Legal Question in Personal Injury in California

Motel liability for property damage

Our car was damaged during a break in attempt in the parking lot of a motel. The motel's security cameras were gone because, as we were told by an employee after the fact, they kept getting stolen. No mention was made when we checked in that this was the case. Can the motel be held at least partially liable for the damage to the car (estimated at $3400)?


Asked on 11/29/04, 3:40 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Sam Eagle LAW OFFICES OF SAM M. EAGLE

Re: Motel liability for property damage

In some cases, a property owner may not be liable if he was not on notice of a problem or if there was no prior history of this problem. It may not be feasible to moniter the parking lot 24/7. But the motel does own the lot and the fact that there were cameras there before shows there was a need for them. The motel could have installed them so they wouldn't be stolen. You certainly would have some arguments in making a claim. BUT,

did you have comprehensive coverage on your car with your own insurance policy?? That would cover the break-in and you'd just have to pay your deductible--which you might be able to get from the motel.

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Answered on 11/29/04, 7:57 pm


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