Towing Issues: Procedure to retrieve personal belongings, personal belongings, salvage value

Question
I was in an accident and had my truck towed by an FHP contracted wrecker service.  After being released from the hospital, I took the title to the wrecker service so I could retrieve important belongings - prescriptions, keys, wallet, insurance information, important documents.  I was told that to retrieve ANY belongings not only would I have to sign a piece of paper saying I would abandon the car to them, but I would ALSO have to pay the tow charges in cash.  Being desperate, I did so.  I had a head injury and felt terrible and just wanted to get my belongings and go home.  This company refused to give me a bill nor a receipt.  They said,"we don't give invoices or receipts."  I was told I got screwed by other tow companies, but I didn't have the ability to fight with them then.  They later said I never paid and that I was the one that wanted to abandon the car (as if I wouldn't want the money for the salvage value) and put a lien on my DMV record.  DO you know where I can view the law regarding the wrecker company allowing the owner of the vehicle, upon proof of ownership, to retrieve their important personal belongings - esp. prescriptions, wallets, medicare card, etc.  I believe this company took great advantage of me.  They later made me pay AGAIN to have the lien they had illegally placed on me because I didn't have a receipt from them.  THEY REFUSED ON MORE THAN ONE OCCATION TO GIVE A RECEIPT!


I greatly appreciate any help you can provide

Answer
Hi Donna, Sorry to hear about the problems you have had with the tow company. The tow company should allow the registered owner of the vehicle to retrieve personal items that you described whether they receive payment or not. As for the paying the charges that have incurred, service was rendered and payment is expected. Signing a vehicle disposing or promissory contract is not unusual when releasing personal items on nonpayment. Could you have paid just for the accident and not storage? The tow company will charge a daily storage charge if the vehicle is in their possession and you didn't give them any direction to dispose or tow the vehicle elsewhere. As for paying cash only, most states also require towing companies to accept most major credit cards as a payment method. Some terms and conditions do apply for customer and towing company to accept credit cards. We can go into that later if needed. The tow company not giving a receipt? Every professional towing company gives receipts upon payment, the tow company as well as the state police will have a record of your accident. Contact the state police area office for information or research the Florida State Statutes, which will take some time! http://www.leg.state.fl.us/Statutes/index.cfm?Mode=View%20Statutes&Submenu=1&Tab... The only reason I can think of why the towing company did a lien is they didn't get paid for the service and got stuck with the vehicle. For the tow company to properly and legally dispose of the vehicle is by a lien and auction process. I know it's not exactly what you wanted to hear but free to ask more questions if needed