{"id":368892,"date":"2021-11-03T11:24:08","date_gmt":"2021-11-03T16:24:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/litigation\/filing-a-lawsuit\/can-i-sue-a-towing-company.html"},"modified":"2026-06-03T16:13:06","modified_gmt":"2026-06-03T21:13:06","slug":"can-i-sue-a-towing-company","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/litigation\/filing-a-lawsuit\/can-i-sue-a-towing-company.html","title":{"rendered":"Can I Sue a Towing Company?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 fl-sectionWithSidebar fl-container fl-flex fl-flex-wrap fl-gap30\">\n<div class=\"fl-page-articles fl-section-main fl-section-main-full-width\"><h1 class=\"fl-no-margin-top\">Can I Sue a Towing Company?<\/h1>\n\n<section class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline\">\n    <div class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-content\">\n                    By <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team\/robert-rafii-esq\/\">Robert Rafii, Esq.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by <a\n                href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team.html\">FindLaw Staff<\/a>\n                | Last updated\n        <time>\n                            June 03, 2026\n                    <\/time>\n    <\/div>\n\n    \n    <details class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle fl-gutenberg-byline-legally-reviewed\">\n        <summary>\n            <i class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n            Legally Reviewed\n        <\/summary>\n\n        <div class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle-content\">\n            <p><em>This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team.html\">FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/company-history\/editorial-policy.html\">our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/details>\n\n    <details class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle fl-gutenberg-byline-fast-checked\">\n        <summary>\n            <i class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n            Fact-Checked\n        <\/summary>\n\n        <div class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle-content\">\n            <p><em>The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team\/contributing-authors.html\">contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please <a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/?fli=bylinelink\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/details>\n<\/section>\n\n\n<div class=\"fl-key-takeaways fl-mb30\" data-testid=\"fl-key-takeaways\">\n    <div class=\"fl-card-content\">\n        <div class=\"fl-card-body fl-card-bg-teal fl-flex fl-flex-column\">\n                            <h2 class=\"fl-card-title fl-h2 fl-no-margin\">Key Takeaways<\/h2>\n                        <p>Yes, you may be able to sue a towing company for any number of reasons. They may illegally tow your car. They might damage your vehicle or belongings. You might find that property you had in the car is gone when you go to get it from the impound lot.<\/p>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<div><p>You may be able to resolve your dispute by negotiating with the towing company without having to go to court. Or, if you have a low enough claim, you can seek a remedy through a small claims court. Complex disputes with a towing company might need a more sophisticated lawsuit.<\/p>\n<p>Claims against towing companies are based on state law, which varies. You may want to <a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/litigation-appeals\/?fli=dcta\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">speak with an attorney<\/a> to determine what your rights are and whether going to court makes sense in your situation.<\/p>\n<h2>What do towing companies do?<\/h2>\n<p>Most people who own a car will have to use a towing company at some point. Towing companies do more than just provide towing services. They may:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Pull you out of a snowbank with a tow truck if your car gets stuck<\/li>\n<li>Jump-start your battery if it dies<\/li>\n<li>Change flat tires<\/li>\n<li>Bring\u00a0gas if you run out<\/li>\n<li>Make emergency repairs on your car so you can take it to a service station<\/li>\n<li>Help transport motorcycles and other vehicles<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>In general, using a towing company\u00a0means something has gone wrong. In addition, having to pay towing and storage charges can be frustrating for any vehicle owner. At a car owner&#8217;s expense, a tow truck company might get away with predatory towing practices in plain view, but they can also provide vital services to stranded motorists.<\/p>\n<p>No matter the situation, tow companies must follow the law and may face consequences for illegal practices.<\/p>\n<h2>What gives towing companies the right to tow my car?<\/h2>\n<p>Most states authorize towing companies to tow and\u00a0impound\u00a0your car in certain instances.<\/p>\n<p>For example, if you are parked on private property without permission, a private property owner\u00a0may have your car towed. That can include towing your car from:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>An apartment complex<\/li>\n<li>A private property owner&#8217;s residence,\u00a0such as if you block a private driveway<\/li>\n<li>A private parking lot,\u00a0especially if the owner gives proper notice<\/li>\n<li>The private spots in front of a business owner&#8217;s store,\u00a0especially if it&#8217;s marked as a tow-away zone<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>You can also be towed if you park illegally on public property. For example, if you have been ticketed by law enforcement a number of times and park at an expired meter or other prohibitive signage, the police can have your car towed. If you park on the wrong side of the street during a snow emergency, your car will likely be towed. Stopping in a fire lane or blocking a fire hydrant could amount to towable parking violations.