infinate

Great informative post, your outcome will definitely be considered in my future reference if I come across the same situation.

chogrilla

damn dude you went all johnny cochran on this tow company..i like it

ice_angels7

Hope never to be in the position of using a Tow truck, But if it happen, well, Now I know what to do in case I experienced this same situation. Thanks a lot for this Info.

cereal2k

iTrader: (10)

For real. Very good info!

retrospex

good points here, thanks for the heads up

RedlineAZ

iTrader: (2)

Thanks guys, I appreciate it!!! Glad you guys found the info helpful! I posted it to help you guys out, of course if you can avoid the hassle all together and stop them before the damage starts occurring, DO IT. If its too late or your caught up in the moment and didn't get the chance to stop the them, at least you know what to do to insure your compensated for your damages.

xlack

iTrader: (3)

Sorry newbie question... so tow companies CAN load lowered cars onto a flatbed? I always thought my car would never make it up onto one

Black Betty

iTrader: (60)

Yes. Even slammed car's can be safely loaded by a skilled operator with the right equipment.

xlack

iTrader: (3)

^ cool, good info in this thread. Thanks!

gimpy

iTrader: (1)

Thanks for sharing some solid advise. These days everyone should be able to record incidents like you did. Years ago (in the stone age lol) before we all had cell phones and smart phones it would be their word against yours and you had little to no chance get money from them for repairs. Things sure have changed for the better.

RedlineAZ

iTrader: (2)

Thanks man, yes sir its definitely a shame that people aren't more careful. I know mistakes happen, but at least make they should have made the effort to avoid it from happening. Or use their resources, and last resort say hey, the car is going to scrape, its inevitable, should we tow it or not? At least at that point you can decide if its worth the scrape or not lol.

JSolo

iTrader: (14)

I'd say this, if you get the feeling the operator doesn't know what he's doing, don't let him tow the car. Call his superior and request someone that knows what they're doing. Sure you can document the damage being done, but not having any damage to begin with is better than dealing with it after the fact.

At the least, (this probably applies to the stock car too), they should be using wood blocks to get the car on and off the flat bed.

As for what gets strapped down, I believe there are slots in the undercarriage for their J hooks to engage. As long as the operator doesn't crank down excessively, I would think you'd be ok. However, straps around the wheels is probably safer for the chassis (assuming the the wheels don't get scratched).

Some drivers like to put the car in park/gear (manual). I'm not a big fan of this. I think the car should remain in neutral (both manual and auto). Maybe set the parking brake, but definitely not leave it in gear. Thoughts?

RedlineAZ

iTrader: (2)

I agree with you man! I absolutely think if it can be avoided, avoid it!!! As for keeping it in neutral, I think that is a good idea too. I don't feel comfortable leaving the car in gear/park and having it bounce around. I can just imagine the stress that causes to the transmission!

DjFromVA

Great read! Sticky!!!

Bluesman2008

"but what if there is some note on the receipt releasing them off all damages to the vehicle?"

They can't escape liability for damages caused by them whether that clause is in their contract or not. The courts view them as contracts of adhesion and they're not enforceable. It's a contract of adhesion because you're forced to accept it and it's non-negotiable. It's sort of like giving your car to a valet guy who gives you a receipt saying they're not responsible for damages and he drives your car into a ditch. They're responsible for all damages that they cause regardless of that clause. Why? Because THEY have absolute control over your car. That 35 years of law practice wasn't for nothing, right? LOL.