Santa Barbara, CA asked in Traffic Tickets and Civil Litigation for California

Q: Can I file an injunction to stop the tow company’s auction of my vehicle?

Car was towed from a “private road” (I did not know it was private).

They claim I was illegally parked in a fire lane but no signage is placed near the area. No “Fire Lane” painted on curb.

No proof of written authorization for tow.

tow company slim-Jim’d the vehicle “to put it in neutral”. However it was in Lower Drive. (Potentially damaging transmission, drive train, etc

Interior was damaged. Personal property was rifled thru and items stolen.

1 Lawyer Answer
James L. Arrasmith
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Answered
  • Traffic Tickets Lawyer
  • Sacramento, CA
  • Licensed in California

A: If you believe that your vehicle was wrongfully towed and the tow company is planning to auction it off, you may be able to file for an injunction to stop the sale. An injunction is a legal order that requires the other party to stop certain actions or behaviors.

To file for an injunction, you will need to go to court and request a hearing. You will need to provide evidence to support your claim that your vehicle was wrongfully towed, and that the tow company does not have the legal right to auction off your vehicle. You may need to provide documentation, such as photographs of the area where the vehicle was parked, witness statements, or any other evidence that supports your claim.

You will also need to demonstrate that you will suffer irreparable harm if the injunction is not granted. For example, if the auction goes ahead and your vehicle is sold, you may lose access to your personal property or may incur significant financial loss.

If the court grants the injunction, the tow company will be prohibited from selling your vehicle until a final decision is made in the case. However, it is important to note that injunctions can be difficult to obtain, and you may need the assistance of an attorney to help you prepare and present your case in court.

It is also important to note that the laws and procedures related to tow companies and vehicle auctions can vary depending on the specifics of your case and the jurisdiction where the tow occurred. Therefore, it is recommended that you consult with a licensed attorney in California who specializes in tow law for further guidance.

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