Police Officer Preparation & Law Enforcement Resource - Archive

I am a youth leader at my church. I am 18. My father is worried about me transporting the youth in my vehicle because they are under age. He is worried about me being sued or something. Do i have anything to be afraid of?

Anything to be afraid of? Not a thing unless you do something that your not suposed to do.

I think it was more along the lines of if i have an accident the parents may sue me.

I think it was more along the lines of if i have an accident the parents may sue me.

That's just society today. Make sure they're wearing seatbelts or in car seats when required.

ANY passenger in your car could sue you. You might be considered more responsible because you are a legal adult and are in some sort of "position of authority" with your church. It would be a civil issue ( if any at all).

I think it was more along the lines of if i have an accident the parents may sue me.
This is America. People can sue you over anything.

I make sure i have verbal permission for every person from a parent. Would it become their word against mine... would permission slips and emergency medical forms be a good idea?

would permission slips and emergency medical forms be a good idea?

What do you think? CYA...Always! COVER YOUR A$$! :)

Verbal permission is fine but what happens the first time a new kid shows up and you didn't catch the parents in time to get approval ? Going to leave the kid behind ? probably not. I don't see any need for permission slips, if they are going to sue you , the slips are meaningless.

ok, thanks

Just drive like I am about 100 feet behind you in a marked car with a briefcase full of new citations and a box full of new pens.

ha ha mcsap, i do i do...

I tell you the following, because I am very active in the management of my church's youth ministry:
You'll need medical liability waivers, so that the child can be treated properly by the medics and at the hospital.

You will need to check with your church's vehicle insurance agency (are you transporting in a personal vehicle, or a church vehicle???), and make sure the drivers are approved. Here, we have a list with the insurance agency of approved drivers. All of our drivers must be over 21.

Whoops, lemme read your post again:

I am a youth leader at my church. I am 18. My father is worried about me transporting the youth in my vehicle because they are under age. He is worried about me being sued or something. Do i have anything to be afraid of?

I don't think you have much to be afraid of.

I wont' disagree with you Greenlead except if he is just taking the kids out for pizza and not to a weekend retreat up in the mountains 100 miles away.

ok, new twist... say some of the youth want to get together. Not on a church arranged event. Do i become any more liable because i am not acting under an organization?

ok, new twist... say some of the youth want to get together. Not on a church arranged event. Do i become any more liable because i am not acting under an organization?
Sounds to me like you'd be less liable, depending on where you are getting together at. If at a neutral place, like a park, you should be just fine. If at your home, your home owner's insurance policy would dictate the rules.

I have class in a few hours so i'm gonna catch some zzzz's... thx for your help. Post more if you think of more.

I would also NEVER transport less than 2 underage people in my vehicle.

I would also NEVER transport less than 2 underage people in my vehicle.


Not less than two? Confused as to why? In case they accuse you of wrongdoing or something?

Not less than two? Confused as to why? In case they accuse you of wrongdoing or something?


Hell yes. Call it Personal Rick Management, or CYA.

It doesn't matter what precautions you take, seat belts, air bags, lap restraints, permission slips....somebody is STILL gonna sue ya if the opportunity presents itself. You can count on that!

Call me an a$$hole, but there isnt that many people I take in my truck anywhere. two reasons..

1.) Liability. If oppertunity presents itself for someone to sue me, I take a safe guess that they will. Only people I take are CLOSE friends, and family, and a g/f when I have one.

2.) I am not a taxi cab.

Hell yes. Call it Personal Rick Management, or CYA.

Didn't know you had that many problems with guys named Richard. But I can see how having the extra person would be helpful if Rick got out of line. ;)

It doesn't matter what precautions you take, seat belts, air bags, lap restraints, permission slips....somebody is STILL gonna sue ya if the opportunity presents itself. You can count on that!

Unfortunate but true.

Yet still, the precautions are worth taking, as it will make their case that much weaker. They may still get a silly settlement, but it will more likely be within the bounds of your insurance.