I'd hate to be one of "those" kind of people but....

The_Saint · #1 01-17-2009, 12:21 AM

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? AZ

Today, i went to Sams Club. I was there for a total of 5 or so minutes and when i came out, my car had been hit on the rear bumper causing $1200 worth of damage.

I went inside the store, told them that someone had hit my car, and if the parking lot was covered by CCTV. They said yes, but that they would only release/view it with the police or the insurance company.

It was reported to the police, and the accident investigator went to Sams Club to check out the CCTV. He checked out the footage and had told me he could see nothing. that one of the Cameras was switched off, the other had the view blocked by a palm tree, and the other was so bad it looked like someone had deliberately sensored out my car.

My very first thought was what would happen if a child was abducted? This store is only 2-3 years old so its CCTV should not be this bad, they should all be switched on, and the view should not be obstructed.

If i thought that writing a letter would make them do something about their camera system i would, but i could say with 99% certanty that it would do nothing.

Should i take any action? Could i recover any costs associated with the damage of my car? If the camera system was working fine, i would let it slide unless it was caused by their company, but it bothers me that their cameras are not properly fuctioning.

CourtClerk · #2 01-17-2009, 01:02 AM

Sams Club did nothing to cause your accident. Further, they aren't required to have CCTV. On top of that, even if they do have CCTV, it is not for YOUR use, it's for the use of the store so the quality of their cameras or lack thereof is their problem and nothing you can do anything about. Nor do you have a claim against them for having crappy cameras.

You have no action against them whatsoever. You can, however, file a claim with your insurance company if you have comprehensive coverage.

The_Saint · #3 01-17-2009, 01:54 AM

I always thought that a store was not responsible unless neglegent but i have heard other people say differently.

I guess i will just write to corporate, addresss my concern, and that i will be keeping a copy of the letter just in case something happens to a minor in the future.

ecmst12 · #4 01-17-2009, 01:37 PM

The store is not liable, period. No matter WHAT happens in the parking lot, unless a store employee caused the damage. Write if you like but don't expect a response.

COLLISION coverage is what you need to cover this damage. Comprehensive is for vandalism.

The_Saint · #5 01-17-2009, 09:43 PM

Liable or not, it would not look too good in the media if a child was obducted, and there was no footage of what happened because of a poor CCTV system and the issue had been brought to the attention of the store prior.

I personally don't think the store should pay for my car as its not their fault and they did not back into it. But unfortunately, it takes actions like that for them to act.

As mentioned previously, my main concern is because something much more serious could happen. My car is just a "thing" and i'm insured although i will have to come up with the first $500 but that is just life and there are worst things that could happen.

wyett717 · #6 01-17-2009, 09:52 PM

Your car accident has absolutely nothing to do with the future potential for an abduction. As mentioned before, they aren't even required to have the surveillance equipment, so your point is moot. It's nice of you to consider other people's safety, but in order to make any amount of difference, you had better contact EVERY business and residence in the United States and make sure they have cameras as well.