Jack,
I wouldn't take anyone for a ride unless my number 1 concern was that person's safety.
It wouldn't matter if I was driving a car or riding a bike. As the person behind the controls, I am responsible for that person's safety.
I know I am 100% responsible for her injuries. I just wanted people to see this and know that if 1 of these factors was changed (she said she could have held on if she wasn't tipsy, if I gave her a second warning tap after slowing down, etc) everyone would have gone home safe.
What you think is "factors" which led to her fall is really what made you think it was ok to fuck around.
Anyone responsible would think of a 3am ride after drinks is, "boy this is a bad situation to push it, so I am going to ride safely or just drive".
But if you think just because you've done wheelies with her before so she know to hold on, or she shouldn't have had so much to drink before getting on your bike, then you weren't thinking at all about her safety.
You were just thinking it would be cool to do a wheelie with a bitch on back at 3am.
The gut wrenching feeling I had for the first few hours after she fell was the worst in my life. And I admit I cried: when I was riding to the apartment house where she was going to stay the night, and later when she was screaming in pain while in the bathroom trying to clean herself and her friend was applying bandages.
On BARF, you will hear lots of differing opinions. For example, I find it amazing that Gnarly Cranium blames the passenger. Maybe the passenger should have known better to trust you in that circumstance, but as soon as you start your bike, you are the only one in control of your and her safety.
But if you feel bad now, why don't you explain yourself to your passenger's mother?
See if the woman who gave birth and raised her daughter will accept your explanation that she should have moved her hands from the tank to your torso is the reason why her daughter will be scarred for life.
That is why I am responsible when I take people for rides. I'm not gaining any brownie points by riding safe, but I don't want to have to explain to my passengers or our friends and family that I rode like a douchebag and hurt someone.