My mom's car was towed today in Pasaic, NJ from McDonald's parking lot. She did leave the car there for about an hour in the customer only parking lot. When she went to get the car right afterward, the unprofessional looking men told her to pay $350 fee for towing (it was walking distance from McDonald's), and $35 per day of storage. They said CASH ONLY, and refused to take check or charge. They also did not give her any type of invoice.
Where should be turn about this? Noone can be expected to have $350 on them. I would like to know the maximum fees in state of New Jersey for such services, the related legislation (esp. regarding the fact that they only take cash), and the place/agency my mom can contact. I know that IRS would not be happy about this...
Tomorrow is Sunday, where can we call/go? We really do not want to pay $35 a day.
2007-10-13 18:34:37 · 6 answers · asked by babigrl22 4 in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
I know my mom should not have parked there!
f you can't help me out - don't reply!
I will really apreciate any help and you'll get 10. Thank you!
2007-10-13 18:36:03 · update #1
Ok ,First did McDs call them ?Most tow s are 65.00,No invoice is against the law,the have to have documented proof for their own tax records ,and for it to be legal ,ie time date ,plate # type of car ,where it was towed from and who called.I dont wont to be the earer of bad ,but it might wind up a civil case.Report to the BBB,first ,call the police too.
2007-10-13 18:44:46 · answer #1 · answered by mark H 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I was a driver for a while and yes, we did accept cash to drop the car right there. If you were given a receipt than all is legit. As for who comes up with the pricing. As with most other industries it's based on what the market will bear. most companies charge close to the same rate. I say you got off cheap. When I towed back in the early Nineties it was $125 & 2 Meaning $125.00 just to pick it up and $2.00 a mile, not including a minimum of $25.00 for storage for any portion of a 24 hour period.
2016-03-12 21:32:46 · answer #2 · answered by Barbara 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If it was a McDonald's parking lot it is not like being towed by the city. Any complaint should be directed at McDonald's. They probably have a parking problem and have an agreement with the towing company. The unfairness of it all is not a legal issue, its a commercial issue. I suspect your only recourse is with a lawyer, none will likely take your case. You might try picketing McDonald's if they won't give you satisfaction.
2007-10-13 18:42:22 · answer #3 · answered by paul 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
$350 seems like an awful lot for a towing fee. Contact the city of Pasiac to see if they have any ordinances that covers towing companies before she pays the $350.
2007-10-13 18:59:03 · answer #4 · answered by Ti 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Check out this site
http://www.state.nj.us/lps/ca/fstone/towing.html
Tow companies are notorious for doing this. What they try to do is keep your car as long as possible and charge you the daily fee. You do have to pay the tow fee regardless of how far it was towed and sometimes they charge you more for miles. Sorry.
2007-10-13 18:45:14 · answer #5 · answered by noee54 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
You seem like a nice girl and you know what they about nice people they swallow and mean people @#$% so you and your mom be NICE and I am sure you get your car back!
2007-10-14 00:46:48 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