skullie666
Junior Member
What is the name of your state? California... specifically, Los Angeles, CA.
I believe I was illegally towed, and here's what happened: I parked my car on a public street in front of a business next door to my employer. There were NO tow-away signs posted, anywhere (however, I believe that would be a moot point because I was parked on a public street). I was not blocking any entrance, driveway, or loading dock.
I was alerted that my car was being towed, and when I ran to my car, the driver was driving away with it. I asked him why he was towing my car and he said "someone called him", however, there was nobody at the place of business where I parked. He told me I could pick up my car down the street, and he had no choice but to take my car.
I called the tow yard, and they said that they would charge me $183.00. They also said they would not accept any credit cards, they would accept CASH ONLY. On a side note, I was told by several of the neighbors that this particular tow truck lies in wait to tow cars on this public street every day, and that this company could be a "crooked towing operation".
When I went to pick up my car, they were going to charge me $233.00, $50.00 more than they told me because of a "gate fee", but when I told them I only had $183.00 in cash, they decided to waive the fee and took my cash. They did provide me with a receipt, and it shows that I paid $233.00 (even though I paid only $183.00).
This just seems fishy to me. When I did some research, I found out that this tow company violated several California Vehicle Codes by towing my car. They never gave me a reason for towing my car, but only said that it was parked on private property, which it wasn't. There were no signs posted anywhere near the area, and there was no one present at the place of business.
Aren't they (the tow company), under law, supposed to accept a valid credit card or bank card if they do take your car? Isn't against the law to tow a car from a public street in the first place? Isn't there supposed to be someone present at the business to give consent to tow, and isn't it against the law to even try to charge a gate fee?
Here's what my receipt breaks down: Hookup: $96.00 / Mileage: $54.00 / Gate Fee: $50.00 / Days Storage: $30.00 / Tax: $3 / TOTAL $233.00.
I want to take the towing company to small claims court, as well as the company who supposively towed me in the first place. I also want to make sure I have the laws and facts straight, and that's why I'm asking for any legal tips or advice anyone could give me. What do ya think? Any imput would be appreciated.
Best Regards,
Courtney in Los AngelesWhat is the name of your state?
I believe I was illegally towed, and here's what happened: I parked my car on a public street in front of a business next door to my employer. There were NO tow-away signs posted, anywhere (however, I believe that would be a moot point because I was parked on a public street). I was not blocking any entrance, driveway, or loading dock.
I was alerted that my car was being towed, and when I ran to my car, the driver was driving away with it. I asked him why he was towing my car and he said "someone called him", however, there was nobody at the place of business where I parked. He told me I could pick up my car down the street, and he had no choice but to take my car.
I called the tow yard, and they said that they would charge me $183.00. They also said they would not accept any credit cards, they would accept CASH ONLY. On a side note, I was told by several of the neighbors that this particular tow truck lies in wait to tow cars on this public street every day, and that this company could be a "crooked towing operation".
When I went to pick up my car, they were going to charge me $233.00, $50.00 more than they told me because of a "gate fee", but when I told them I only had $183.00 in cash, they decided to waive the fee and took my cash. They did provide me with a receipt, and it shows that I paid $233.00 (even though I paid only $183.00).
This just seems fishy to me. When I did some research, I found out that this tow company violated several California Vehicle Codes by towing my car. They never gave me a reason for towing my car, but only said that it was parked on private property, which it wasn't. There were no signs posted anywhere near the area, and there was no one present at the place of business.
Aren't they (the tow company), under law, supposed to accept a valid credit card or bank card if they do take your car? Isn't against the law to tow a car from a public street in the first place? Isn't there supposed to be someone present at the business to give consent to tow, and isn't it against the law to even try to charge a gate fee?
Here's what my receipt breaks down: Hookup: $96.00 / Mileage: $54.00 / Gate Fee: $50.00 / Days Storage: $30.00 / Tax: $3 / TOTAL $233.00.
I want to take the towing company to small claims court, as well as the company who supposively towed me in the first place. I also want to make sure I have the laws and facts straight, and that's why I'm asking for any legal tips or advice anyone could give me. What do ya think? Any imput would be appreciated.
Best Regards,
Courtney in Los AngelesWhat is the name of your state?