Asked by Christine Dawson on Jul 16, 2024

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The parking garage in Hana's office building offers a valet parking service at no extra charge for customers in a hurry. The customer leaves the car with the keys in it just outside the attendant's booth. The attendant then parks the car somewhere in the garage and retains the keys until the customer returns. If a car is damaged after it is parked by the valet attendant,

A) there is no liability because the valet service is a mere adjunct of the garage's principal business of renting parking spaces to patrons, and most park their own cars.
B) there is no liability because the free valet service is a gratuitous bailment and the garage operator would only be liable for gross negligence.
C) the garage operator is liable because a true bailment exists.
D) the garage operator's liability would be limited to the cost of the parking if a large red sign explaining the limitation is posted at the payment booth.
E) the car owner is liable.

Valet Parking

A service where an attendant parks and retrieves vehicles for guests at a venue or establishment.

Gross Negligence

An extreme lack of care or failure to act that demonstrates a disregard for the safety or rights of others, potentially leading to legal liability.

Bailment

The transfer of a chattel by the owner to another for some purpose, with the chattel to be later returned or dealt with in accordance with the owner’s instructions.

  • Understand the liabilities and duties of bailors and bailees in various scenarios.
  • Investigate the liable party for the loss or damage of goods that have been bailed.
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Verified Answer

KR
Kevin ReimanJul 22, 2024
Final Answer :
C
Explanation :
The garage operator is liable because a true bailment exists when the customer leaves the car with the valet, transferring possession of the car to the garage operator, who then has a duty to return the car in the same condition.