All right so I'm having a huge debate with my parents right now.

I am about to purchase a street bike and they are claiming, if I injure myself while I'm living underneath my roof, they are solely responsible.

I'm 19, and leaving for basic training in September, I am only under my fathers health insurance until the end of may.

So the question is, are they liable if I hurt myself on this bike, if I crash and I am living underneath their household?

In your state, the age of majority could be 18, 19, or 21. In any event, your parents could be sued for damage you cause because they allow you to live in their home.

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Originally Posted by Wondergirl

In your state, the age of majority could be 18, 19, or 21. In any event, your parents could be sued for damage you cause because they allow you to live in their home.

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Gotchya. This doesn't apply to me damaging myself correct?

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Originally Posted by Mattg2

Gotchya. This doesn't apply to me damaging myself correct?

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Who will pay for your physical damages?

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Originally Posted by Wondergirl

Who will gain for your physical damages?

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Corrected ^

My parents will probably get around $50,000 death insurance - not including funeral payments and whatnot :P I don't think there's really a just getting hurt on a bike.

But thank you for answering my question, They will have to pay for any damages I may cause, but not damages caused to myself.

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Originally Posted by Mattg2

Corrected ^

My parents will probably get around $50,000 death insurance - not including funeral payments and whatnot :P I don't think there's really a just getting hurt on a bike.

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You may not die. You may end up horribly maimed or with life-changing injuries. My brother was in an motorbike accident in which his leg was ripped open from knee to groin, but he did not bleed to death thanks to a quick-thinking driver who stopped to help. A friend's daughter had no helmet and was dressed in shorts and a tank top when her motor bike crashed and she flew over the handlebars to slide facedown across the asphalt. She's still alive, but not as pretty.

Consumer Reports says "The fatality rates for cruiser and "standard" riders rank the lowest, at 5.7 deaths per 10,000 registered motorcycles. Touring bikes, such as the Harley example, averaged 6.5 deaths, with sport bikes totaling 10.7 deaths per 10,000."

You probably won't die. If you have been drinking, your chances of surviving a crash are even better because your body will be limp and relaxed.

Your parents will feel a moral responsibility to pay for your medical costs. After all, you are their son.

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Originally Posted by Wondergirl

Consumer Reports says "The fatality rates for cruiser and "standard" riders rank the lowest, at 5.7 deaths per 10,000 registered motorcycles. Touring bikes, such as the Harley example, averaged 6.5 deaths, with sport bikes totaling 10.7 deaths per 10,000."

You probably won't die. If you have been drinking, your chances of surviving a crash are even better because your body will be limp and relaxed.

Your parents will feel a moral responsibility to pay for your medical costs. After all, you are their son.

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Makes sense. Personally though, wouldn't you agree that most of those deaths/injuries were caused from poor judgment or decision-making?

I guess that's a bummer because I refuse to drink and drive.

I can understand when somebody actually hits you, but from the stories I've heard in person most of the time it's people making dumb choices while on the bike itself.

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Originally Posted by Mattg2

Makes sense. Personally though, wouldn't you agree that most of those deaths/injuries were caused from poor judgment or decision-making?

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Not necessarily. My brother went with friends on 'cycles to the South (U.S.) and through the Great Smokies (mountains). Redneck truck drivers tried every which way to run the 'cyclists off the road. My brother learned there and during other trips that many drivers absolutely hate 'cyclists and want them off the roads and will do all sorts of maneuvers with their own vehicles to intimidate (which can cause accidents).

I've heard (but honestly can't verify) that most crashes and injuries to bikers are not due to the biker's misjudgment, but rather is more often the fault of other motorists. Cars making left-hand turns and cutting the biker off is a very common occurrence, as it can be more difficult for motorists to judge the speed of an oncoming motorcycle than it is a car. So it doesn't matter how conscientious you are - what matters is how concscientious the driver of the 4000 pound car is.

But as for your question - I think it's been answered correctly. Your parents could probably be sued by the victim of an accident you cause (of course the same is true if you drive a car), and they probably feel a parental responsibility (if not a legal one) as long as you live in their house.

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Originally Posted by ebaines

I've heard (but honestly can't verify) that most crashes and injuries to bikers are not due to the biker's misjudgment, but rather is more often the fault of other motorists. Cars making left-hand turns and cutting the biker off is a very common occurence, as it can be more difficult for motorists to judge the speed of an oncoming motorcycle than it is a car. So it doesn't matter how conscientious you are - what matters is how concscientious the driver of the 4000 pound car is.

But as for your question - I think it's been answered correctly. Your parents could probably be sued by the victim of an accident you cause (of course the same is true if you drive a car), and they probably feel a parental responsibility (if not a legal one) as long as you live in their house.

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That's exactly what they're thinking ;)

I just wanted to resolve that one question I had before, me purchasing a bike is happening anyway. My father is completely fine with it, but mother is not.