Valet Parking


...So, I talked to the valets, mentioned that I would like to keep the key, they said no problem, he said give me $30 and you can park your car in front of the hotel, we will block it with a couple orange traffic pylons and no one will drive it (as mentioned, I kept the key).

I tipped an additional $5-10 each time I came and left with the car, and everyone was happy. It was a great relief. The staff was cool about it and we had a nice trip. If it was jammed into the regular or VIP lot, it would have been stressful...

Thanks Syco. That's about what I had in mind.

Anybody had any experiences with the valets or the VIP lot at the Venetian?

Best Regards,
Waldo

(Apologies to Todd if I've hijacked his thread.)
 
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Thanks Syco. That's about what I had in mind.

Anybody had any experiences with the valets or the VIP lot at the Venetian?

Best Regards,
Waldo

(Apologies to Todd if I've hijacked his thread.)


Nope but having been there a few times you'll never park it up front. I'd be more worried about inbound traffic to the hotel with the car sitting up front than the 15 yr old kid who will be parking it, former Bali Ca. expert valet w Mustangs.
 
Maybe I am wrong, but I am under the impression that the valet, company and property owner take no responsibility at all for cars, and that if something happens it's your own insurance that takes care of it. Even say so on the back of your ticket.

Or course a reputable business will try to make things right, but they have no obligation.

Anyone know better?
 
No Brian, your correct, unless, you can argue gross neg. It is always a fight, by any chance did anyone watch the valets at the Fairmont Newport drive the second they got out of the line of sight of the owners? Ugly :(
 
...by any chance did anyone watch the valets at the Fairmont Newport drive the second they got out of the line of sight of the owners? Ugly :(


This seems to be S.O.P. pretty much everywhere - especially with performance, hi end, or exotic cars (as Todd unfortunately learned the hard way).

'Heard/seen too many horror stories to ever allow anything but a rental car to be valet parked...and any rental car I use is always covered by the "damage waver" option. ('Worth the extra $$$ just to avoid any hastle, as the "renter" will be charged with any damage regardless of signed notes from the "guilty party" acknowledging they caused the damage. 'Been there. Dunn that... :bang)
 
No Brian, your correct, unless, you can argue gross neg. It is always a fight, by any chance did anyone watch the valets at the Fairmont Newport drive the second they got out of the line of sight of the owners? Ugly :(

I kinda think I can prove gross neg.:frown
heading down to Ford now to see what is happining will keep you guys updated.
 
No valet parking for my GT.... ever. I don't like to do it with my other cars either.

mardyn
 
Even say so on the back of your ticket.

Or course a reputable business will try to make things right, but they have no obligation.

Anyone know better?

That's why I never read the backs of ticket stubs...How can I agree (i.e. accept) to something I'm not even aware of or haven't had the chance to read? (This comment is meant only in half seriousness, and not intended as a legal strategy or recommendation) Would it be fair if a contract could be forced upon you for just taking a ticket out of an automated machine?

(Gross oversimplification:) A contract requires essentially three elements to be valid, 1) Offer, 2) Acceptance, and 3) Consideration.

Understanding and analyzing each one of these separate but important elements comprises at least a couple months of first year law school spent in Contracts class reading and analyzing and discussing caselaw. Then, you learn how each element affects the other elements.

IN ESSENCE, ****courts typically do not recognize the damage and/or liability disclaimers (e.g. printed ticket / posted sign) if the parking lot operator or employee is in any way responsible for the damages or theft.****

(Source of preceding sentence: Everybody's Guide to the Law, by Melvin P. Belli, Allen P. Wilkinson)

(DISCLAIMER: THIS IS ABSOLUTELY NOT LEGAL ADVICE, AND I AM NOT YOUR ATTORNEY, AND THIS IS FOR DISCUSSION PURPOSES ONLY) Each case has different facts. If you have further questions, consult your attorney.
 
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Hi Todd,
First sorry to hear of your grief.
Second, there are sites that help calculate deminshed values, do a google search.
Third, you are dealing with a soverign nation, so they can be difficult if they want to be, sugar gets more flies than vingar. I know you are a gentleman.
How about a Makers Manhattan?
Cheers,
daniel

Todd, Bony makes a very good point!!!!!
 
Something worth noting, a drag strip states the same type of disclaimer on the back of their ticket, but if track prep is poor, people have sued (and won) for medical bills and the cost of a crashed car. I think that goes back to what Bony is saying about gross negligence.

I'm really surprised that you guys have such bad luck with valet, I have a few friends that do it for a part time job, and they all say that they're watched VERY closely, and terminated the first time they squeal the tires or gun it.
 
