Q: Towed in a mall parking lot shorter than 1 hour. Can I get my money back?
Location: Los Angeles, CA
I parked in a parking lot of a pocket mall at 9:20 AM. They had a sign saying that unauthorized vehicles will be towed, but nothing about being a customer. I came back at 10:30 to get my vehicle but it was towed. Security guard said that it was towed because I wasn't a customer. I went to get my car back, paid $215, and got documents from the towing company. In the document, it says that they saw my car at 9:35 and towed it at 10:35. But, I was there at 10:30, and called towing company at 10:33 and messaged my wife at 10:35 complaining about the tow. Security guard said that they towed my car 15-20 minutes ago when I asked him at 10:30 (so it must be between 10:10 - 10:15, before 1 hour mark). I read that they had to wait for an hour before towing a car in CA, but I dont think they waited an hour. I went back to ask for video evidence but the security guard said he doesnt know who has the video evidence and he cannot provide me with an evidence.
A: I'm sorry that happened. Was the spot for customer parking only and you weren't a customer? Don't answer here, but you could file in small claims to try to recover what you lost. [I litigate cases. Anything posted here must not be construed as legal advice, nor as grounds for forming an attorney-client relationship. You should seek an attorney for formal legal advice and representation.]
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