My question involves independent contractors in the state of: CALIFORNIA

I funded a large charity event. The manager of the event, the one who produced it for me, hired several workers, friends of hers, to help with carrying out the event. One of the duties involved renting a large moving truck. I paid for it. Bob signed for it (but paperwork allows anyone in my group of workers to drive). Both Bob and George drove it. George, in last minute rushing and haste, hit Bob's car, causing damage to Bob's car but not the truck. $2500 worth.

Who is responsible for the damage?

I have no contractual connection to the employee. I believe one would consider him an IC, as we have no paperwork to show either way. Typically, in events like this, I just pay the employees, have them fill out W-9s, etc and then they get 1099'd. I had insurance for the truck and for the event, should something go wrong, but it has a huge deductible: $5000.

The workers did not call the police. They didn't tell the rental company of the accident. They didn't exchange insurance cards. But I saw the damage to verify it. George is trying to get me to pay for it, saying he was working and therefore it is on me.