Victim of a very sucky employee!

[42_42_42]

This summer, we were staying at the Holiday Inn in Alexandria, VA. One of their employeess, while driving the hotel's shuttle van, drove into our car.

The accident was completely the other driver's fault, but because it happened in the parking lot, and he moved the van immediately after hitting our car, we have no proof (other than the utter impossibility of his version, his 3rd version that is, of the events when compared to the damage to our car).

I called the cops at the time of the accident, but because it was in the parking lot, they wouldn't come out.

So the hotel's insurance has denied our claim. :x

On top of that, at the time of the accident, the other driver, after moving the van, got out and started yelling at me, basically telling me that I, a guest at the hotel, had no right to be in the parking lot. The manager on duty was utterly unsympathetic and seemed very disgruntled with me that he had to deal with the situation.

Due to all of these factors, we will never stay in a Holiday Inn anywhere ever again.

I invite you to join our boycott.

[PepperElf]

can a lawyer help?

[Irving Patrick Freleigh]

I believe Holiday Inns are franchised. If so I'd complain to whomever franchises that particular property.

[42_42_42]

can a lawyer help?

The lawyer's fees would be more than the damage to our car, I'd imagine. We haven't had an estimate, yet, but I doubt it's worth the pain of dealing with devilspawn a lawyer.

[BroSCFischer]

I believe Holiday Inns are franchised. If so I'd complain to whomever franchises that particular property.

I believe you are correct. Especially given the fact that I work near a HI- Express.

The lawyer's fees would be more than the damage to our car, I'd imagine. We haven't had an estimate, yet, but I doubt it's worth the pain of dealing with devilspawn a lawyer.

You still might want to consult one, you may be able to get attorney's fees added to a settlement, or the lawyer may just take 1/3 of any damages you collect (ie: Pain and Suffering type stuff for having to go the legal route.) It wouldn't hurt (too much).

SC

[protege]

Ugh. Been there, done that.

Years ago, my mother's car had some idiot back into it. It was parked at the shopping center, and someone hit it. Seems that a delivery driver for the glass place (which isn't there now) was turning his truck around, and misjudged the distance. The rear of the truck not only hit the hood of the car, but went a good distance *up* it, trashing the hood.

Dad was walking back to the car when it happened. Needless to say, the truck driver nearly crapped his pants. At least he did the right thing, and admitted to it. Dad wasn't upset, because well, "shit happens." And yes, it did happen--the truck's *owner* refused to provide details, including the vehicle's insurance papers, as well as denying it was his truck to begin with.

Let's just say that my father doesn't take shit from anyone--he called up the district magistrate (who he's known for years), and asked for advice. Told him to call a lawyer, and take the bastard to court. It didn't come to that though--not long after the documents were delivered, the bastard changed his mind. Seems he didn't want to get sued, and possibly damage his already-failing business reputation

End result was that the car got fixed, the business got into trouble (that is, they got busted for withholding info), and were eventually put out of business.

[magician5]

As a lifelong Alexandria-area resident, let me express my sympathy and chagrin that the idiots seem to be winning here.

[smileyeagle1021]

I believe Holiday Inns are franchised. If so I'd complain to whomever franchises that particular property.

IPF is correct, Holiday Inns are all franchised... if you have a problem with that property it is better to find out who owns the property, because the franchise owners, if they are one of the bigger franchiser, will have hotels in multiple brands and you may end up just staying at one of their hotels anyway without staying at Holiday Inn, which would only be even more ironic for you if it were to turn out the Holiday Inn you didn't stay at wasn't owned by that franchise.

Best advice, contact the franchise company and if that doesn't help any go over their heads and talk to IHG corporate.

[bainsidhe]

Why isn't your own insurance company getting involved? Aren't they supposed to support you in situations like this? Yeah, I'd take 'em to court and try to recoup what costs you can. Jerks.

[LillFilly]

Sometimes your insurance requires a police report. They should have come-out for the paperwork, at least to report it as a hit-and-run. I guess the hotel didn't have cameras. That really friggan sucks!

[thegiraffe]

*off topic*

Aww....Alexandria!!!!! I was born there (but lived in Annandale). It's SO pretty! My grandparents used to live there, and we could see the Washington Monument from the top of their driveway on a clear day. It was so awesome

I love Fairfax County, but it's uber expensive and the traffic sucks... I'd still like to move back one day.

[trunks2k]

I'm surprised the police didn't come out. I didn't think being in a parking lot would have had anything to do with it.

[ditchdj]

The lawyer's fees would be more than the damage to our car, I'd imagine. We haven't had an estimate, yet, but I doubt it's worth the pain of dealing with devilspawn a lawyer.

SMALL CLAIMS COURT!!!!!!!

In most jurisdictions you can go for up to $5,000 and you don't even need a lawyer to file. Simply pay a court free which is usually around $100.

[Jetfire]

And if you win, you get your court fees back. (Plus you have a chance of going on TV with the Judge show of your choice, assuming the show is interested in your case. )

[Nohbody]

Getting the fine paid by the guilty party, on the other hand...

(No, it's not always as easy as "judge fines the offender, offender must pay".)