Often, when you use a parking lot, on the back of your parking slip or ticket there is a notice that the parking lot owner is not responsible for any damage to your car. Does this disclaimer operate to insulate the owner if your car is damaged? The answers vary widely from state to state, and depending on many circumstances.
In some states, courts have held that a preprinted ticket that includes an express waiver of liability can give sufficient notice to the customer that the parking lot was not taking responsibility for damage, and the parking lot owner is therefore not liable for damages caused to the car while the car was parked in a parking garage or lot. In some cases, courts have held that the waiver of liability does not apply where the customer did not see the waiver. For example, if the waiver is listed on a sign, but the customer did not see it, or would not normally pass the sign before leaving the lot or garage, then the waiver is not effective.
Other courts will only allow the waiver of liability to work where you do not give your car to an employee of the garage. However, in many states, courts reviewing parking tickets have held generally that these broad waivers of liability are void as against public policy. The courts reasoned that a parking garage acts as a professional bailer, and cannot waive its duties even where it expressly tells the customer that it is doing so.
However, even in states where the waiver of liability has an effect, those states generally agree that the waiver does not apply to damages to the car caused by the intentional or negligent actions of the garage or lot employees. The law generally does not allow you to waive liability for damages caused by your own negligence. If this were possible, then every business could just post a generic waiver of liability for everything they do, and customers would never have any recourse. Courts have almost universally held that such a waiver is ineffective, and customers need protection.
Washington Receipt by Parking Lot Owner to Patrons — Waiver of Liability is a legal document that parking lot owners in Washington State use to protect themselves from potential liabilities. This document outlines the terms and conditions that patrons must agree to when using the parking facilities. It is designed to inform patrons about the inherent risks associated with parking and to obtain their acknowledgment of assuming responsibility for any damages or injuries that may occur. The Washington Receipt by Parking Lot Owner to Patrons — Waiver of Liability covers various types of parking lots, including: 1. Commercial Parking Lots: This type of parking lot is typically found in busy areas such as shopping centers, office buildings, or airports. The document specifies the terms and conditions under which the parking lot owner is exempt from liability for any damages or injuries that may occur on the premises. 2. Residential Parking Lots: Residential parking lots refer to parking areas provided by apartment complexes, condominiums, or gated communities for their residents. The waiver of liability ensures that the parking lot owner is not responsible for any accidents, thefts, or damages that may happen to the vehicles parked in the lot. 3. Event Parking Lots: Event parking lots are frequently used during concerts, sports events, or festivals. The waiver of liability is crucial in such cases as it protects the parking lot owner from any claims related to theft, damage, or accidents occurring during the event. 4. Stadium Parking Lots: Stadiums often have dedicated parking lots for patrons attending games or other events. The document safeguards the parking lot owner from any legal actions resulting from accidents, thefts, or other incidents occurring on the premises. 5. Public Parking Lots: Public parking lots can be found in downtown areas or near public spaces. This waiver of liability clarifies that the parking lot owner shall not be held responsible for any loss, theft, damage, or injury incurred by the vehicle owners using the facility. Washington's state requires parking lot owners to display prominently a sign stating that by entering the parking lot, patrons agree to the terms and conditions outlined in the Receipt by Parking Lot Owner to Patrons — Waiver of Liability. This sign should contain keywords such as "Waiver of Liability," "Assumption of Risk," and "Parking Lot Regulations." It's important for parking lot owners and patrons to understand the implications and consequences of signing this waiver of liability, as it can affect legal rights and obligations. It is advisable for patrons to carefully read and comprehend the document's content before agreeing to the terms set forth by the parking lot owner.Washington Receipt by Parking Lot Owner to Patrons — Waiver of Liability is a legal document that parking lot owners in Washington State use to protect themselves from potential liabilities. This document outlines the terms and conditions that patrons must agree to when using the parking facilities. It is designed to inform patrons about the inherent risks associated with parking and to obtain their acknowledgment of assuming responsibility for any damages or injuries that may occur. The Washington Receipt by Parking Lot Owner to Patrons — Waiver of Liability covers various types of parking lots, including: 1. Commercial Parking Lots: This type of parking lot is typically found in busy areas such as shopping centers, office buildings, or airports. The document specifies the terms and conditions under which the parking lot owner is exempt from liability for any damages or injuries that may occur on the premises. 2. Residential Parking Lots: Residential parking lots refer to parking areas provided by apartment complexes, condominiums, or gated communities for their residents. The waiver of liability ensures that the parking lot owner is not responsible for any accidents, thefts, or damages that may happen to the vehicles parked in the lot. 3. Event Parking Lots: Event parking lots are frequently used during concerts, sports events, or festivals. The waiver of liability is crucial in such cases as it protects the parking lot owner from any claims related to theft, damage, or accidents occurring during the event. 4. Stadium Parking Lots: Stadiums often have dedicated parking lots for patrons attending games or other events. The document safeguards the parking lot owner from any legal actions resulting from accidents, thefts, or other incidents occurring on the premises. 5. Public Parking Lots: Public parking lots can be found in downtown areas or near public spaces. This waiver of liability clarifies that the parking lot owner shall not be held responsible for any loss, theft, damage, or injury incurred by the vehicle owners using the facility. Washington's state requires parking lot owners to display prominently a sign stating that by entering the parking lot, patrons agree to the terms and conditions outlined in the Receipt by Parking Lot Owner to Patrons — Waiver of Liability. This sign should contain keywords such as "Waiver of Liability," "Assumption of Risk," and "Parking Lot Regulations." It's important for parking lot owners and patrons to understand the implications and consequences of signing this waiver of liability, as it can affect legal rights and obligations. It is advisable for patrons to carefully read and comprehend the document's content before agreeing to the terms set forth by the parking lot owner.
