Are Parking Garages really Liable for damages they caused?
When you park your car in a garage, there are a number of factors, which determine the garage’s liability. If there is a bailment made, the garage holds more responsibility for your car. A bailment is a temporary transfer of property to another for a limited time and for a specific purpose. The transfer of property in a bailment is only in regards to possession, not ownership. For cars, you turn over possession and care over to the lot, for example by giving a valet your car key. If you store your car in a lot for a prolonged period, but you maintain possession by keeping the keys or you pay a fee to park and retrieve your car on your own, you are likely not in a bailment situation. Some indications of bailment include: You intended to transfer possession to the lot. The lot is enclosed. The lot issues a claim ticket that identifies your car, not just one with the time of entry stamped on it. An attendant parks the car. You do not retain the keys. If you are in a bailment situation, th
