Legal Question in Civil Litigation in Washington

I received a $40 parking "notice" from a private parking company (Platinum Parking) for legally parking for 3 minutes in the lot. My friend went into one business that shares the lot and about 3 minutes later a man rudely presented the "notice" saying that we were only permitted to park there to go into the other business that shares the lot and we should have known that. We were about to go into that other business but then left after being treated so badly. Is this legal? I wrote a dispute but they did not respond. Instead they issued a letter saying I know owe $65 and may be responsible for collection and attorney fees.


Asked on 2/13/11, 2:35 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Gary Preble Preble Law Firm, P.S.

Take pictures of any signs in case they are confusing and you need proof.

Contact the business and let them know. Write a factual and polite letter and let them know that their parking attendant cost them business that day. They will probably resolve it for you, especially since their nasty parking contractor cost them business and perhaps a customer.

I would also complain to the Better Business Bureau.

Pay the bill or don't pay it. If you don't, you would have a chance to win in front of most reasonable judges. But in the unlikely event that you lose, you may be stuck with their costs. My sense is to not pay it, based on the facts you have set out.

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Answered on 2/13/11, 9:38 pm


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