Welcome to Gaia! :: View User's Journal | Gaia Journals

The following are a few of the more common laws that some towing companies violate. We are all aware that sometimes it appears there are simply to many laws, but we're happy because they're protecting us from damage, that most of these laws exist. Our objective here will be to educate the public about practices that are illegal by some towing firms that may not be harmless to the public in general. Our area of expertise is southern California. The amount of harm to the people can range from wrongfully towed vehicles to uninsured tow motorists and even to offenses against customers physically. At the conclusion of this article will be some suggestions that could be followed to decrease the danger of exposure to these illegal tow practices.

The most frequent criticism heard from the general public within my expertise is "my car was towed without appropriate cause", followed by "something was stolen from my car while it was being towed". Other problems are disputes over damage to disputes about price fairness, a towed vehicle or changes in cost following the vehicle was towed. Sometimes individuals will undoubtedly be approached by a tow driver and they think when in fact the driver not, he's him which they called. Tow drivers are sometimes not correctly licensed to drive the form of tow truck that they're driving. Lets see just what is going on out in the roads and explore these issues that are individual one in a time.

Beginning using vehicles being towed wrongfully's popular dilemma we need to say there's some grey area. The laws in California allow for removal and the impounding of illegally parked vehicles on both private and public property. Most of the disputes will arise out of private property impounds shopping centers, such as apartment complex's, business centers and similar. When parking is not easy to find individuals get impatient and creative. Law signs required to notify you of the chance for towing and impound, but they're not demanded over every space. The area of dispute arises on parking lots for everyone.

Not all regions possess the same interpretation of just what a lot that is public is. Beware, your vehicle leaving quicker than most people can drink a pop and might be hooked up. Impound fees and towing are steep, usually starting at around $250. Should you follow your own car and regain it immediately. Most apartment complexes demand people to record their auto plate number on their lease and just a friend you enable to use your area may be towed. For impound towing some firms are too aggressive and don't follow the laws also it can be next to impossible to establish that the law was transgressed by them.

Any time a vehicle that is unattended from the owner, and other individuals have access to it, there stands to be chance of property theft. The more precious the things are and the smaller they're the more apt to be stolen. Things that could be common things to disappear might be cameras, mobile phones, ipod's, lap top's, cash, CD's, and stereo gear. Not all tow companies have required drug and history testing to reduce the possibility of theft. Not all tow companies are reputable businesses.

Towed vehicle damage is another area consumers may be hurt. Damages to a vehicle can occur when equipment is not properly kept. Companies which have little consideration for the laws that regulate towing gear will purchase hooks that aren't rated as required by law http://www.orlandotowingspecialist.com/ because they are more affordable, cables, and chains. Those same type of companies are inclined to hire experienced or badly qualified drivers and may well have no training programs set up to prepare drivers on safe practices.

While there is not much when you don't believe the price is fair, understand this, it is fraud to tell someone a cost for a service and then shift the cost after the consumer is obligated, without appropriate grounds. Any quality firm is going to want your repeat business and certainly will rely on a good standing and is not going to practice this form of deceit. Notice there are legitimate reasons for changing the cost for example the client failed like the car has no tires to notify the tow company of a vital fact. Nevertheless here is the some what unique situation in the towing industry. In the event the customer does not pay for the tow, the tow business can impound the car, and to get it back you would have to pay their the original tow plus towing impound lot and storage fees. A tow company that is reputable that is non might practice quoting pricing that is low subsequently try to add extras or perhaps flat out dispute what was quoted, then endanger if the client doesn't comply impounding.

Tow businesses are prohibited by California laws from stopping at a stranded motorist scenario for the purpose of soliciting company. It is a typical practice though for some businesses try to solicit and to stop, and even when the motorist advises that they have a truck on the way some will try to offer an improved cost to get the work. Some motorists have even merely not told the motorist they're not the company that the motorist called. California law provides for penalties against tow drivers who participate in this task. This action places consumers at risk because they have no way to immediately assess weather this is a correctly licensed, and insured business or not. It's also risky from your perspective of how many tow trucks then pulling back out into traffic and would be halting if this practice was legal. There's also a degree of safety by not allowing only any guy in a tow truck and try to sell you provided to the public. Imagine how intimidated your wife or daughter might be if some big filthy man quit and genuinely wanted to get that tow.

Storage rates and payment options as well as hours of operation of storage facilities are mainly governed legally. Obviously the laws are for consumer protection but still do allow for free enterprise as well as the making of a profit. Most individuals who have their vehicles impounded would state the Towing San Diego rates charged are excessive, and consumers often feel ripped off. There's a logic to that, also it usually goes something similar to this " If I phoned 3 or 4 firms and asked how much it'd cost to tow my car 4 miles and keep it 1 day, I might get a whole lot better price", however that will not help get money refunded. The only real way to get cash refunded is if you could demonstrate that the towing laws were violated by the towing company. Companies that make a practice of mistreating consumers in this manner are usually not bad at understanding what's impractical or impossible for a consumer to show.

Tow businesses want some drivers with DMV licenses that are commercial and some drivers may not want particular licenses. Also motor clubs or some police agencies could have special requirements that private party towing doesn't. This creates a tempting scenario to an unethical company when they're short on commercial authorized drivers or drivers with the specific qualifications to get the job done correctly and lawfully, and may have a driver available who is able to drive the truck but isn't properly licensed to do so. The driver that is unqualified will be sent by an unethical company outside just to get the job.

This means that family vehicle and nearly every passenger car falls into this class. There is no legal requirement to background check or drug test tow drivers. This means firms are free to hire convicted felons, or who they need. Now for the good thing, motor clubs and some police agencies do ask for motorists to satisfy some sort of conditions for his or her tows, but enforcement is poor. Any quality tow company will drug test and background check their drivers in addition to assure that the driver is well trained and properly licensed for the tow and truck job they're performing. A quality tow business will even have values that are moral and want their customers to be safe, so they would not hire a person convicted of an offense that is major.

Now that you may see the various ways an unethical tow business can put you, the public at risk of harm, as well as your family lets look at some things you can do in order to decrease the threat of injury.

1. Question the telephone secretary a few questions. Would you background check all your workers and will not hire those convicted of major offenses? Would you do regular random drug testing on all workers? Does one require all drivers to be certified by some business recognized training program including Wreckmaster or CHP training ? Would you quote a precise cost that is entire before doing the tow? Is the company an associate of any trade associations? Is it true that the receptionist look aggravated by your questions or answer your questions politely. Obviously the aggravated one is the one to avoid.

2. Have you seen employees or this firm's trucks seem like? The businesses that are unethical and unwanted will usually neglect appearance of vehicles, equipment, and workers. One more thing to produce note of if the employees have been seen by you in action is perspectives, their language, and professionalism. These are all hints regarding what type of company you're managing so be observant.

3. Remember there is a dispute in case you don't pay what they ask, they are able to impound the vehicle and as soon as they hook up your car. Do not leave any valuables in the vehicle when it is left by you.

4. When parking, always obey parking rules even. When parked consistently hide and secure if possible any personal property that is valuable. Do not take chances and park for just a minute.

5. Note that it is legal for a driver if he's waived down to halt, thus if you are within an dangerous or unsafe place you'll need to indicate a driver to allow him to legally quit.