Auto Insurance Claims: accident inside sports stadium parking garage, garage bay, semi trucks

Question
Greetings,

I was parked inside of Qwest Field on Saturday evening.  When I left the parking area, I proceeded towards an open garage bay with a stop sign affixed to the wall of the garage.  From my view, it looked clear that this was an exit.  There were no signs saying do not exit, and there was even a stop sign affixed to the wall.  

As I exited out of the garage, I was driving on what I thought was a ramp down to the street, but to my surprise there was no ramp.  Rather it was a 5 ft drop off straight on to the concrete.  My front end of my car smashed on to the pavement and had my rear tires still hanging on to the top of the drop.  Apparently this is a loading dock for semi trucks, but there were no signs indicating that this was the case.  

I filed a claim with my insurance co(State Farm) and I'm waiting for an insurance adjustor to assist the damage.  I take full responsibility for what happend, but I feel this could have been avoided if there was simply a cone or a sign saying that wasn't an exit.

If by any chance, my insurance won't cover the damage, or if they consider it to be totalled, can I hold Qwest Field responsible for the damage?

Thanks,
John from Seattle

Answer
Hi John,

Whether the damage is repairable or the vehicle is determined to be a total loss your insurance will cover it.

Although I know that you do not feel the opening was properly identified as not an exit, that is probably why the stop sign was there. I do agree with you that it was not a proper sign as it could have simply meant stop before proceeding.

If your insurance company pays the claim it would be up to them to pursue reimbursement if they want to. The only loss you will have will be your deductible. Since you would likely not receive anything without a court battle and significant attornys fees, it is just not worth pursuing.

On the other hand, you may want to send a certified letter to the management of the stadium, telling them your story along with the repair estimate or claim payment documents and at least demand that they reimburse you for your deductible.  You may just get lucky.

I hope this helps
Richard Hixenbaugh