Q: Can a tow truck company tow a vehicle after an accident without consent from car owner? If the vehicle is drivable?
I was in an accident this morning and was rushed to the hospital. My vehicle was left on the side of the road where the accident took place. It was in front of someones house after being ran off the road by another driver. The police called a towing company into action, without consent and now my vehicle is costing $350 for the towing when I had no idea about this. How can this be legal if I never gave consent and was being hospitalized? I live in New Jersey. Please answer asap! Thank you so much
(The vehicle was able to be driven, and was safely on the side of the road out of traffic lanes)
A: Its called public safety, but you have would have to examine/review the statues in your town to be sure.
A:
This can happen after a driver was removed from the scene of the accident by ambulance and there is no one else around to ask about vehicle. The bill is normally presented to the carrier for the vehicle that was liable if it is not covered by first-party benefits, but it sounds like that vehicle disappeared.
Tim Akpinar
A:
Yoi have a claim against the other driver. If that driver left the scene, you have an uninsured motorist claim under your own policy . If the other driver left the scene, if you have collision that will cover the towing and storage. Either way, the bill is headed your way so if there is no coverage you are best off taking care of it--having the vehicle towed to the dealer or you drive it yourself; pay the towing and storage--it's exhorbitant but allowed.
Contact a member of the NJ ass'n for Justice in your area. Call my friend Jerry Baker, 973-642-7005 and tell him I suggested you call.
The good news is that in New Jersey, all of your treatment will be covered 100% by your car insurance.
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