AboutRichard Expertise Professional towing and recovery operator for 29 Plus years, dealing with light to heavy duty towing operations... Nationally certified by various agencies - associations..
I know that many people do not understand vehicle towing when ordered by Law Enforcement or from Private Property Parking lots, which I will try to help with. BUT, I am not versed in RV TOWING ISSUES, or actual law cases or proposed cases...
Experience I have 29+ years of towing experience dealing with everything from Light duty ( cars and pickups ) to tractor trailer rigs, motor homes and buses.. Motor clubs to police calls, lockouts to jumpstarts and tows. I have experienced alot of fun times doing my job. Some have been good experiences and some of have been heart wrenching experiences.
Organizations Been affiliated with TRAA(towing and recovery association of america), Oregon Tow Truck Association, Washington Tow Truck Association, Wyoming Tow Truck Association , and Alabama Tow Truck Association
Publications Tow Times Magazine
American Towman
STA Phantom Towing News
Towing and Recovery Phootnotes
Education/Credentials TRAA Heavy duty Trained operator 1987
TRAA Management Classes 1986
Wreckmaster training programs (since 1992)
Several other training programs (to many to list )
Expert: Richard Date: 6/20/2008 Subject: Tow Truck Driver Scratched My Car
Question So here's how the story goes...I parked illegally on a city street where you can't park from 9pm to 2am(I got back at 9:30pm). They towed my car and when I got into the impound lot I did a check all around the car. Well I found significant scratches on my front bumper and wheel that was next to the curb. Of course they told me they were there before. I got an estimate that is around $1,400. What do I do to get the money? The city of Houston authorized the tow. Thanks...
Answer Talk to the tow company owner about this issue, but it sound as if they are going to deny the claim... Not that they are doing anything wrong, but damage does happen from time to time...
Since you say that the City authorized the tow, in some cases the police have reports which are done before the vehicle is towed and prior damage is listed on the reports. That might be of help and you can always check into that.
You can contact your auto insurance company and discuss it with them as they might have an idea of how to handle this issue. Remember that they have lots of experience in damage claims and how to handle them, along with the fact that they also have lots of lawyers...
Now if no one wants to help there is always the small claims court route and remember that documentation is the key there. Keep notes, papers anything that relates to this issue...
