Vehicular Gate Sources

[JoshFox05]

I am suing my apartment complex for a malfunctioning vehicular gate. I want to be able to give the judge something to “hang his hat on” to win my case. Are there any databases or sources of previous cases that I could provide that show precedent? Any other suggestions to help me win my case?

[flyingron]

What damages do you have from the gate? Why do you think the complex is liable?

[JoshFox05]

I was driving through the gate properly, and the gate closed on my vehicle. I am suing for the physical damage to my car, a rental car while my vehicle is being repaired and the loss of value of my vehicle.

I was exiting the property. No other vehicles or pedestrians around.

[just blue]

I was driving through the gate properly, and the gate closed on my vehicle. I am suing for the physical damage to my car, a rental car while my vehicle is being repaired and the loss of value of my vehicle.

I was exiting the property. No other vehicles or pedestrians around.

Why do you think you need "precedent" cases on a straight forward property damage suit? Do you have dash cam footage of this accident? Witnesses?

[adjusterjack]

I was driving through the gate properly, and the gate closed on my vehicle. I am suing for the physical damage to my car, a rental car while my vehicle is being repaired and the loss of value of my vehicle.

I was exiting the property. No other vehicles or pedestrians around.

You don't need other cases. You just need a photo of the gate lying across the dent in your car. Did you take photos?

And why are you suing? Did you report the incident to the apartment management/owner? Make any written notice? Get referred to the apartment's liability insurance company? File a claim? Talk to an adjuster? Get a decision? Was the claim denied? Did you get a letter explaining why?

Answer those questions and I may have some helpful comments. Or, more questions.

[pg1067]

I am suing my apartment complex for a malfunctioning vehicular gate.

"Am suing" -- present tense -- as in you have already filed a complaint with the court. Correct?

I want to be able to give the judge something to “hang his hat on” to win my case.

So...like...evidence? And a valid legal theory of recovery?

Are there any databases or sources of previous cases that I could provide that show precedent?

Sure. Every state publishes decisions of its state supreme court and courts of appeal in books called case reporters, and those cases can be searched through various search tools including Google Scholar. However, why is it that you think case authority will be at all helpful to you?

Any other suggestions to help me win my case?

For starters, please identify your state.

Second, what happened when you contacted your landlord and told him/her/it what happened and requested that the landlord pay for the repairs?

Third, did you make a claim against your collision insurance coverage? If not, why not?

Fourth, what makes you think that, once the repairs have been completed, your vehicle will have lost value?

[Managar]

I think the complex is liable