Matadores Accident & Injury Lawyers | November 3, 2026 | Car Accidents
In most cases, you can sue a company if one of its employees causes a car crash in California. Under a legal rule called respondeat superior, employers are responsible for damage caused by employees who act negligently in the course and scope of their employment.
Filing a lawsuit against an employer may give you access to larger commercial insurance policies with much higher coverage limits than a driver’s individual policy or assets.
When Companies Are Liable for Driver Negligence
California law holds companies vicariously responsible when an employee causes an accident while on the job.
Common work-related driving duties include:
- Delivery drivers completing routes
- Service technicians driving between work locations
- Sales representatives traveling to client meetings
- Commercial truck drivers hauling cargo
- Employees running work-related errands for a manager
Employer liability ultimately depends on whether the driver was embarking on a personal errand or departure from work duties. If a driver causes a crash while handling personal business, liability may shift back to the driver’s personal insurance policy.
Claims Involving Independent Contractors
Businesses often claim drivers are independent contractors rather than employees. This classification helps employers avoid liability for contractor negligence. However, some companies misclassify individuals as contractors when they are functionally employees.
In California, a company cannot avoid liability simply by labeling a driver as an independent contractor. Courts look at the reality of the working relationship—especially how much control the business exercises over the driver’s hours, routes, and day-to-day tasks. If a company treats a contractor like an employee, it can still be held legally responsible for that driver’s negligence.
Even with true independent contractors, companies can still face lawsuits for unsafe hiring practices, poor supervision, or failing to maintain fleet vehicles.
Commercial Auto Insurance Coverage
In California, individual drivers are only required to carry minimum liability limits of $30,000 for bodily injury per person, $60,000 total per accident, and $15,000 for property damage.
Federal rules require commercial trucking businesses to carry $750,000 to $5 million in liability coverage. Rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft offer up to $1 million when their drivers are transporting passengers. These higher limits can help pay for an accident victim’s full financial recovery after severe injuries.
Proving Liability in Employee Driver Cases
To build a successful case against a business, you must present evidence showing that:
- The driver acted negligently and caused the collision
- The driver was performing employment duties at the time of the crash
- The accident directly caused your injuries and financial losses
If you win your case, you can recover economic and non-economic damages from the defendant. Your compensation award will cover medical bills, lost wages, lost future earnings, pain, and suffering, among other things. If a family member died in the crash, surviving relatives can file a wrongful death lawsuit under California law.
Company Liability for a Defective Vehicle
A company can also be held responsible if a crash is caused by a defective or poorly maintained vehicle. Failing to perform routine inspections or allowing an employee to drive a vehicle with mechanical issues can support a claim of negligent maintenance. Additionally, if a manufacturing defect caused the crash, the vehicle’s maker and parts suppliers can also be held liable under product liability law.
Contact a California Car Accident Lawyer at Matadores Accident & Injury Lawyers for a Free Consultation
California sets a two-year deadline to file a personal injury lawsuit after an accident. So, you shouldn’t wait to take legal action. If the employer was a government agency, you may have less time to act.
If a company driver hit you in California, Matadores Accident & Injury Lawyers can review your claim and help you seek financial compensation. Contact our firm today for a free case evaluation. We have offices in Bell, CA, and Porterville, CA.
We proudly serve Tulare County and its surrounding areas.
Matadores Accident & Injury Lawyers – Bell Office
4316 Gage Ave, Bell, CA 90201
(323) 402-1000
Open 24/7
Find us with our GeoCoordinates: 33.9782814,-118.1910158
Matadores Accident & Injury Lawyers – Porterville Office
320 W Putnam Ave, Porterville, CA 93257
(559) 500-1000
Open 24/7
Find us with our GeoCoordinates: 36.0696906,-119.0242167
