Is Storage Yard Liable?

[Big_D]

I need advice please. Today I was driving my truck through the storage yard where I store my RV. On rounding a corner, I side-swiped a metal bar stuck in the ground by the storage yard owner. The bar caused extensive dents and scratches on the side of my truck. The bar is one of those that wire fences are attached to. The bar marks the boundary of that space but the bar is out into the roadway far from the RV in that space. The bar has been hit by others before me. It is not marked in anyway and is hard to see as one rounds the corner. I feel the owner is negligible for installing the bar in such hazardous location. I would like to ask the storage yard owner to pay for the damages.

Is the storage yard owner who installed the bar in a hazardous location liable for the damages to my truck? Can I sue in small claims if he refuses to pay?

Thank you for your help.

 

[CdwJava]

You can ASK them to pay for the damages. They may say no. They may also point to a clause in whatever rental agreement you signed that says any damages to vehicles or property are your responsibility and not theirs.

If they refuse to pay, you can get an estimate for the damages, make a claim, then take them to small claims court if need be.

Remember to take copious photos of the bar, the area around it, your damages, and get the names and contact info of anyone else who has been damaged by this bar.

- Carl