I still don't understand this popular opinion - that Nick (and therefore his parents) are responsible for John's condition.
OK - yes, I know everyone says "Nick was 'only 17' and therefore his parents are legally responsible for his actions.", but look at it from the other angle then - JOHN was 21 (i believe - but def over 18) and the "ADULT" in the car. Why didn't HE act responsibly and handle the situation.
I highly doubt that he was screaming or crying or begging for Nick to slow down as they sped down the road (probably racing their buddies that were in the Viper).
Look - I have sympathy for the dude - he definitely got dealt the raw deal in the situation - especially after being a veteran and serving over in Iraq just to come home and now have to spend the rest of his life as a vegetable because of a car accident, but HE has to take responsibility for HIS actions - or lack thereof.
HE chose not to wear his seatbelt. HE was in the car w/ a 'kid' that HE knew was a total race nut. HE knew whether they had had a beer or two before heading out. HE probably talked smack to the buddies just before Nick threw the peddle down.
JOHN Graziano was an adult, who made HIS own decisions, and yeah - got screwed. I find it annoying that after all this time people don't recognize that - and still try to soak this family for every dime they have (primarily because they think they are assholes).
Look - have you ever gotten into a friend's car after they've had a couple? Have you ever been in a car w/ a friend that drives like crap? YOU made those choices - how are you going to turn around and sue them afterward - when you knowingly put yourself in those positions?
/rant
