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  1. #1
    Join Date
    Jul 2007
    Posts
    3

    Default Vehicle Tow Charges After Sale

    Hello, I sold a vehicle in 2/2004 and hand delivered the "notice of transfer and release of liability" to the local DMV office. I moved shortly after the vehicle was sold and several times since then.

    Recently on 12/15/2006 when I requested a free annual credit report I found a collection account and upon further inqury found that a towing comany had towed the sold car around 4/2004 and had been sending a bill for towing and storage to who they beleived to be the last known owner according to the DMV records to my last known address. When I contacted the DMV, they stated that they had no record that my form had been recieved. Further explanation to the collection agency and/or towing company feel on deaf ears.

    I do not have a copy of the submitted DMV form or any other proof such as bill of sale. I do not want to pay this amount and have a negative item on my report so I am willing to spend money to have an attorney represent me if that would be the best approach. The current outstanding amount is roughly $1,900.00. Do I have any recourse? What would be the best approach?

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Mar 2005
    Location
    Michigan
    Posts
    28,906

    Default Re: Vehicle Tow Charges After Sale

    As you chose not to identify your state, if you can't get anywhere with your DMV, a local lawyer should be able to advise you as to what state law remedies may be available.

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Jul 2007
    Posts
    3

    Default Re: Vehicle Tow Charges After Sale

    Aaron,

    Thanks for the reply. I am located in Costa Mesa, California. How would you proceed?

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Mar 2005
    Location
    Michigan
    Posts
    28,906

    Default Re: Vehicle Tow Charges After Sale

    As the form advises, "Keep a Copy". Absent a copy, or some way to identify the buyer, I think you're going to have a very difficult time avoiding the charge. You have no evidence of the sale? Nothing to even show who paid you for the car, or how much?

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Jul 2007
    Posts
    3

    Default Re: Vehicle Tow Charges After Sale

    The car was a 1985 Thunderbird that sold for $300.00. The guy paid cash and I still have his name and address info but nothing signed such as a bill of sale. I plan on trying to conatct him to see if he still has the title I signed and gave him in exchange for the cash payment. Do you have any suggestions for trying to get him to accept liability considering most would prefer to be in his position instead of mine?

    The state of CA does not have any type of notice on the "notice of transfer and release of liability" form, back or front, stating "keep a copy". Still, it's not as though I needed the government to remind me that they may lose documentation and I should keep a copy, I should have remembered this on my own. Very hard lesson learned here.

    Do you have any further advice or know of any legal remedies I may have with respect to CA law? I am willing to spend good money to prove my non-responsibility. Is there anything I can do with his info? Can I compel him to take responsibilty by taking him to court ? Any further advice would help.

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Jun 2007
    Posts
    369

    Default Re: Vehicle Tow Charges After Sale

    you need to just find evidence where he concedes to buying the car. Look up those phone recording laws if need be if that much is needed to get him to say he owned it. But your saying he got the car, never made it official in DMV COMPUTERS, THen had it towed? I wouldn't tellhim what your doing if it involves tranfering a debt.. He's likely to say "what title?", "what car?", and "who are you sir?"

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