Question I recently made the mistake of parking under an awning in Quatama Crossing Apartments in Beaverton OR. I was unaware that there was any real distinction between resident & visitor parking; plus it was a Saturday night (~9pm) so I figured it would be okay. Anyway, the next morning my truck was gone yada yada yada. My problem is that when I finally reached the Tow Co. on the phone, the exceedingly rude receptionist gave me the wrong address for the location, and said it would be $246 for recovery! That's a lot to begin with, but then she said that it would increase $50 EVERY DAY it was impounded. Okay, that's a lot, but okay.
I had to work in Corvallis that day, and upon returning to Beaverton that evening, my charges were up to $289! It had not even been 12 hours since my original tow. While I do not dispute the fact that I was improperly parked, but the fact that the company "Sergeant's Towing" arbitrarily jacked up my fine during the day seems fishy. Especially since I was told otherwise on the phone. Upon reclaiming my truck, the worker was unable to provide me with a business card, phone number, or management reference. There was also a major language barrier, but he was the only person around, and he was just a driver. Who knows who would have allowed me get my vehicle back if he had not have been towing another car when we arrived; lucky coincidence. Their office was empty, (a desk & a chair) and there were signs for 3 separate tow companies scattered about in the "office." When I asked why my price increased, all he did was point at the clock. I asked again and he just stared at me. I do not think he understood my language. But if he did then he gave no justification, just silence.
This seems like a two-bit operation that is out of control! I was wondering if any laws/statutes could have possibly been circumvented by the tow co. I feel like I just got raped.
AnswerWell, the problem with the different languages is one which happens a lot... I know it is hard to deal with it with the various languages which people speak, and read...
But there is not any requirements to have signs in each language, Oregon does have regulations for towing vehicles from Private property, and so does the City of Beaverton.. (unfortunately I had a computer problem and lost the links to lots of information)
Now as to the yard hours and the fact that the driver was there alone when you showed up, I know that after hours you do have to call and make an appointment to get the vehicle back. That is why you get charged the "afterhours release fee"
Now as to complaining to the company, I know a bit about the company as I worked there back in 1998 or so... Steve Preston is the owner of the company and his office is at the Portland yard on North Vancouver Avenue... They also have a website and you can get lots of information there. There is also a tow complaint form you can fill out and see what they will do..
Steve is a fair person and as long as things do not get out of hand or wild then he will listen to you... But he is also very busy so it might be hard to get ahold of him.
you can also do a search of Oregon Revised Statues 98.810 to like 98.850 (if I remember the correct numbers) and then you will find a few answers there also...
http://www.sergeantstowing.com/
