After the company's delivery van broke down, Cynthia was sent by her employer, Perfect Printing Ltd., to deliver a rush order of printed forms to a customer in a neighbouring city. In order to do so, Cynthia rented a car in her own name and completed the delivery. On her way back Cynthia rear-ended another car that was stalled at an intersection. The rental car company is entitled to bring an action only against Cynthia for damages.

Question

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The rental car company may pursue action against Cynthia for damages because she was the one driving and the contract was in her name. However, they might also have the option to pursue action against Perfect Printing Ltd. if it can be established that Cynthia was acting within the scope of her employment at the time of the accident. This concept is known as "vicarious liability," where an employer can be held responsible for the actions of its employees if those actions were performed within the course of their employment.

After the Company's Delivery Van Broke Down, Cynthia Was Sent