--damages--

What You Can win In Court

Some Definitions

  • Statutory

  • Code

  • Lien

  • Damages

Statutory Damages

  • "Statutory" simply means "as specifically stated by the statute"
    • "Statute" is simply another word for "law"
    • There are a multitude of laws in California that specifically define an amount of compensation a person is entitle to be awarded in court when a tow truck driver or company fails to precisely follow the law
    • Specific statutory dollar amounts for breaking the law is actually relatively unusual. It is not the norm in California.
    • The impressive number and variety of statutory money damages available to victims of improper towing is testament to both the government's awareness of the vulnerability of victims to tow thugs as well and ...to victims who are seeking justice.
    • We look at all of the statutory damages that can be recovered in court in great detail in our sections addressing Vehicle Code 22658 and towing from private property, Vehicle Code 22651 and being towed by the Police or City/County Parking Enforcement from (mostly) Public Roads, and our sections addressing Lien Sales and Lien Laws.

An Example of a statutory damage you can win in court can be found in California Vehicle Code Section 22658..., which states the following:

 = 2x, 3x, or 4x fees charged by tow thug

Conversion (Theft) Damages

Can include compensation for your vehicle and the property inside of your vehicle.

  • Value of your vehicle at time of tow
  • Plus value of your personal property inside your vehicle
  • You can be awarded these damages even if you got your vehicle back quickly and in perfect condition

Cost of Damage to Your Vehicle


Forfeited Lien Damages

  • 1x fees charged by Tow Thug

Attorney Fees

  • Up to $1,750

Other Court Costs


Other Compensation?

  • Insurance

  • Settlements

  • Other damages that the court can award