I was hit with $8k bill after my car was ‘wrongfully’ towed – then it got stuck
Sep 27, 2024 at 6:07 PM
Towing Troubles: A Costly Ordeal and the Fight for Justice
In a troubling tale of towing woes, Leticia Graciano found herself embroiled in a costly and frustrating battle after her car was wrongfully towed from her apartment complex in San Antonio, Texas. The aftermath of this incident left her with an $8,000 bill to repair the damage inflicted on her Chevy Trax during the towing process, and a months-long struggle to get her vehicle back on the road.Uncovering the Towing Travesty: A Cautionary Tale
The Wrongful Towing Saga
Graciano's ordeal began in March when her Chevy Trax was towed from her apartment complex, an action she claims was unjustified. Upon retrieving her vehicle, she discovered that the towing process had caused significant damage, including issues with the transmission and front differential assembly. This unexpected discovery led to a repair bill that exceeded $8,000, a financial burden that Graciano was not prepared to bear.Navigating the Towing Complaint Process
Determined to seek justice, Graciano reported the towing company to the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation. However, the identity of the towing company remains unclear, adding an additional layer of complexity to her case. Undeterred, Graciano moved her car to Star Collision Repair, a local shop, to have the necessary repairs carried out.The Elusive Replacement Part
The repair process proved to be a challenge, as the shop encountered difficulties in locating a replacement part for the front differential assembly of Graciano's Chevy Trax. This part, which can cost anywhere from $400 to over $2,000, proved to be a rare and hard-to-find component, leaving Graciano's car stranded at the shop for four long months.Perseverance and Intervention
Frustrated by the prolonged ordeal and the inability to drive her own vehicle, Graciano reached out to the local CBS affiliate, KENS, for assistance. The media outlet's involvement proved to be a game-changer, as they contacted the Chevrolet corporate office, which subsequently helped the repair shop locate the necessary parts. Within three weeks, the car was finally fixed, and Graciano was able to reclaim her Chevy Trax, relieved and grateful for the resolution.Lessons Learned and Advice for Drivers
Graciano's experience serves as a cautionary tale for drivers, highlighting the importance of understanding their rights and the proper procedures to follow when faced with a towing incident. The article provides valuable guidance on the steps to take, including determining the reason for the tow, locating the vehicle, paying the required fees, and, if necessary, contesting the towing action through proper channels.By sharing her story, Graciano hopes to empower other drivers who may find themselves in similar predicaments, encouraging them to be proactive, gather evidence, and seek assistance from the appropriate authorities or legal professionals to ensure a fair and just resolution.