I agree no good deed goes unpunished and sympathize with the situiation. However, Though what the Church member did was possibly/likely stupid, from a legal standpoint and from what was presented here, I don't think he is liable. The church member did acknowledge he was there, and it could be argued he had a reasonable expectation that the operator would look where he was going and see his vehicle. If there are extenuating circumstances that have not been presented, i.e. Very dark night, very low visibility, etc., then perhaps some of the liability does fall on him. In that case could see if a small claims judge will be willing to place some of the burden on the Church member.
If this was in Ohio, when you are backing up and there is any kind of accident, especially with a parked car, you are always at fault. The only exception that shifts some of the blame I have seen is; if the car was not "legally Parked". And it is difficult to be illegally parked in a parking lot.
Have you thought of asking the Church if they would ask the members for a raffle or donations to help with the effort?
He11, ask for the Tractor by net members to help! I am sure many people would be glad to cough up a few bucks to help to ease your burden.
That way we could turn a negative experience into a positive one.
If this was in Ohio, when you are backing up and there is any kind of accident, especially with a parked car, you are always at fault. The only exception that shifts some of the blame I have seen is; if the car was not "legally Parked". And it is difficult to be illegally parked in a parking lot.
Have you thought of asking the Church if they would ask the members for a raffle or donations to help with the effort?
He11, ask for the Tractor by net members to help! I am sure many people would be glad to cough up a few bucks to help to ease your burden.
That way we could turn a negative experience into a positive one.
Last edited: