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Are Parking Garages Liable for Damaged or Stolen Cars?

Parking garages have become a necessity in today’s urban environments. They offer convenience and protection from the elements, but what happens when your car is damaged or stolen while parked inside one? Who is liable? This article delves into the topic, exploring the legal responsibilities of parking garages and providing practical advice for drivers.

The Legal Duty of Parking Garages

Generally, parking garages have a duty of care to their customers. This means they must take reasonable steps to protect vehicles parked within their facilities. The specific duty of care varies from state to state, but typically includes:

• Providing adequate security measures, such as controlled access, lighting, and surveillance cameras.
• Maintaining the garage in a safe condition, including proper repair of floors, walls, and lighting.
• Hiring and training qualified staff to monitor the garage and respond to incidents promptly.

Liability for Damaged Cars

If your car is damaged while parked in a garage, the garage may be held liable if it can be proven that:

• The damage was caused by the negligence of the garage or its employees.
• The garage failed to take reasonable steps to protect vehicles from harm.
• The driver of the damaged car was not contributorily negligent.

Liability for Stolen Cars

The liability of parking garages for stolen cars is more complex. In many cases, the garage will only be held liable if it can be shown that:

• The theft was due to the negligence of the garage or its employees.
• The garage had prior knowledge of similar thefts occurring within its facility.
• The security measures in place were inadequate to deter theft.

Tips for Drivers

To protect your car from damage or theft while parking in a garage, follow these tips:

• Choose reputable garages with a history of safety and security.
• Park in well-lit, highly visible areas.
• Lock your car and close all windows.
• Remove all valuables, including electronics and personal belongings.
• Report any suspicious activity to garage staff immediately.

Expert Advice

Attorney Emily Carter, a specialist in parking garage liability cases, advises drivers to:

• Document any damage or theft promptly by taking photos and reporting the incident to the garage.
• Obtain a copy of the garage’s security footage and incident report.
• Seek legal advice if the garage denies responsibility or refuses to compensate you for your losses.

FAQ

Q: What is the best way to avoid car damage or theft in a parking garage?

A: Choose reputable garages, park in well-lit areas, lock your car, and remove all valuables.

Q: What should I do if my car is damaged or stolen in a parking garage?

A: Document the incident, report it to the garage, obtain a copy of the security footage, and seek legal advice if necessary.

Conclusion

Parking garages have a duty of care to protect their customers’ vehicles. However, their liability for damaged or stolen cars depends on the specific circumstances of each case. By choosing reputable garages, taking precautions to protect your car, and following the advice of experts, you can minimize the risk of loss. Remember, if you have any questions or need assistance after an incident, don’t hesitate to seek professional guidance.

Are you interested in learning more about parking garage liability laws in your state? Let us know in the comments below!

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