From my personal knowledge, it is my understanding that here are varying degrees of negligence, (and I do not professionally specialize in torts or contracts law, so I can not provide a conclusive answer), but perhaps an insurance or torts lawyer or specialist can advise which degree of negligence would likely be the standard in a case like Todd's.

Gross negligence may or may not be required. Perhaps a lesser standard of negligence could be met and still lead to success.
 
Welcome to America, lets sue some bas-turd.

Great for the lawyers, normally bad for everyone involved. First, in Todd's case it appears to have happened on a Indian reservation. I sell them every day, I know what it is like when they decide not to pay, I wait, and wait and wait. No point in chasing them, oh yeah, my partners are all lawyers, we have decided not to waste ink on fruitless chases.

Then we can discuss what is negligence and what is an accident. How many billable hours can be run up?

Bottom line is, that is why we insure our stuff. Bad things happen to great guys like Todd. Sadly Todd is dealing with crumpled sheet metal. Thank God no personal injury occurred.
 
Yeah, Bony, it's often better to probably just run it through insurance and let the adjusters and auditors have at it, but keep a watchful eye.

Based on the facts, sounds like the right thing should happen here. Just make sure you write down the names and parties and promises while it is still fresh in your mind.

Since legal terms were being thrown around, I just wanted to add whatever light I could, in an attempt to help Todd. I didn't want him to think he might have an unobtainable standard to meet, if that might not be the case.

I am no fan of certain aspects of the system. Just trying to help.

Since there is so much general hatred and mistrust of lawyers, it's often the case that many remain silent...
 
Well got the repair est $10048.74
Now The wife want a new car, I cant blame her but at the same time it upsets me that I have to spend money for something I did not do.
Not a word from the casino or valet company today. So looks like I have to take the first step.
Thanks for the kind words and advice It does help.:thumbsup
 
Ouch!
How many miles?
What is Nada whsle, and Kelly whsle?
Should ask for a total if possible and they replace with a like car.
Who is your insurance company?
 
Todd, sorry to hear the about the lack of response on the part of the Indian Casino. I would agree with Bony and turn it over to your ins co. to handle. They probably will not go after the casino, too difficult to make it stick for only 10K. Your ins rates will rise and your compensation for your car won't be enough. To top it off you didn't do it! I sure you won't be giving them anymore of your business, nor recommend anyone else go there either.
 
his insurance rates should not be effected since he wasn't at fault
 
Yeaaaaaah ... but, 'twas still out in the open and accessible to the hoards. (And summa THEM keep "keys" too...if you get my drift.:eek)

Paranoid Pockets

(Uuuuuuuuuh, you AND the Mrs.?! Were didja put her luggage???:lol Or didja do the UPS thing...)

Yes, true it is still a little scary having the GT out in public for any length of time. That's the only over-nighter the GT has ever had.

My wife and I did the creative packing thanks to helpful tips from forum members. Used the Ford GT Car Cover Bag as a handy duffel bag in the front compartment (nothing that would melt, just clothes), another duffel in the passenger footwell, and then clothes hung behind the seats.
 
Todd,

Sorry that you didn't have more time to talk today on the phone. As I mentioned, torts are entirely outside of my practice area, and I cannot advise on such matters in any meaningful detail, nor do I know any specialists in that practice area.

As a forum friend, I'd recommend that you consider consulting with those in the insurance industry, including, but certainly not limited to, your own agent.

For the amount of property damage involved, although approximately $10,000 is significant, I personally do not feel it will likely be of much financial advantage for you to individually retain a Torts lawyer in resolving your matter, assuming no personal injuries of any kind.

At the very least, consider evaluating your likely insurance recovery options first, if you decide on exploring other avenues.

I believe BlackIce, Bony, and I seem to be in apparent agreement that the insurance options should likely be explored first. (NOTE: Views expressed are purely personal opinions, and in no way connected to the forum, rely on entirely at your own risk)
 
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Bent Mustang

Hi Todd,

I suggest a nice letter to the Casino, cc to Morongo Tribal Business Office, State Insurance Commissioner and local office of BIA, along with copy of the repair estimate. Letter should ask for a check be sent to repair shop directly from either their insurance carrier or the Casino itself. Request a two party check with body shop and yourself be named as payee's. State that the repairs can not be begun until pre-payment is received.

Send it UPS as signature is required and you don't have to wait in line at the post office.

If no money or response follows within two weeks, send copy of same letter etc mark with red sharpie Second Request. Again send it to all that you cc'd the first time.

Followed up by a phone call two days later. Specifically ask where and when you can pick up the check.

Probably wouldn't hurt to let the know what you do for a living. I would expect them to hand carry it you after that.

Let us know how it works out.