Towing Issues: towing, california dmv, dmv ca

Question
car was stolen filed police report car recovered and towed no one contacted me found out by accident. Went to police when I found out 3 weeks after the fact, they are saying I have to pay all fees to them and tow company. Isn't there vehicle codes in the state of california that state the police have to notify with in 24 hours and tow company with in 48? Police pulled the car over with the person who stoled it in it. It was not left on the side of the road. Can't afford to pay fees to release vehicle. Any Ideas or vehicle codes you know of that can help? Thanks

Answer
Well there are about 30 vehicle codes which might apply just under the heading of stolen vehicle in the California DMV vehicle codes.  Check it out and you can do the research as you have all the answers as to which would apply better than my guessing here.

http://www.dmv.ca.gov/pubs/vctop/vc/vc_index_s.htm


As to the fees and such, I am guessing that you do not have insurance for theft on your vehicle and as a result you are liable for them. Sorry to say it but also in California you are responsible for the towing and storage fees as the vehicle owner and if they are not paid and the vehicle is not picked up in a certain amount of time you can lose the vehicle and even have your drivers license suspended. I know I am not helping here but that is the law also.


Now there might be help though a victims assistance program, but I am not sure. Also you do have the legal rights to sue the person who was driving the vehicle when it was stopped for all the fees involved. Most likely that would involve small claims court but not totally sure on that answer, and of course both of them take time.

Talk to the victims assistance programs and see what they suggest and talk to the tow company and see what you can work out with them.  Yes I know that by paying the towing fee you are made a victim twice, but unfortunately tow companies are private businesses and can not work for free.

Also talk to your insurance company even if you do not have the full coverage, as they might have something to help or point you in the right direction for answers or help.