Impound Hearing Advice Needed.

[bolinec]

What is the name of your state?
Washington State.

My car was towed from a business parking lot. There were no signs posted at the time of the tow (or the morning after). I was charged $500 for the tow. I have requested a hearing, and would like to be prepared.

Here are my questions:

Is this worth hiring an attorney for?
What information should be prepared for the hearing?
Is this a waste of time (fighting the fee)?

Just wondering!
Craig.

[Happy Trails]

Originally Posted by bolinec

What is the name of your state?
Washington State.

My car was towed from a business parking lot. There were no signs posted at the time of the tow (or the morning after). I was charged $500 for the tow. I have requested a hearing, and would like to be prepared.

Here are my questions:

Is this worth hiring an attorney for?
What information should be prepared for the hearing?
Is this a waste of time (fighting the fee)?

Just wondering!
Craig.

From Washington statutes:

RCW 46.55.070
Posting requirements -- Exception.
(1) No person may impound, tow, or otherwise disturb any unauthorized vehicle standing on nonresidential private property or in a public parking facility for less than twenty-four hours unless a sign is posted near each entrance and on the property in a clearly conspicuous and visible location to all who park on such property that clearly indicates:
(a) The times a vehicle may be impounded as an unauthorized vehicle; and
(b) The name, telephone number, and address of the towing firm where the vehicle may be redeemed.
(2) The requirements of subsection (1) of this section do not apply to residential property. Any person having charge of such property may have an unauthorized vehicle impounded immediately upon giving written authorization.
(3) The department shall adopt rules relating to the size of the sign required by subsection (1) of this section, its lettering, placement, and the number required.
(4) This section applies to all new signs erected after July 1, 1986. All other signs must meet these requirements by July 1, 1989.

[1987 c 311 § 4; 1985 c 377 § 7.]

More reading at:

[url]http://www.leg.wa.gov/RCW/index.cfm?section=46.55.120&fuseaction=section[/url]

I found this article interesting:
[url]http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/local/161026_privatelot18.html[/url]

[bolinec]

Wow, that seattlepi article sounds brutal...

Thanks for the info, think I have a chance since I have pictures that they didn't have signs posted?

Craig

[Happy Trails]

Originally Posted by bolinec

Wow, that seattlepi article sounds brutal...

Thanks for the info, think I have a chance since I have pictures that they didn't have signs posted?

Craig

Sure, maybe, I don't know**************...keep doing your homework.

The state law is clear, you could also check in your city's local ordinances.

That reporter can be contacted via e-mail or phone.

Good luck!