From what I understand a friend of my son allowed my son to ride one of their family's dirt bikes, which resulted in my son having and accident and breaking 6 front teeth. My son is only 16 years old. The parents were apparently at work during the time the accident occured. The question I raise is do the parents have some type of responsibility in all of this. I would think that they are the actual owners of the bike. Shouldnt they be liable for decisions made by their children. Motorcycles are more dangerous then automobiles. My son doesnt have a license. I have over 4000.00 in medical bills to cap 6 front teeth and emergency room expenses. Anyone have and opinion. Thank you!!!
2006-07-04 03:44:27 · 14 answers · asked by electric blue 1 in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
By the statement made by you as to the other parents being liable for their childs decisions.. wouldn't that go both ways? Should you not be responsible for your sons decision to ride the bike in the first place, as well?
I think it would be difficult to prove any type of neglect on the other parents since they were not home at the time of the accident. I think you will probably have to cover this one on your own though. Unless you can talk to the other family about a 50-50 payment.
My advice would be to contact a lawyer to find out for sure.
Good Luck!
2006-07-04 03:54:26 · answer #1 · answered by Jen 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Your son is 16 years old, so he was well aware of the possible danger when he CHOSE to ride the dirt bike. Can you watch him 24/7? Would you want to be held responsible for something he does while you are at work? What if he has a friend over and that friend blows off fire crackers in your back yard, and blows off his hand? Would you take responsibility for it even though you were at work?
Here's an idea - let sonny boy get a job and help pay the expenses. Or do you have something against him taking responsibility for his own decisions and actions?
2006-07-04 12:30:32 · answer #2 · answered by innocence faded 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I believe your son made his own bed when he chose to ride a dirt bike. Regardless of not having a license to ride or not, at age 16, he is old enough to know right from wrong and to have a sense of personal responsibility. I'm sorry for the situation, but if you want to argue that the parents of the friend are responsible, then your are trying to make the dirt bike into an attractive nuisance (like a swimming pool) that must be locked up at all times. to prevent drownings. If you can't afford the dental bill, maybe you could call social services for assistance.
2006-07-04 11:09:13 · answer #3 · answered by Cullen M 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Whos property was he on when this happened? You allowed your son to go over there and accidents do happen. Thats why they are called accidents. Your son sounds like he is old enough to know better IF he is in high school. If you are concerned contact a lawyer to find out the laws and stipulations etc.....Some people out there are sue happy hopefully yer not one of those kind of people. I have a friend like that sues for everything. Very sad.
2006-07-04 10:48:06 · answer #4 · answered by herbie36f 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
OK stop trying to pass off blame to other people. If the situation was reversed i KNOW you would not feel responsible especially for not being there. If they want to they may offer to pay part but legally they are not responsible. Their son MIGHT be but good luck trying to get money from him. Ultimate your son made the choice this is a lesson for him and you
2006-07-04 20:37:52 · answer #5 · answered by Big Daddy R 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Shouldn't you be teaching your son about responsibility? At sixteen, he needs to learn to be responsible for the consequences of his decisions. I doubt his friend forced him on the bike. I can sympathize with your medical bills. Maybe you should make your son take on summer jobs to pay you back for his medical bills. As for who is legally responsible, seek an attorney's advice. I think it is a real shame, though, that we first look to blame others before recognizing our own role in matters.
2006-07-04 11:00:13 · answer #6 · answered by sanchalou 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I think at 16 anything you do that involves high risk behavior is up to the idividual like football or skateboarding it is an assumed risk talk to the parents and find out if they have home owners policy.
2006-07-04 10:50:25 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
As to parental responsibility, I say YES, you for one. Your son was 16 and unlicensed; now he has learned an unfortunate lesson, as you have.
And yes, the other parents have failed, but as you've learned , teen-agers are difficult to completely control.
Truly a sorrowful incident.
2006-07-04 11:01:45 · answer #8 · answered by Puzzleman 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Your son is old enough to make the decision and he is responsible..Sorry
2006-07-04 10:49:03 · answer #9 · answered by dwh12345 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
They are half responsible. Take it to small claims court. If you can prove that they knew he didn't have a license, you could win all the damages.
2006-07-04 10:57:29 · answer #10 · answered by notyou311 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