A New Yorker captured on video a police tow truck crudely towing a vehicle from its parking spot. The driver put a hook onto the driver’s side wheel and put the truck in reverse, pulling the Honda into the street. The U-Haul truck parked behind the Honda sustained minor damage from the Honda being forced into its front bumper. Once it stuck into the road, the driver pulled in front and hooked the wheels to the tow bar.
The rear wheels of the Honda were screeching in protest as it was towed away. That’s because the Honda was in park, preventing the rear wheels from turning freely. Normally, tow truck drivers can place dollies with wheels underneath the rear wheels to prevent damage to the vehicle’s drivetrain, but this driver neglected to use them.
Lord said that according to his vast knowledge of the law, the NYPD could be liable for damage to the Civic’s wheels and drivetrain. “If the NYPD is towing your vehicle, clearly you’ve done something wrong,” said Lord. “But, whenever a third party takes possession of another party’s property, they must make reasonable efforts to make sure that that property is held safely.”
While speaking, the video of the tow truck replayed, showing the Honda’s rear wheels locked and screeching down the road. “What we witnessed was not reasonable, making the NYPD liable for damages not only to the Honda but to the U-Haul as well.”
Viewers of Lord’s video agreed that the NYPD should be liable – but many don’t believe video proof would be enough in court. “Good luck getting them to pay,” one viewer wrote. “You’d have to sue them to get it right.” Lord replied, echoing the viewer’s sentiment. Wrongfully or not, retrieving a towed vehicle can be a hassle. If your vehicle is towed after parking in a “No Parking” zone or other legitimate reason, there are a few steps to take to get it back.
