What to do if my car’s window was smashed in a motel parking lot?
If the hotel had a sign posted in the parking lot that it is not responsible for damage to cars, etc., then you probably won't prevail in a lawsuit because you assumed the risk by parking there.If there isn't such a sign, you could sue the hotel for negligence.  Prior to filing a lawsuit, it would be advisable to contact the hotel's insurance carrier to try to settle the case.  If the case is settled with the hotel's insurance carrier, NO lawsuit is filed. If the case is NOT settled with the hotel's insurance carrier, you can sue the hotel for negligence which is the failure to exercise due care (that degree of care that a reasonable hotel would have exercised under the same or similar circumstances to prevent foreseeable harm).  Your damages (the amount of compensation you are sseking to recover in your lawsuit) would be the cost of repairs to your car.You may be able to file your lawsuit in Small Claims Court; however, if you are a resident of another state, there may be some jurisdictional problems with filing in Small Claims Court as the laws vary from state to state.  If that is the case, you will need to file your lawsuit in a higher court.