Towing Issues: chp towed car after found wrecked and abandoned, storage fees, tow company

Question
someone I know recently lost control on a winding road and hit an embankment and totalled their car.  Apparently the CHP came and had it towed to their impound yard.  No other cars were involved and no property damage done just the totalled car.  Are they responsible for the tow charges and storage fees?  Is it possible to sign the car over to the impound yard?  Cant afford to get fixed, only had liability insurance.

Answer
CHP is not responsible for the towing and storage. The vehicle owner is responsible regardless if they have liability insurance or full coverage.

I would have your friend contact the tow company and make arrangements to resolve and pay the fees, as the state laws also allow them to sell the vehicle and charge the vehicle owner for any towing and storage fees not covered in the sale price.  
The tow company also has the legal rights to turn it over to a collection agency and we all know how that works.

And if I am not mistaken, California can suspend the vehicle owners drivers license for non payment of towing and storage fees on police ordered tows.  That was a proposed change in the laws recently and I am not sure if it passed or not.