30.07.2025 18:36
A valet at a luxury hotel in the Çeşme district of İzmir had an accident with a car worth 7 million TL belonging to former KRT Ankara Representative Selen Yalaz. The vehicle was declared a total loss, and the hotel's management's response has drawn criticism.
In the Çeşme district of İzmir, Selen Yalaz, who was exiting the indoor parking lot of a chain hotel, wanted to retrieve her vehicle. F.T., who was working as a valet, lost control of the steering wheel while maneuvering to take the car out of the parking lot and crashed into a concrete column.
A "TOTAL LOSS" REPORT WAS ISSUED FOR THE VEHICLE
As a result of the impact, four airbags in the vehicle deployed, and a "total loss" report was issued for the car. In the police report regarding the accident, it was stated that F.T. lost control during the maneuver inside the parking lot and crashed the vehicle's right front hood, bumper, and fender into the concrete column.
"MY CAR IS A TOTAL LOSS"
Selen Yalaz, the vehicle owner, stated that she learned about the accident 45 minutes later, saying, "I was kept waiting for a long time after requesting my car. After I reacted, I was taken down to the parking lot and saw the condition of my car. Four airbags had deployed, and the car was a total loss."
UNAPOLOGETIC DEFENSE FROM HOTEL MANAGEMENT
Yalaz stated that the vehicle was recklessly driven and expressed that the security camera footage showed the valet driving at high speed. Yalaz, who said, "We are experiencing valet terror," mentioned that the hotel manager dismissed the situation by saying, "Such things happen," and that she was not even provided with a replacement vehicle despite her car being a total loss. She also reported that the 400 TL valet fee was not refunded.
YALAZ MARRIED CHP MEMBER TOPSAKAL
Former KRT Ankara Representative Selen Yalaz married Ömer Topsakal, an advisor to the former CHP leader Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu, in 2023. Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu and Ahmet Davutoğlu served as witnesses at the wedding of Ömer Topsakal and Selen Yalaz. The marriage was officiated by Mansur Yavaş.
WHO WILL PAY THE PRICE?
1. If the Valet Service is Officially Provided by the Hotel or Business:
- Responsibility generally lies with the business.
- If the valet service is provided by the business in places like hotels, restaurants, or shopping centers, the accident caused by the valet employee is considered under employer liability. In this case:
- If the damaged vehicle is insured, the insurance will primarily come into play.
- If the insurance does not cover it or there is no insurance, the vehicle owner can claim damages from the business providing the valet service (hotel, etc.).
- The business can then seek recourse from the negligent valet employee (i.e., try to recover the compensation from them), but this may not always be fully collectible.
2. If the Valet Service is Provided by a Third Party (Subcontractor):
- Responsibility lies with the subcontractor company.
If the valet service is provided by an external company on behalf of the business, this company is directly responsible. The vehicle owner can claim damages from this company.
3. If the Vehicle Owner Voluntarily Gives the Car Key to Someone (Informal Delivery):
- Responsibility in the event of an accident may be debatable.
If the vehicle owner hands over the key without knowing who the valet is or without an official service, this situation becomes complicated. Especially if elements like theft, unauthorized use, or fraud come into play, both criminal law and insurance aspects are evaluated separately.