Towing Issues: Stolen vehicle impound snohomish county, single mom, mid city

Question
My car (1989 honda civic) pd 800.00 was stolen on 01/18/08 in marysville wa.  The next day (19th) the cr was found in a ditch under water with door ripped off, windows kicked out- police said undrivable- (i never spoke with police) they contqacted my boyfriend (I am registered owner) they had Mid City Towing impound the vehicle. with out speaking to me and asking what i wanted done with car- I have a friend with a tow truck who could of picked it up. I called the two truck company and asked if i could have my friend come pick up the car- they said it would cost me 320.00. Being poor and a single mom at 18 with little income i told them i did not have any money, could they please gtrant me mercy- they said no and that they would sell car at auction to cover fees..Now 6 weeks later i have a collections agancy after me- hounding me for 1352.00 for Mid City Towing- I am appaled and depressed that as a victim of a crime i am now being made to pay for it.  They received 250.00 for the car at auction and will not give me break- Do i have any recourse?

Answer
Sorry for the delay, it has been real busy at work lately..


First of all, sorry to hear your vehicle was stolen... Not a good feeling.. Now the fact it was found in a ditch underwater then it would not of been worth much or been practical (if the inside got wet or was underwater) to have back..

Now as to the fees, that sounds about right for what I know of the area rates...

As to selling the vehicle, that is dictated by the state laws  RCW's which deal with how they notify the owners and such...
Were you the registered owner and is your address correct ?
Did you get a "certified letter" ?
Did you get a letter telling you the vehicle was towed?

Unfortunately, the same RCW's also allow for your drivers license to be suspended when towing fees are not paid

All of those are required when dealing with vehicles and they would of told you what you can do and your options.


Now I understand the feelings of how you are a victim TWICE, and unfortunately that happens... I know I can rant about all sorts of things, but generally insurance covers this kind of things, but again the levels of coverage are ones which you chose. I understand the single mom issue and how money is tight.. But there is not much more I can suggest