What to Do When a Tow Truck Tows You with Your Car
Has a tow truck ever picked up your car with you inside it? While this situation is relatively rare, it can be a cause for concern. We'll discuss what you should do in this article, with emphasis on staying calm and prioritizing your safety.
Stay Calm and Assess the Situation
The first instinct when finding yourself in an unfamiliar or dangerous situation like this is to panic, but it's crucial to stay calm. Attempting to assess the situation and understand what's happening is your best course of action.
Communicate with the Tow Truck Driver
Promptly communicate your situation to the tow truck driver in a polite and clear manner. Make sure to inform them that you are still inside the vehicle. It's important to remain assertive but not confrontation-prone; staying composed will help in resolving the situation more smoothly.
Know Your Rights
Understand the laws and regulations regarding towing vehicles in your area. In many jurisdictions, it is illegal for a tow truck to move a vehicle with an occupant inside without explicit permission. If you feel unsafe or uncomfortable, feel free to express your concerns to the driver or the local authorities.
Exit Safely (if Appropriate)
If the driver allows it and it is safe to do so, exit the vehicle safely. However, prioritize your safety above all else. If exiting poses a risk, stay put and communicate your concerns to the driver or authorities.
Document the Incident
Take detailed notes on the time, location, and circumstances of the event. If possible, take photographs or videos to document the experience. This can be helpful for legal or insurance purposes later.
Contact Authorities if Necessary
Should the driver refuse to halt or you feel threatened, immediately call local law enforcement for assistance. Providing clear and specific details about the incident can expedite the resolution and protect your rights.
Follow Up
After the incident, consider contacting your local towing authority or consumer protection agency to report the situation and seek guidance on any necessary actions. This step could help prevent similar incidents in the future and provide recourse for any legal or financial issues that may arise.
Legitimate Towing Procedures
For tow truck companies, once they have connected and determined it's a legitimate tow for impoundment, the tow truck operator should call the non-emergency police number to document the incident. This creates a paper trail and ensures that the situation is addressed appropriately.
The truck operator should inform the car owner that upon the arrival of the police, they will be taken out of the car, and the tow will proceed as planned, with additional wait time billed at $100 per hour. The truck operator has the right to wait and bill accordingly unless specifically ordered by the police to release the car.
It is worth noting that some drivers may challenge these protocols. For instance, one incident involved a driver who refused to leave the car, leading to a window being smashed by a police officer. The driver was subsequently arrested for "not following lawful orders." This underscores the importance of cooperation and adherence to the necessary procedures for safety and legal compliance.
To ensure safety, the driver of the tow truck is required to exit the vehicle, check the car, and place it in a neutral position to ensure safe loading. For the owner's safety, the tow truck operator may request that you accompany them in the cab of the tow truck.
Conclusion
Dealing with a tow truck with you inside it can be a stressful experience, but by following a clear course of action and prioritizing your safety, you can navigate the situation effectively.