Club horror stories!!!!?

Question

Anyone know of a true first person account of a large cycling club getting sued from members or a non-member without insurance?
What do you know happens to a club?

Answer 1

A club can only be sued if it legally exists, that is to say, it has been incorporated as an actual organization. Otherwise, the plaintiff has to find a _person_ responsible to sue.

If the club had articles of incorporation and officers, then the club could be held repsonsible to pay off any damages, and if there is no insurace the officers could be held liable.

Generally speaking these lawsuits occur when someone is injured on a ride that is sposored or promoted by a club. Most clubs these days have riders either sign a release before they ride, or they have to be members of the host club which requires an umbrella release.

Most larger clubs are affiliates of umbrella organizations such USACycling or The League Of American Wheelmen. When you become a member of these groups you qualify for their insurance coverage.

Without knowing what the nature of the lawsuit is, and knowing how the club you're referring to is or is not incorporated, no one can specualte what will or will not happen to the club.

Best case - there is no money to be won, and no clear individual/s responsible, the suit does not go forward because the plaintiff realizes that a win would cost way more money than could be realized.
Worst case - individual/s are found legally, possible criminally responsible, and the judgement could result in large fines and possible jail (if negligence or intent is proven).

Advice - if it's not too late, have the people running the club etiher join one of the umbrella groups, or individually buy personal liablilty insurance.

Answer 2

It depends. Does the club exist as a legal entity? Or are the members being sued personally?

Answer 3

never

Answer 4

no, not yet