Emergency - Towing Question

[kerrywins]

Is it illegal to goto where they towed your car and just take it back without paying?
i mean, its your car....so is it illegal?
they took it from you without notifying you...

[bowens43]

1. No, it's not legal.

At least I don't think it is.

[sui generis]

9. your car is behind barbed wire

and probably guarded by someone with a gun. Towing companies are not known for scrupulousness.

[Darknyte7]

2. In short...

Yes, it's illegal!

[tridim]

3. It should be legal

but it's probably not, due to the trespassing issue. You could probably sue them if they towed it for no reason.

[kerrywins]

5. it got towed from my apartment complex

they said it was double parked....i personally don't remember it being over the line...but they said it was and they took a pic for their records...
they said I had to call the towing company to get the pic...so I did....but they just said I had to wait for the driver to call me back...which they haven't done yet...

[sui generis]

8. they're lying. File a small claims case and book for $5000

claim the towing charge plus $5,000 in punitive charges. Just make sure they don't tow it back to get a real picture before the court date.

[kerrywins]

10. i talked with the apartments

the lady sounded very concerned, but said there was nothing she could do....
I told her over and over...I didn't think it was double parked....
but she said it was up to the towing company to provide a pic...
she said if they don't they'll have them tow it back here...

so i called the towing company...but they said it was up to the apartments to request the pic and "they know that"...
so i told the apartments...and she said she'll call me back....
so i'm waiting right now...

thanks for all of you all's help...
i really appreciate it...

[kerrywins]

11. i know...i wish it was legal

i mean,...someone comes to your house....or in my case..your apartment complex....takes your car without you even knowing...
and its illegal for you to take it back....

[shoelace414]

4. I bet they never thought of that.

[kerrywins]

6. i know they thought of that

and they probably have a lady or guy at the counter with a gun...and would call the drivers in if there was a problem...but I
m just saying....assuming it could be done..is it legal

[benburch]

7. Nope...

The towing company, by law, has what is called a "Mechanic's Lien" on the car now, and can hold the car until that is paid.