Your car just got towed after a crash, and now you’re standing on the side of the road in Lancaster with nothing but your phone and the clothes on your back. Your wallet, kid’s car seat, medication, and work laptop are all inside a car sitting in some tow yard you’ve never heard of.
After the pain and confusion of the accident, the last thing you need is a fight just to get your own things back. You’re probably wondering: can I get my belongings from my towed car?
The good news is that you can, and it won’t cost you anything beyond a bit of inconvenience. The Law Offices of Steers & Associates helps car accident victims in Lancaster understand what they’re owed, starting with the stuff they left behind in their car.
How Can I Get My Belongings from My Towed Car?
You don’t have to pay a dime to get your personal items from a towed car. Under California law, you have the right to retrieve your belongings before you pay any towing, recovery, or storage fees.
Some tow yards try to hold your belongings hostage until you pay. This is illegal. The tow yard cannot legally make you wait, and you don’t have to accept it if they ask you to.
Getting your things back is usually straightforward if you know what to bring and what your rights are. Here’s what you need to do:
- Find out where your car is. The police report, the officer at the scene, or the towing company listed on your paperwork can tell you which yard your vehicle is at (Lancaster has several tow yards, so this step can save you from wasting time calling the wrong one).
- Go during normal business hours. Yards must release personal property Monday through Friday, 8 AM to 5 PM, except on state holidays.
- Bring photo identification. Most yards want proof that you are the owner or an authorized driver before letting you inside.
- Ask for the yard’s Towing and Storage Fees and Access Notice. You can get a copy of this notice, which lays out exactly what the yard can and cannot charge you for.
- Do not agree to pay to get inside. If a clerk tells you that you have to pay first, politely point out that state law says otherwise.
Following these steps in order gives you the best chance of walking out with your belongings the same day, without paying a fee you don’t actually owe.
What Counts as Personal Property in a Towed Vehicle?
Personal property means anything you own that is not a permanent part of the car itself. This typically includes things like:
- Wallets, purses, phones, and chargers;
- Car seats, strollers, and diaper bags;
- Medication, glasses, or medical equipment;
- Work laptops, tools, or briefcases; and
- Loose clothing, gym bags, or groceries.
Items attached to or part of the vehicle, such as a dashboard stereo system, may be considered part of the car rather than personal property.
If you’re not sure whether something counts, ask the yard directly and write down anything they refuse to hand over. Your lawyer can look into that for you when they start work on your case.
Tow Yard Won’t Cooperate? You May Need a Lancaster Car Accident Lawyer
Some tow yards ignore the law, hoping most people won’t push back. If a Lancaster yard refuses to let you get your belongings from your towed car without payment, you can report it to local police or the California Department of Motor Vehicles.
If need be, a Lancaster injury lawyer from our firm can put the tow yard on notice that its conduct is illegal. We can also help you document what happened in case it becomes relevant to your larger accident claim.
What Should You Do If You Suffered Accident Injuries?
Getting your belongings from your towed car is one of many worries that may go through your mind if you’re injured in an accident. How are you going to pay for the medical bills? When can you return to work and start earning money again? How are you going to get the family from A to B?
One of our experienced Lancaster car accident lawyers can handle all of this. We help you recover your property from the tow yard, and we build your injury claim against the driver who caused the crash.
You shouldn’t have to handle all the paperwork, calls from insurance companies, and negotiations while you’re nursing injuries. We look after all that, as well as any problems with your property at the tow yard.
FAQs
I Think I’ve Been Scammed by a Tow Yard. What Should I Do?
Tell your Lancaster car accident lawyer what happened. You can report it to local police and the California Department of Insurance, especially if a tow truck showed up uninvited right after your crash. A growing number of towing scams have been reported across Southern California.
Does It Matter Whether the Police or a Private Company Towed My Car?
No. The laws apply to any storage facility that charges towing or storage fees, regardless of who ordered the tow. Either way, you have the right to retrieve your personal belongings at no charge before paying any fees.
Can a Tow Yard Charge Me to Inspect My Car?
No. Under state law, you can inspect your vehicle without paying a fee, separate from your right to retrieve personal belongings. If your insurance company wants to inspect the car, too, they can also do that at no charge during normal business hours.
Do I Have to Pay a Storage Fee If I Get My Car Back Quickly?
Yes, you’ll still usually owe ordinary towing and storage charges even if you pick up your car fast. If you collect your car within the first 72 hours, you can avoid a separate lien fee for any unpaid storage costs. After that window closes, you may have to pay the lien fee as well as your regular towing and storage bill.
Get Help with Your Belongings and Accident Injuries in Lancaster
You already have enough to deal with after a car accident in Lancaster. Elena Steers and Allen Vaysberg bring more than 40 years of combined experience representing injured clients across Los Angeles County, from settlement negotiations to trial. Let us help you get your belongings back and fight for the compensation you deserve. Contact us for a free consultation.
