accordingly, we do not decide whether a general agent of an insurer may be liable under Guam}{\insrsid744125\charrsid12666913 '}{\insrsid6559882\charrsid12666913 s Direct Action Statute, 22 GCA }{\insrsid6559882\charrsid12666913 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL
 39 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid6559882\charrsid12666913  18305.
\par 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\tqc\tx4680\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid12666913 {\b\insrsid6559882\charrsid12666913 IV.
\par }\pard \qj \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid12666913 {\b\insrsid12666913 
\par }{\b\insrsid6559882\charrsid12666913 [14]}{\insrsid6559882\charrsid12666913 \tab In a cause of action brought pursuant to Guam}{\insrsid744125\charrsid12666913 '}{\insrsid6559882\charrsid12666913 
s Imputed Negligence Statute, plaintiff must prove that the owner of the vehicle gave express or implied consent to the negligent driver.}{\insrsid12666913  }{\insrsid6559882\charrsid12666913 P
roof that the driver and owner shared the same surname, in and of itself, is not substantial evidence of consent.}{\insrsid12666913  }{\insrsid6559882\charrsid12666913 In this case, O}{\insrsid744125\charrsid12666913 '}{\insrsid6559882\charrsid12666913 
Mara}{\insrsid744125\charrsid12666913 '}{\insrsid6559882\charrsid12666913 s counsel determined during discovery that consent was expressly given.}{\insrsid12666913  }{\insrsid6559882\charrsid12666913 This evidence was not submitted to the jury.}{
\insrsid12666913  }{\insrsid6559882\charrsid12666913 Counsel}{\insrsid744125\charrsid12666913 '}{\insrsid6559882\charrsid12666913 s inexplicable failure to prove this essential element of his case is fatal error.}{\insrsid12666913  }{
\insrsid6559882\charrsid12666913 The trial court}{\insrsid744125\charrsid12666913 '}{\insrsid6559882\charrsid12666913 s denials of the Motion for Directed Verdict and the Motion for Judgment Notwithstanding the Verdict are }{
\b\insrsid6559882\charrsid12666913 REVERSED}{\insrsid6559882\charrsid12666913 .}{\insrsid12666913  }{\insrsid6559882\charrsid12666913 This case is }{\b\insrsid6559882\charrsid12666913 REMANDED}{\insrsid6559882\charrsid12666913  for entry o
f a new judgment consistent with this opinion.}{\insrsid12666913 
\par }\pard \qj \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\tx-1440\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid12666913 {\insrsid12666913 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\tx-1440\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid12666913 {\insrsid6559882\charrsid12666913 PETER C. SIGUENZA, JR.\tab \tab \tab \tab }{\insrsid12666913  }{\insrsid6559882\charrsid12666913 F. PHILIP CARBULLIDO
\par Associate Justice\tab \tab \tab \tab \tab Associate Justice}{\insrsid12666913 
\par }\pard \qj \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\tx-1440\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid12666913 {\insrsid12666913 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid12666913 {\insrsid6559882\charrsid12666913 BENJAMIN J.F. CRUZ
\par Chief Justice
\par }}