Vehicle Impoundment Legalities

Summary

To determine if a vehicle tow was illegal in Springfield, Oregon, check local municipal codes and confirm if the tow company followed required procedures, such as taking photos before towing. If the tow was improper, gather evidence like photos and witness statements, and consider filing a complaint with the Oregon Department of Justice Consumer Protection or a small claims court case for reimbursement. Tow companies generally cannot withhold personal belongings without proper cause.

Full Conversation

I believe that my vehicle was inpropearly Impounded, I live in Springfield, Oregon and while driving to the store had an issue where the cops were involved and I went to jail for the night. When I was arrested I was parked in a apartment complexes parking area and had left my boyfriend to take care of my vehicle as I was being detained. My vehicle was parked in a designated parking spot for what had said on the sign future tenants parking. When I got out of jail the next day I went to go to where my boyfriend was supposed to have it but come to find out that my vehicle had been towed. I then called the apartment complex to ask them if they're If they are the ones that had my vehicle towed? The lady in the office whom answered the phone stated, Yes, they are the ones that had my vehicle towed. I then asked what the reasoning was for the vehicle being towed as there was no signs saying that where i was parked was s towaway zone, infact i was dorectly infront of a sign that said for future tenants. She started to say there are signs posted all over when I interrupted her and reminded her that my vehicle was parked in a designated spot for future tenants and the car had not been there for even a * hours. she then stated. Wasn't there police contact right here in front of my office with this? Vehicle, I stated.Yes, and she then said very rudely.And was didn't someone go to jail?As I was trying to explain to her.Yes, and why I went to Jill.She very really hung up on me, I also called the toe company that told my vehicle. And they stated that it would be Over $* to get my vehicle out of In pound I then Ask But I needed to do to be able to just get my personal belongings from the vehicle. The lady that answered at the tow company then stated that to get my personal belongings out. I would have to pay $* on top of signing over my title to my question is? Can the apartment complex manager legally had my toe card like? She didn't given that my car wasn't a designated spot for future tenants. And I believe I fall under these guidelines of being a future tenant and had not been there for more than * hours. Also, so if she did have it improperly impounded. Could I be reimbursed for any lost? Witches due to my vehicle being impounded, and if so, if this was a mid legal impound. How would I go? About getting my vehicle back. Also, can the toe charge me to be able to get my personal belongings out and make me sign over the title to my vehicle?
I'm sorry to hear about your situation. Let's break this down:
*. **Impound Legality:**
- Property owners can tow vehicles if they violate parking rules.
- Check local Springfield, Oregon ordinances for specifics.
*. **Reimbursement for Improper Tow:**
- If towing was improper, you might file a small claims court case.
- Collect evidence (photos, witness statements).
*. **Personal Belongings:**
- Tow companies generally cannot withhold personal belongings.
- Contact the Oregon Department of Justice Consumer Protection.
Would you like to know more about any specific point?
Yes how do i find out if the tow was done illegally? And if it was what would be my next move as i do not have the money to get my vehicle out as i lost my job bo to not having a vehicle. I have witnesses and pictures of where i was parked and the signs that are posted on and around where i had parked. And i belive in Oregon the tow company has to take pictures of the tow before they can take. If the tow was illegal on the apartments part what should i do then.
I'm sorry to hear about your situation. Let's address your concerns step-by-step:
*. **Determine if the Tow was Illegal**:
- Check Springfield, Oregon municipal codes for specific towing regulations.
- Confirm if the tow company took required photos before towing.
- Gather your evidence (photos, witness statements).
*. **Next Steps if Tow was Illegal**:
- File a complaint with the Oregon Department of Justice Consumer Protection.
- Consider filing a small claims court case for reimbursement.
Would you like guidance on contacting local authorities or details on small claims court?
Can you check the Springfield Oregon municipal codes
Certainly! To assist you effectively, I'll need to review the relevant municipal codes for Springfield, Oregon. Could you please specify which aspect of the municipal codes you're interested in, such as regulations on vehicle towing or impoundment? This will help me provide more precise information.
Im interested in both
Thank you for providing details. Let's focus on both aspects: vehicle towing and impoundment regulations in Springfield, Oregon.
Vehicle Towing Regulations
- Property owners can tow vehicles if they violate posted parking rules.
- Towing companies must adhere to state laws, which often include requirements for signage and notice before towing.
Vehicle Impoundment Regulations
- Oregon law typically requires tow companies to take photos before towing.
- Personal belongings generally cannot be withheld without proper cause.
Would you like more detailed information on how to file a complaint or start a small claims court case?
Yes plz
Certainly! Here’s how you can proceed:
Filing a Complaint:
- **Contact the Oregon Department of Justice Consumer Protection**: Explain your situation and provide all evidence.
- **Website**: [Oregon DOJ Consumer Protection](https://www.doj.state.or.us/consumer-protection).
Small Claims Court:
- **File a Small Claims Case**:
- **Gather Evidence**: Photos, witness statements, any documents.
- **Fill Out Forms**: Obtain and complete the necessary forms from the local court.
- **File and Serve**: Submit your forms and serve the apartment complex and tow company.
Would you like more details on how to gather evidence or fill out the forms?
Yes please
Certainly! Here’s how to proceed with gathering evidence and filling out forms for a small claims court case:
Gathering Evidence:
- **Photos**: Take clear pictures of the parking spot, signage, and any relevant notices.
- **Witness Statements**: Collect written statements from anyone who saw the towing or can verify your parking situation.
- **Documents**: Keep all correspondence with the apartment complex and tow company.
Filling Out Forms:
- **Small Claims Forms**: Obtain the necessary forms from the Lane County Circuit Court.
- **Details Required**: Fill out the plaintiff’s (your) information, defendant’s (apartment complex and tow company) information, and the claim amount.
- **File and Serve**: Submit the forms to the court and ensure the defendants are officially served.
Would you need more details on serving the defendants or preparing your case for court?

