Legal Question in Civil Litigation in California

What are my rights concerning my car being damaged in a tow company's city impound yard..My car which is registered in Arizona which I am a resident of,was towed and impounded by Hesperia CA. sheriff department for my car not being registered for over a year. I had a 30day General Use Temporary Permit from Arizona which is good for everywhere.The deputy towed my car because his computer didnt show him record of Temp. Permit,even tho I showed him the permit which was in the rear window. I tried to contest the towing,which the law gave me the right to do, with no luck. The problem of more importance right now is some how my car was BURNT to the ground in the tow companys city impound yard, the tow company put a lien on my car before it had it for less than a week and before it sent me a bill.which I think it is ILLEGAL.So I dont know if it was the tow company or the sheriff's for making formal complaints with Internal affairs and wrote and asked for help from my Arizona and California Senators, Representatives and Attorney Generals


Asked on 1/18/13, 2:35 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Terry A. Nelson Nelson & Lawless

Your 'rights' are to make a claim for damages, and if you can prove the tow yard willfully or negligently damaged or allowed damage to your vehicle in their care, you might be able to recover in a lawsuit for the book value of the vehicle. Burning down might seem to imply it was their fault, BUT not necessarily. It will likely require testimony of a hired expert after properly examining the vehicle to determine it wasn't a fault 'of the car' that caused this, like an electrical short or leaking gas tank, etc. You'll probably spend more than the car is worth pursuing this, with no guarantee of success. You should file a claim with your insurance company if you had coverage.

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Answered on 1/18/13, 3:00 pm


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