Towing Issues: Damage by towing?, tow driver, tow companies

Question
Hi,

I was writing for your advice. I had my car towed about 2 weeks ago due to a timing belt failure. It was put on a flatbed truck and to the mechanic. Everything was fine. 2 days ago, while driving I heard a loud pop and it felt like my wheels were no longer aligned then another bang and the sound of metal rubbing on concrete. I stopped the car immediately and took a look underneath the car and saw that there was a metal bar hanging from between the left rear tire and the middle of the car. It looks like something broke. I brought the car to the mechanic who said that it is an uncommon part to break, but he replaced the part. According to the receipt it looks like they replaced the rear rh. arm. He said that it could have been caused by the previous towing. I went to my regular mechanic who agreed. I have the bent part too. My question is if this was truly caused by the car being lifted onto the flatbed truck and if I would have to contact the company responsible for the tow or my insurance company. My main regret is that I didn't take pictures of the underside of the car when it happened. I just have a picture that shows that my tire was bent. (I thought the axle broke) The tow was arranged by AAA. Thank you for your time. I really appreciate it.

Answer
Jean,

I can only imagine that this is a small commuter type vehicle. The only way i could see that type of damage being done, is if the tow driver hooked to the wrong place and tightened the chains really really tight. This is a possible scenario.

I would definitely call AAA and let them know about the situation and get contact info for who you talk to. Then I would talk to the tow companies manager, asking them to discuss with the driver where he hooked to the car. If he did not do the damage then he should have noted this as previous damage on his invoice.

Hope this helps

Donald
Beaverton Towing
503-644-3533