Legal Question in Traffic Law in Ohio

Two weeks ago my girlfriend was involved in what the police are calling a "hit and skip" with my car. (We share this vehicle) She was parallel parked in tight spot and was maneuvering out of the spot and bumped the car behind her. She got out of the car checked for other vehicle for damage. She did not find any damage, left the scene and forgot about the incident.

Yesterday, I go out to run errands, and my car is gone. Thinking my was stolen, I called the police to report a stolen car but they explain that my car was towed. They direct me to investigative services, where I eventually find out that they impounded my car because it was evidence in the incident. They did not contact me by phone, mail, or with a visit. The detective explained that he came by my apartment complex the day of the towing (while I was at work) knocked on the door (no answer, obviously) and then took it. The detective did not know any information on the "damage" of the other vehicle and also told me that he saw no damage on my vehicle.

He told me where my vehicle could be picked up and that my girlfriend needed to pick up a citation. We tried to find a ride to the station that evening, but the best we could do was get a ride the following evening. (The detective himself as well as other detectives in the department told us he would be in that following evening.) The next morning we first attempted to go to get the car out of impound, but we are unable because of it had not been released. (This was never mentioned by the detective.) We waited until evening to contact the detective, only to find out he actually was not coming in. They then told me he was coming in tomorrow evening. This means two more days in impound, for the impound lot is closed on Sunday. We were ready and willing to have this situation cleared up as soon as possible, but now it is costing additional money, time without transportation and hardship.

Does all of this seem alright? Are we just out of luck?


Asked on 6/25/10, 10:15 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Neil Rubin Neil S. Rubin, Attorney at Law, LLC

This message is not meant to: 1) contain my signature; 2) contain legal advice; 3) create an attorney/client relationship; or 4) guarantee confidentiality.

No, it does seem alright. But yes, you are just out of luck. There is nothing I see in the facts that rises to the level of violating your girlfriend's civil rights. Perhaps you can again talk to the detective and see if he can get the car out of impound without all the extra fees.

I am sorry I could not be more encouraging.

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Answered on 6/27/10, 7:34 am


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