Q: I recently got my car stuck in flood waters yet the cops still towed it to the impound should I have to pay to get out

A: You will have to pay to get it out and you should also be mindful that there may storage cost involved so I would do this sooner than later. The logic behind it is it was a safety hazard and had to be removed for public safety and you are the owner and are responsible for securing the vehicle.

A: In South Carolina, if your car is towed to an impound lot, regardless of the circumstances, you are generally responsible for the costs associated with towing and storage. This applies even if your car was stuck in flood waters. The decision to tow is often made for safety reasons or to clear the roadway, and the associated costs are typically the responsibility of the vehicle owner.

However, you might have some options to consider. First, check with your auto insurance provider to see if your policy covers towing and impound fees under these circumstances. Some insurance policies include coverage for non-collision-related towing.

If you believe the towing was unnecessary or handled improperly, you could raise this issue with the local police department or the towing company. It's important to do this promptly and to keep records of all communications.

Remember, impound fees often increase the longer the car is stored, so it's advisable to address this situation as quickly as possible to minimize costs. If paying the fees is a challenge, you might want to discuss a payment plan with the impound lot.

If you're facing significant challenges or believe your rights have been violated in this process, consider consulting with a lawyer. They can provide specific advice based on the details of your situation and help you understand your legal options.