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Abandonment?

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Nickj119

Junior Member
What is the name of your state? Wisconsin


Background story:
My dads best friend gave me his vehicle since I needed a new car. (Not really, but sweet!) Anyways, he said I could drive it until he found the title (in process of moving & new child), and when he did, I'd get it transfered over. He gave me a BoS (Bill of Sale), and we both signed the paper.


Fast forward. The car overheated, and incidently, caused the motor to fry. (No car expert here, but I'm assuming the thermostat went, and caused the head gasket to fry) It was on an off-ramp that I take to get home. I called my mother, and she came and got me. She told me the first thing to do in the morning was to call a tow company and get it towed to a dealership to get it fixed. I did not make it until that morning. I had a relapse with my colon, and was in a lot of pain. My mom rushed me to the emergency room, where I was kept for three days and three nights. The following day I was at the surgeons office going over a possible solution to my pain.

We get out, and on our way home, I called a tow comapny, and told them I would meet them at the vehicle. I get there and my car is gone. Confused, I called the police department, and asked them if they had towed my car. She gave me some numbers to call, but was very unhelpful. (It's not her job, so I understand) Well, two days later, the man who sold me the car gets a "Certified Letter." He said that he would stop by with the letter someday this week.

Now, I know it's no excuse, but getting a car towed was the least on my mothers mind. I was in the hospital, and had no idea where I even was, let alone worrying about a car. My father was out of town, and had no idea about the car, but only that I was in the hospital.

----

My problem:

#1.) I don't want my dad's friend to get ticketed. Can I go in with a title in hand, and sign the car over to the state, since it's going to cost more to fix the engine than the car is worth?

#2.) What do I do about all this? Is there any possible solution as to get the fees removed because of medical? I have proof. I had to get medical notes for school and work.

#3.) The liscense plates are not in my name, they are under his. This is not his "responsibility" as I bought the car, and was awaitng for the title so I did not have to pay the $55 "Lost Title Fee."


Thanks for all your help guys & gals.

Nick
 


FlyingRon

Senior Member
#1.) I don't want my dad's friend to get ticketed. Can I go in with a title in hand, and sign the car over to the state, since it's going to cost more to fix the engine than the car is worth?
You should inquire as to what the procedure is for abandoning towed vehicles. I don't know. It may still cost you money (they will want to recoup the towing charges most likely). Any tickets here are most likely just civil things which won't count against any thing real as long as they are paid. Even if they're not in your name, you can negotiate with your friend to kick in for the charges.

#2.) What do I do about all this? Is there any possible solution as to get the fees removed because of medical? I have proof. I had to get medical notes for school and work.
Unlikely.

#3.) The liscense plates are not in my name, they are under his. This is not his "responsibility" as I bought the car, and was awaitng for the title so I did not have to pay the $55 "Lost Title Fee."
Well if you start unravelling this the two of you may be in more trouble. Generally, you don't "sell" a car without conveying the title. So either the sale was never completed or you are in violation of the law with respect for properly registering the vehicle.
 

Nickj119

Junior Member
You should inquire as to what the procedure is for abandoning towed vehicles. I don't know. It may still cost you money (they will want to recoup the towing charges most likely). Any tickets here are most likely just civil things which won't count against any thing real as long as they are paid. Even if they're not in your name, you can negotiate with your friend to kick in for the charges.


Unlikely.


Well if you start unravelling this the two of you may be in more trouble. Generally, you don't "sell" a car without conveying the title. So either the sale was never completed or you are in violation of the law with respect for properly registering the vehicle.

Thanks a bunch, FlyingRon!

My father gave him a company car, so in return, I bought his new car from him. That is why I never had the title, was because we were waiting on it.

I got the costs and everything, and we're going to go together.

Towing was like $280.xx, and the fee for the impound was $25 initial, and $5 every day after the certified letter. So, I guess I'm out $300.00. Then again, it's not really their fault. I should have just had it towed that same night.

Anyways, thanks for your help! Have a great Christmas.


Nick
 

Nickj119

Junior Member
Those figures were way off. It cost me $840.00 to get that vehicle out of the impound. That is a whole god damned paycheck! Oh, I can't wait to be out of college and not have to worry about money :rolleyes:
 

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