A nonconsensual tow occurs when a tow company is called out by emergency responders following an accident. Insurance companies and drivers of semi or cargo trucks are sometimes targets for dishonest towing companies. If you find yourself in an accident these tips may help you avoid becoming a victim of a nonconsensual tow.
1. Create your own evidence
Take photos, video, or even write down what is happening and who is on scene. It can be hard to remember everything that happens in a stressful situation such as a wreck and its subsequent recovery. By taking your own account of the events, you can avoid any discrepancies when you are contacted by the wrecker yard.
2. Know your local laws
Simply knowing your state and local county laws can have a significant influence on your situation. Knowledge of the situation can help you to know if the tow company is taking advantage of you.
3. Look the company up
While you don’t have control over which wrecker officials call out in this type of situation, you can familiarize yourself with who you will be working with. Most companies have a web page, online reviews, news articles or reports telling you the type of parties you are dealing with. Watch out for other claims of duplicitous acts.
4. Watch for peculiar behavior
A very common technique used by wrecker yards is to withhold the bill for longer than needed so they can add additional charges to the bill, sometimes including outright false additions. Another tactic is to try to hold the equipment, cargo, or trailer hostage and refuse to release them until payment has been made. Although it can be tempting to pay the bill as soon as possible so you may have your possessions released, it is a very big sign of a disingenuous company trying to take your money. Illegitimate acts such as these could be a sign that you may be faced with a nonconsensual tow.
5. Know when to find help
If you see discrepancies, you need your equipment or cargo in a hurry, you don’t have the time or energy to research all the local laws, or something seems off about the tow company, call Morgan, Cohen & Bach. They are the industries leader in negotiating over-inflated towing and recovery bills.
1. Create your own evidence
Take photos, video, or even write down what is happening and who is on scene. It can be hard to remember everything that happens in a stressful situation such as a wreck and its subsequent recovery. By taking your own account of the events, you can avoid any discrepancies when you are contacted by the wrecker yard.
2. Know your local laws
Simply knowing your state and local county laws can have a significant influence on your situation. Knowledge of the situation can help you to know if the tow company is taking advantage of you.
3. Look the company up
While you don’t have control over which wrecker officials call out in this type of situation, you can familiarize yourself with who you will be working with. Most companies have a web page, online reviews, news articles or reports telling you the type of parties you are dealing with. Watch out for other claims of duplicitous acts.
4. Watch for peculiar behavior
A very common technique used by wrecker yards is to withhold the bill for longer than needed so they can add additional charges to the bill, sometimes including outright false additions. Another tactic is to try to hold the equipment, cargo, or trailer hostage and refuse to release them until payment has been made. Although it can be tempting to pay the bill as soon as possible so you may have your possessions released, it is a very big sign of a disingenuous company trying to take your money. Illegitimate acts such as these could be a sign that you may be faced with a nonconsensual tow.
5. Know when to find help
If you see discrepancies, you need your equipment or cargo in a hurry, you don’t have the time or energy to research all the local laws, or something seems off about the tow company, call Morgan, Cohen & Bach. They are the industries leader in negotiating over-inflated towing and recovery bills.
