Which scenario would most likely invoke vicarious liability?

The scenario involving an employee causing an accident while driving a company vehicle most likely invokes vicarious liability because this legal principle holds an employer or principal liable for the negligent actions of an employee or agent when such actions occur in the course of their work duties. In this case, the employee is performing a task related to their employment while using a vehicle provided by the company. As a result, the employer could be held financially responsible for any damages caused during this incident since it is directly linked to the employee's job responsibilities.

In contrast, the other scenarios do not typically establish similar employer liability. When a homeowner allows someone to borrow their car, the liability would generally fall on the car owner or the driver, depending on the circumstances. A driver getting into an accident during personal time is generally not within the scope of their employment, so vicarious liability would not apply as there is no employer-employee relationship in effect at that time. Similarly, a self-employed individual causing damage would be responsible for their own actions without an employer to assume liability on their behalf.