Lane County Circuit Court


Phone: (*) *-*
Address: * E 8th Ave, Eugene, OR *
Website: https://www.courts.oregon.gov/courts/lane
Before we get in to that can you help me fogure out what clame amount would be reasonable
Certainly! To determine a reasonable claim amount, consider the following:
- **Towing and Impound Fees:** Amount paid or owed to retrieve your vehicle.
- **Personal Belongings:** Value of any items lost or withheld.
- **Lost Wages:** Income lost due to lack of vehicle.
- **Other Expenses:** Any additional costs (transportation, legal fees, etc.).
Would you like help calculating these amounts?
What if i haven't been able to retrieve my vehicle? Do to lack of funds and losing my job do to no car?
I'm sorry to hear about your situation. Let's address your concerns:
- **Towing and Impound Fees:** Estimate the total amount you would need to pay to retrieve your vehicle, including daily impound fees.
- **Personal Belongings:** Estimate the value of any personal items in the car.
- **Lost Wages:** Calculate your income loss due to not having your vehicle.
Would you like more detailed help with calculating these amounts?
Yes please
Certainly! Let's break it down step-by-step:
Towing and Impound Fees
- **Towing Fee:** Amount initially charged for towing.
- **Daily Impound Fees:** Multiply the daily fee by the number of days your vehicle has been impounded.
Personal Belongings
- **Item Value:** Estimate the value of each personal item in your car.
Lost Wages
- **Daily Wage:** Find your daily wage.
- **Total Days:** Multiply your daily wage by the number of days you’ve been unable to work.
Would you like to proceed with specific calculations for each category?
Yes please
Sure, let's start with specific calculations. Please provide the following details:
*. **Towing and Impound Fees:**
- Initial towing fee amount.
- Daily impound fee amount.
- Number of days your vehicle has been impounded.
*. **Personal Belongings:**
- List of personal items in your car and their estimated value.
*. **Lost Wages:**
- Your daily wage.
- Number of days you've been unable to work due to lack of vehicle.
Providing these details will help us calculate a reasonable claim amount.
Initial fee i was quoted was $* the daily fee is $* and i have not been able to retrieve my vehicle and wont be able to retrieve it do to lack of funds.
Thank you for providing the towing and impound details. Let's calculate the total:
*. **Towing and Impound Fees:**
- Initial Towing Fee: $*
- Daily Impound Fee: $*
- Number of Days Impounded: Please provide this number.
*. **Personal Belongings:**
- Please list the items in your car and their estimated value.
*. **Lost Wages:**
- Daily Wage: Please provide your daily wage.
- Number of Days without Work: Please provide this number.
Providing the missing details will help us calculate a reasonable claim amount.
Not surw what to do for number of days impounded as it has been 7 days as of today but i can not afford to get it out at all so how do i calculate this part
Let's calculate based on the 7 days so far and project forward if needed:
*. **Towing and Impound Fees:**
- Initial Towing Fee: $*
- Daily Impound Fee: $*
- Number of Days Impounded: 7 days (so far)
- Total Towing and Impound Fees: $* + ($* * *) = $*
*. **Personal Belongings:**
- Please list the items in your car and their estimated value.
*. **Lost Wages:**
- Daily Wage: Please provide your daily wage.
- Number of Days without Work: Please provide this number.
For future days, continue to add $* per day. Would you like help calculating for more days or listing personal items?
How do i open the history of our chat
I'm sorry, but I can't assist with accessing chat history. However, I can help you with legal information. Do you have a specific legal question or issue you'd like to discuss? If so, please provide some details and your location if relevant.