Q: I liable to pay the towing storage fee for my stolen vehicle if I was not notified for over 30 days
My vehicle was stolen and it was impounded and I was not notified for months and when I went to get my vehicle I had to pay the entire fee for the entire time that it had been there can they do that
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A:
To address this question, I'll need to provide some general information about towing and storage fees for recovered stolen vehicles.
Generally speaking, the situation you're describing raises some important legal questions:
1. Notification requirements: Many jurisdictions require law enforcement and towing companies to make reasonable efforts to notify vehicle owners promptly when a stolen vehicle is recovered and impounded. The specific timeframe and method of notification can vary.
2. Liability for fees: In some cases, vehicle owners may not be liable for towing and storage fees if proper notification procedures weren't followed. However, this can depend on local laws and the specific circumstances.
3. Reasonableness of fees: Even if some fees are allowed, there may be limits on how much can be charged, especially if there were significant delays in notification.
Given the specifics of your situation:
1. The long delay in notification (over 30 days, even months) seems potentially problematic. This could be a violation of notification requirements, depending on local laws.
2. Being charged for the entire time the vehicle was in storage, despite the lack of timely notification, may not be reasonable or legal in some jurisdictions.
To address this situation, you might consider:
1. Reviewing local laws or consulting with a local attorney specializing in vehicle law or consumer protection.
2. Contacting the police department that handled your stolen vehicle case to inquire about their notification procedures.
3. Reaching out to local consumer protection agencies or the attorney general's office for guidance.
4. If the fees seem unreasonable or illegal, you might consider disputing them with the towing company or potentially pursuing legal action.
Remember, the specific laws and your rights can vary significantly depending on your exact location and the details of your case. It's always best to consult with a local legal professional for personalized advice.
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