Towing Issues: Damage during tow, ford contour svt, wheel drive vehicles

Question
Hello.

My car was towed in the city of Chicago, IL.  I own a Ford Contour SVT.  Turns out I parked in a "bogus" parking lot.  The front end of the car was parked close to a brick wall.  So  instead of towing my car with the front wheels, they towed from the rear wheels.  My car is stick-shift, and was in 2nd gear.  My belief is that my car was towed on the front wheels while in gear, causing the engine to red-line, thus blowing my engine.

My car has a dual-exhaust.  The right-hand exhaust pipe was bent out to a 45-degree angle. It will cost $4000 for a new engine; because parts are obsolete.  My car is 10 years old, so the engine will cost more than the worth of the car.

Who and how can I pursue for damages done to my car?  Are there certain towing by-laws that will protect the towing company?

I'm upset that my car was working properly before it was towed; now my engine is blown.

Please advise.

Thanks,

-e-

Answer
Well I have to say that this question makes me wonder about a few things.   First of all most all tow companies have dollies which are used to get the other end of the vehicle off the ground when dealing with nosed in front wheel drive vehicles... Not saying that they were used, but even if they did not use then, most of the time the vehicle is pulled out enough to get to the other end...

Now, tail pipe damage is something that is visible and can be proven the tow company might of done...
I understand your concerns about the engine blown and all that but that part is harder to prove.
Was the vehicle when you got to the tow yard parked in a manner as to show it had not been rehooked, in other words was it still nose into what ever space it was in ?

Did you discuss the issue with the tow company about the damages to the tail pipe and to the engine... Or did you drive it out of there and discover something wrong after you left the yard.

This issue is one where it sounds like a legal action might be needed, but there are lots of answers and actions needed before you decide what to do...
Granted 99 % of towing companies are professionals and do things right and use the right equipment, but unfortunately the other 1% are the bad apples who make all the news (bad that is) cause all the problems, and who are basically in it for the fast money and damned if they care about what they do or damages they cause... It's a sad fact but a very true fact... Since you mentioned Chicago, I know there are some tow companies up there who lie and con people who have been in accidents and overcharge huge amounts of money.

Now, I would discuss the issue with the tow company and see what actions if any they are going to take, but do not be surprised if they blow you off... Lots of them do that in hopes the person will just go away...  Keep on them, and if you really feel that it is going nowhere then you always have the small claims court route...

BUT do keep good documentation and pictures do help.. Have you had a mechanic look at your vehicle. They might be able to help you determine what happened.. Again this is part of the documentation... Got to have a problem, a possible cause and all that...

I hope this helps point you in the right direction.. Good luck and hope it works out.