Legal Question in Personal Injury in California
Im considering having a party with my friends in California without my parents knowledge. we are all 19 or 20, obviously still underage to drink. can my parents be held liable for their actions, if for instance they left and were involved in a car accident? i believe the age of maturity in California IS 18.
2 Answers from Attorneys
Is the party really worth it if you upset your parents and convince them that you are not mature enough to be left alone? I assume the party will be at your parent's home. People can have a perfectly fine time without getting drunk; the fact that you think it is necessary to get drunk means that you think these people are largely boring and get bored quickly. If something happens, which is likely, you will feel bad about the person getting injured and you will suffer for a lot longer than you will remember the 'enjoyment' of the party.
If someone does get injured, they will bring your parents in in any lawsuit because they represent deep pocket while everyone else that the party probably has no money. Depending under the circumstances, your parents might be liable.
There is no "age of maturity." Maturity is something you acquire on your own, like knowing not to hold underage drinking parties at your house.