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Celebrity Justice
Crash Victim to Hogans: You're Responsible

Posted Mar 24th 2008 2:05PM by TMZ Staff

The family of John Graziano, the man injured in Nick Hogan's August 2007 street racing crash, has filed suit against Hulk, Linda and Nick Hogan alleging they were negligent and are directly liable for the wreck that seriously injured the former Marine.
Click to read documents!
According to court papers filed today in Pinellas County, Fla. Circuit Court by Graziano's court-appointed guardian Peter Musante, Hulk and Linda (whose real names are Terry and Linda Bollea) should be held legally responsible for their son's accident.

In the suit, Musante alleges that Nick negligently operated his Toyota Supra by racing another man in a Dodge Viper, a car also owned by Hulk. The suit claims the Bolleas were aware of Nick's need for speed and knew that he had souped-up his vehicle for the purpose of racing.

Launch photosIn the suit, Musante also says Hulk purchased alcohol the day of the accident -- August 26 -- and that Hulk "knew or should have known" Nick was driving under the influence of the crash and he failed to take appropriate action.

The lawsuit also names Daniel Jacobs, who was driving the Viper that night, as a co-defendant. He pleaded no contest to reckless driving last month.

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(Page 3 of 12) Previous 15 Comments | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | Most Recent | Next 15 Comments

31. THEY PROBABLY WAITED TO FILE SUIT, BECAUSE THEY WERE SORT OF PREOCCUPIED WITH THEIR SON'S HEALTH.
THIS IS AN AWFUL STORY, ONE THAT COULD HAVE BEEN AVOIDED, NICK SHOULD NOT IN ANYWAY SHAPE OR FORM HAVE BEEN DRIVING SUCH AN EXPENSIVE CAR AT A HIGH RATE OF SPEED. IN PART, YES, THE PARENTS ARE TO BLAME FOR NOT GIVING GOOD JUDGEMENT, YOU SEE THAT ALL THE TIME ON MY SWEET SIXTEEN, WHEN A STUPID PARENT WITH A LOT OF MONEY BUYS A KID A WEAPON TO DRIVE.

HE MIGHT AS WELL HAD A GUN, A CAR IS A WEAPON AT A HIGH RATE OF SPEED.

Posted at 3:04PM on Mar 24th 2008 by BOB

32. Yeah TMZ, you're so hyped out over Britney Spears, Lindsey Lohan and a death sentence from cancer is not stated as, its factual that someone has cancer, you post " CONFIRMED!!!!", and also have someone proff read the articles either typed or published, as some of the sentences really make no sence.

Posted at 3:02PM on Mar 24th 2008 by LtCUrry

33. I hope this family sues and wins big. Nick's parent's are totally responsible for his actions. I hope they pay dearly.

Posted at 6:42AM on Mar 26th 2008 by toni

34. I think getting behind the wheel after only one drink is high risk even if you are of age now days.

Posted at 3:04PM on Mar 24th 2008 by Knooper

35. What a shame this is happening , good luck graziano , maybe the family should hire me as there bodyguard when they collect all that money!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Posted at 3:09PM on Mar 24th 2008 by big fred

36. Some people are completely missing the point regarding the parents liability in this case. Nick was a minor and a habitual reckless driver and the parents had first hand knowledge of his behavior. A good parent would have taken the car away, not encouraged their son to be a race car driver. Morons. It's pretty obvious Nick's fan club consisting of little girls, car club dweebs, and his sister are posting here today.

Posted at 3:13PM on Mar 24th 2008 by kinston

37. I don't like SUCKY Hogan to begin with, and with this incident, it makes me dislike him more!!! Nick is UNDER AGE, he shouldn't be DRINKING and DRIVING and yes, they KNEW he had a "need for speed", but yet, they didn't do a DAMNED thing about it!!!! How irresponsible of him and Linda for not teaching their son that speeding will cause an accident one day.. It's a good thing that John didn't die, or Nick would be a MURDERER!!!! I hope they get taken for everything they have.. They are NOT above the law and it doesn't matter how old Nick is, they still need to lay down rules and make sure he doesn't put his life or anyone else's life in jeopardy again!!!!!

Posted at 10:22PM on Mar 27th 2008 by kssomom

38. If Hulk bought booze knowing that his son was going to consume it while driving or not his ass is in big trouble. I'm surprised he hasn't been thrown in jail.

Posted at 3:24PM on Mar 24th 2008 by COCO

39. The first thing I do before I start the car is make sure that everyone is buckled up. It's the driver’s responsibility to make sure their passengers are safe.

Posted at 3:30PM on Mar 24th 2008 by madmax

40. I can't believe some of the comments I'm reading here blaming Graziano for getting in the car with Nick! Nick was driving the car, doing illegal things (i.e. driving under the influence, street racing). Just because this friend got in the car with him does not mean in any way that he is to blame. Nick needs to face the consequences for his actions, as do his parents. He was irresponsible and his friend has severe brain damage b/c of it. What is wrong with you people? That is almost as stupid as saying that if someone is hit head-on in an accident by no fault of their own, that it's their fault, b/c they just shouldn't have been driving right then. Give me a break, people! Blaming a victim/passenger in a car wreck is just plain ignorance.

Posted at 3:30PM on Mar 24th 2008 by AshAsh

41. please think before you drink neicy

Posted at 3:34PM on Mar 24th 2008 by neicy

42. Now this is a sad story, BUT

Posted at 3:41PM on Mar 24th 2008 by soonergirl

43. I don't think it has been proven that Hulk Hogan bought the actual beer/alcohol that his son, John and their other friends were drinking. Weren't the Hogan's having some kind of party that day with lots of other people...adults?
What happened was a terrible thing...and I feel sorry for the family and for John. Yes, Nick should be held accountable for his actions but I just think it is wrong how most people seem to have jumped on the bash Hulk Hogan bandwagon.
I wonder what a man 21-22 yrs. old was doing hanging out with a 17 yr. old. John was the adult in this situation...what was he doing riding around in a car speeding and cutting up with a kid who had been drinking? Why didn't he put on his seat belt? How do we know that John did not buy any beer/alcohol for his friends?
If this wreck had not happened...the very next weekend (or whenever) Nick was out partying and drinking...racing cars and trying to act cute...guess who would have probably been right there next to him in the passenger seat?
Yes, the Hogan's should pay the hospital bills and Nick whould be punished by the law..but don't demonize Hulk Hogan and put a halo on John. John was the adult in this situation...not Nick. Nick did not force him into the car or made him go without a seat belt. They both made stupid decisions.

Posted at 3:40PM on Mar 24th 2008 by tickles

44. This is a sad story, but like the kid that got hurt wasn't drinking along side Nick?? and he is a big boy and if the Nick was really drunk he should not have gotten in the car, DUH! I hate to say this, but it needed to be said.... I feel for this guy and his family, especially because he is a veteran and I come from a military family, but this isn't all the Bollea's fault....It was a accident, things happen and for a reason..... The Bollea's just should not be the only ones at fault he is a big boy!

Posted at 3:42PM on Mar 24th 2008 by soonergirl

45. I think nick hogan is responsible! So what if the guy didn't wear a seat belt? It's the law that if you are driving none responsible with your car and someone get's hurt...IT'S YOUR FAULT!! U NEED TO TELL YOUR PASSENGER TO BUCKLE UP OR GET OUT OF MY CAR! Nick and daddy hogan...you guy's are gonna have to pay out...LMAO!! Wait and see.

Posted at 3:39PM on Mar 24th 2008 by Antigirlsgonewild

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