Towing Issues: Towing issues, tow company, tow companies

Question
My daughter was in a car accident last week in Jacksonville, FL and was being taken to the emergency room when I arrived at the scene of the accident.  I asked the officer if I should make towing arrangements and he told me he would take care of it and use the tow company they use. The tow and storage is almost $400 which I don't have, the tow company told my daughter if it was not paid her driver license would be suspended.  Can this be true?

Answer
Yes it is true. Florida law allows for the drivers license to be suspended for unpaid towing bills from police ordered tows. (not able to find the Florida law right now)

Now as to why you could not use your tow company of choice, there are possibly several reasons.

First of all, the police want the roadway clear as soon as possible to prevent further possible wrecks and problems.

Second, tow companies under contract with the police departments are generally required to respond within 20 to 30 minutes..

If your tow company of choice was to far away, then the "owners request" would generally not be allowed for safety reasons. Remember that the officer has to stay in the traffic lanes till the vehicle is removed and they really do not want to be hit or injured waiting any longer than possible.

Hope this helps