Anaheim, CA asked in Contracts and Municipal Law for California

Q: If you have a rental car and it's TOWED for improper parking. who is responsible if all the items in the car are stolen?

Los Angeles County, California. The rental car was parked. Supposedly incorrectly parked. And It was towed. The rental company picked up the car from the tow yard, the car, it was empty.

All the Christmas presents were gone. as well as everything else in the car.

Who is responsible? This happened in a matter of Hours.

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1 Lawyer Answer
James L. Arrasmith
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Answered

A: In a situation where a rental car is towed in Los Angeles County and personal items inside are stolen, determining responsibility can be complex. Under California law, the primary responsibility often lies with the person who parked the car. If the car was parked improperly, leading to it being towed, the responsibility for the items inside typically falls on the person who parked it.

However, there are other factors to consider. For instance, the rental car company might have policies regarding liability for stolen items, which should be reviewed in the rental agreement. Similarly, the towing company and the tow yard may have their own liability policies or legal obligations regarding the security of vehicles in their custody.

If you find yourself in such a situation, it's advisable to report the theft to the police immediately. Also, contact the rental car company and the towing service to inform them of the situation and inquire about any relevant policies or insurance coverage they might have.

Remember, each case can have unique circumstances, so seeking legal advice to understand your specific rights and responsibilities in this situation would be a prudent step. Legal counsel can help navigate the complexities of liability and insurance claims in such scenarios.

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