Holding Employers Liable: When Work-Related Texting Causes Accidents in California

Texting while driving is one of the leading causes of auto accidents in the U.S., but what happens when an employee causes a crash while responding to a work-related message? In California, employers may be liable for accidents caused by employees texting or calling for work while behind the wheel.

At National Injury Help, our San Diego personal injury attorneys help accident victims understand their rights and pursue compensation from all liable parties, including employers who may have contributed to distracted driving crashes.

Employer Liability for Work-Related Texting Accidents

California law recognizes the doctrine of vicarious liability, meaning that employers can be held responsible for their employee’s actions if the employee acted within the scope of their job duties at the time of the accident. If an employer requires or encourages employees to answer calls, texts, or emails while driving, they may be legally responsible for any resulting crashes.

Common scenarios where employer liability may apply include:

• An employee texting a supervisor or responding to a work-related email while driving.
• A delivery driver receives instructions via text and crashes while reading the message.
• A salesperson taking a business call from a client while on the road.

This means that victims may be able to pursue compensation from the driver and their employer, covering medical expenses, lost wages, vehicle damage, and pain and suffering. If you were injured in a crash caused by a distracted employee, contact our experienced San Diego personal injury attorneys at National Injury Help today to explore your legal options and fight for the compensation you deserve.

How Companies Contribute to Distracted Driving in California

Many companies have policies against texting and driving, but unrealistic work expectations can encourage risky behavior.

Some employers:

• Require immediate responses to messages, even while employees are driving.
• Push sales reps, drivers, or service workers to stay constantly connected while on the road.
• Fail to provide proper training on safe driving practices and employer liability.

If a company fails to enforce safety policies or pressures employees into texting while driving, it may be held responsible when an accident occurs.

Proving Employer Liability in California Distracted Driving Accidents

To hold an employer accountable, a victim must prove that the employee was:

• On duty or performing job-related tasks at the time of the accident.
• Texting or calling for work purposes, as confirmed through phone records, employer policies, or witness statements.
• Acting within their employment scope meant their actions benefited the employer.

Employers often try to deny responsibility, but our experienced San Diego personal injury attorneys can investigate and uncover evidence proving employer liability.

Injured by a Distracted Driver? We Can Help.

If you or a loved one was injured by a distracted driver who was texting or calling for work, you may have a case against both the driver and their employer. At National Injury Help, our legal team fights for accident victims, ensuring they receive full compensation for their damages.

Contact our San Diego County personal injury lawyers today so you can focus on your recovery while we handle your claim, leaving no detail to chance. Our track record, client reviews, and testimonials attest to our responsiveness, attentiveness, and success in achieving favorable client outcomes in San Diego, California, and nationwide.