After a stressful crash, few things are more frustrating than discovering yourcar was towed after an accident without permission. Many Los Angeles drivers find their vehicles suddenly impounded—sometimes without explanation or clear legal grounds. Understanding your rights and thelegal steps to challenge a police towing can help you recover your car faster and avoid unnecessary fees.
AtLA Injury Lawyers,our car accident lawyers help clients navigate this exact situation every week. Here’s how to protect yourself, challenge an improper tow, and ensure your rights are respected under California law.
Why Your Car Might Be Towed After a Car Accident
When an accident happens in Los Angeles, police often arrange towing for safety or investigation purposes. However, not all towing is justified. Common reasons forcar accident towing include:
- Your vehicle is blocking traffic or poses a safety risk.
- Law enforcement needs it for evidence in an investigation.
- The car is considered abandoned.
- You’re unable to move the car yourself due to injuries or lack of a tow request.
However, if thecar was towed after an accident without permission and did not meet these criteria, you have the right to dispute the tow and seek reimbursement for costs.
Step 1: Confirm Who Ordered the Tow
Your first step is identifying who authorized the tow. In Los Angeles, a vehicle may be towed by:
- Law enforcement, for traffic safety or investigation purposes
- Private property owners, if the vehicle is on their land
- Towing companies, contracted by the city or the LAPD
Call theLos Angeles Official Police Garage (OPG) program at 1-866-561-9742 to locate your vehicle. If your vehicle was not impounded through OPG, it may have been towed privately—often without legal justification.
Step 2: Request a Tow Hearing
UnderCalifornia Vehicle Code §22852, you have the right to a post-storage hearing within10 days of receiving notice.
At this hearing, you can argue that:
- Thecar accident towing was unnecessary.
- The tow violated your rights (e.g., no proper notice or consent).
- Your car was moved from a safe location without justification.
If successful, you can recover your car and may not be liable for storage or towing fees.
Step 3: Gather Evidence to Support Your Case
Documentation is key when you challenge a police tow. Collect the following:
- Photos of the accident scene showing your car’s position.
- Police reports (request from LAPD Records & Identification Division).
- Witness statements from anyone who saw the tow.
- Tow receipts or invoices, especially if they include excessive or duplicate charges.
An experienced attorney can use this evidence to prove the tow was unlawful and negotiate with the towing agency or insurance companies.
Step 4: File a Claim for Damages or Fee Reimbursement
If your vehicle was wrongfully towed or damaged during the process, you may be eligible to file a claim for:
- Towing and storage fees
- Vehicle damage repair
- Lost wages (if you missed work to resolve the tow)
A car accident lawyer can help you file a civil claim or small claims case, depending on the amount of damages.
Step 5: Protect Your Rights with Legal Representation
Challenging a police tow can be intimidating—especially if you’re recovering from injuries. Working withLA Injury Lawyers gives you access to a team that understands the local towing laws, the LAPD impound system, and California’s Vehicle Code.
Our team hasdecades of combined experience helping Los Angeles accident victims recover compensation and assert their legal rights after unfair or unauthorized tows.
Tip: Never assume the tow was lawful. Many “accident scene” tows in Los Angeles violate police procedures or exceed contract authority.
Common Scenarios of Illegal or Improper Towing
Los Angeles sees thousands of accident tows each year. Some of the most common cases we handle include:
- Cars towed from private lots without visible signage
- Vehicles moved before owners could photograph damage
- Police ordering tows before completing reports
- Towing companies are overcharging beyond City-approved rates
If any of these apply, consult withLA Injury Lawyers immediately to determine whether the tow was lawful.
If yourcar was towed after an accident without permission, don’t let towing fees or impound costs add to your stress. Call us at (818) 418-4000.
Understanding Your Legal Options After a Car Accident Tow
When your car is towed after a crash, you face multiple overlapping issues—insurance, liability, and vehicle recovery. Here’s how they interact:
- Insurance coverage: If the tow was legitimate, your insurance may reimburse fees.
- Police authority: LAPD can order tows under limited conditions; exceeding them can make the tow unlawful.
- Civil rights: Unlawful seizures of property may violate the Fourth Amendment, giving you grounds for a civil claim.
OurLos Angeles car accident lawyers work to ensure these details are properly investigated so you aren’t left paying for a mistake that wasn’t yours.
What Happens If You Don’t Challenge the Tow
Ignoring an unlawful tow can lead to:
- Mounting storage fees (often $60–$120 per day in LA)
- Vehicle auction after 15–30 days
- Credit damage if the bill goes unpaid
Acting quickly protects your finances—and may even help strengthen your overall accident claim. Contact us today!
FAQs: Challenging a Police Tow After a Car Accident
Can the police tow my car without asking me first?
Yes, but only under specific safety or investigative circumstances. If your car wasn’t blocking traffic or needed as evidence, the tow may have been unauthorized.
How long do I have to request a tow hearing?
You must request a post-storage hearing within10 days of receiving notice. Waiting longer can waive your rights.
Who pays for towing and storage if the accident wasn’t my fault?
If another driver caused the crash, their insurance should cover towing and storage fees. An attorney can help you file this claim.
What if the towing company refuses to release my car?
You may need acourt order or attorney intervention to compel release. This often happens when there’s a billing dispute or missing paperwork.
Can I get reimbursed for wrongful towing?
Yes. If the tow violated your rights or police procedure, you may recover fees and additional damages.
Should I hire a lawyer for this?
Absolutely. A car accident lawyer understands how to challenge police reports, request hearings, and negotiate with insurers to protect your rights.