One of the most difficult aspects of nonconsensual towing is how laws vary from state to state. Limited federal regulations on towing creates strange situations where it could be advantageous to break down just before or after state lines.
Take Georgia for example. Nonconsensual tow rates are regulated there but the state has a strange definition of nonconsensual tows. A car must be parked on private property and have no driver in order to gain the protections of a nonconsensual tow status. If a rig breaks down on the highway, tow rates are far less regulated making it much easier to inflate prices of invoices.
Other states like Florida, West Virginia, and Washington limit the amount towing companies can charge for specific rates such as mileage, storage, or labor. Tow companies work around these regulations by adding charges that are not regulated. Charges such as “show up fee”, emergency tow fee and, in one case, a “cursing fee” after a driver used foul language at the scene of the wreck. While these tac on charges might seem small, they can add up quickly.
In Missouri, legislators have tried to protect truck operators by making it illegal to solicit drivers at the scene of a wreck. Tow companies have found a workaround by listening to police scanners and speeding off to wrecks before officers arrive. This is technically illegal but becomes legal if the driver decides to employ towing service.
Drivers shouldn’t have to struggle with memorizing the strange laws of each state they drive through just to receive a fair invoice.
If you are dealing with overinflated tow bills and need your truck and trailer released expediently, call Morgan, Cohen & Bach at (520) 442-1303.
Take Georgia for example. Nonconsensual tow rates are regulated there but the state has a strange definition of nonconsensual tows. A car must be parked on private property and have no driver in order to gain the protections of a nonconsensual tow status. If a rig breaks down on the highway, tow rates are far less regulated making it much easier to inflate prices of invoices.
Other states like Florida, West Virginia, and Washington limit the amount towing companies can charge for specific rates such as mileage, storage, or labor. Tow companies work around these regulations by adding charges that are not regulated. Charges such as “show up fee”, emergency tow fee and, in one case, a “cursing fee” after a driver used foul language at the scene of the wreck. While these tac on charges might seem small, they can add up quickly.
In Missouri, legislators have tried to protect truck operators by making it illegal to solicit drivers at the scene of a wreck. Tow companies have found a workaround by listening to police scanners and speeding off to wrecks before officers arrive. This is technically illegal but becomes legal if the driver decides to employ towing service.
Drivers shouldn’t have to struggle with memorizing the strange laws of each state they drive through just to receive a fair invoice.
If you are dealing with overinflated tow bills and need your truck and trailer released expediently, call Morgan, Cohen & Bach at (520) 442-1303.