<\/p>\n<p>There are many circumstances in which unauthorized vehicles may be towed. State laws and local towing laws vary, so if you have questions about whether a towing company had the right to tow your car, you should consider talking with a lawyer.<\/p>\n<h2>What legal claims could I bring against a towing company?<\/h2>\n<p>A towing company must use reasonable care when towing and storing your car. If it fails to act as a reasonably prudent towing company in the same and similar circumstances and damages your car or your property inside it, you may be able to sue for\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/injury\/accident-injury-law\/negligence.html\">negligence<\/a>.<\/p>\n<h3>Negligence<\/h3>\n<p>In virtually every state, you need to show the following four elements to state a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/injury\/accident-injury-law\/proof-in-a-negligence-case.html\">claim for negligence<\/a>:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><b>Duty<\/b>: The towing company has a duty to use reasonable care<\/li>\n<li><b>Breach<\/b>: The towing company failed to use reasonable care (e.g. by wrongfully towing your car)<\/li>\n<li><b>Causation<\/b>: The towing company directly caused foreseeable damages<\/li>\n<li><b>Damages<\/b>: You need to show what your legally recognizable damages are (e.g. property damage)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>If you are able to show that the towing company towed your car without your\u00a0permission\u00a0or otherwise without legal authority, you may be able to show that it failed to use\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/injury\/accident-injury-law\/standards-of-care-and-the-reasonable-person.html\">reasonable care<\/a>\u00a0and committed negligent towing.<\/p>\n<h3>Breach of Bailment<\/h3>\n<p>You also may be able to sue for the breach of a\u00a0bailment. Again, this depends on the state, but generally, a bailment is a legal relationship in which the custody of property is transferred from one person (the \u201cbailor&#8221;) to another (the \u201cbailee&#8221;) for safekeeping.<\/p>\n<p>By taking possession of the property, the bailee (here, the towing company) agrees to use reasonable care in storing your car and any personal property inside it. If they fail to use such care, they breach the bailment and may be liable to you for any damages.<\/p>\n<h2>Can I sue a towing company for damaging my car?<\/h2>\n<p>Yes. This scenario likely involves negligence, as described above. If you show that the towing company <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/injury\/car-accidents\/vehicle-damage.html\">damaged your car<\/a> when towing it, you may be able to show a breach of its duty of care.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>A towing company could cause many different forms of damage, but the most common are:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Windshield damage<\/li>\n<li>Bumper damage<\/li>\n<li>Tire damage<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>What losses could I recover from the towing company?<\/h2>\n<p>Depending upon the basis of your claim, you may be able to recover various types of damages, including compensatory and punitive damages.<\/p>\n<h3>Compensatory Damages<\/h3>\n<p>If you base your claim on improper towing or illegal towing, you may be able to recover the fees for towing and storage charges. In some states, you may be able to sue for a statutory minimum amount as well. Check with a lawyer to find out whether your state has such a minimum.<\/p>\n<p>If your car is damaged, you may be able to recover the cost of repairs. You will want to get estimates from several repair shops and take plenty of photos that show how your car was damaged.<\/p>\n<p>If you had property in the car that was lost or damaged, you may be able to recover the cost of the items or the cost of repairing them, depending on the circumstances. You will want to have pictures of the items in the condition they were when they were in the car. You will also want any receipts for the items you purchased.<\/p>\n<h3>Punitive Damages<\/h3>\n<p>In certain circumstances, you may be able to recover\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/legalblogs\/personal-injury\/when-can-you-sue-for-punitive-damages\/\">punitive damages<\/a>. Punitive damages are intended not to compensate a victim for a loss, but to punish a wrongdoer for particularly outrageous behavior.<\/p>\n<p>The circumstances of your case may justify a claim for punitive damages, depending on how egregiously the towing company acted. You may wish to consult a lawyer to see whether you have a valid punitive damages claim.<\/p>\n<h2>How do I sue a towing company?<\/h2>\n<p>There are several things you may want to think about doing <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/hirealawyer\/do-you-need-a-lawyer\/before-you-sue-10-things-to-think-about.html\">prior to suing<\/a> the towing company.<\/p>\n<h3>Notify Your Insurance Company<\/h3>\n<p>The first thing you should do is notify your insurance company. Damage done may be <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/injury\/car-accidents\/automobile-insurance-policy-coverage.html\">covered by insurance<\/a>. You may be able to be compensated for these losses, which would leave you only the towing fee and storage fees to worry about.<\/p>\n<h3>Contact the Tow Truck Company<\/h3>\n<p>The second thing you should do is reach out to the towing company. You can look up their contact information by researching all the tow lots in the vicinity of where your vehicle was towed. They may be willing to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/litigation\/legal-system\/tips-on-negotiating.html\">work out a settlement<\/a>, especially if you are able to show that they are responsible for wrongful towing, damage to your car, or lost possessions.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>You can itemize your damages in a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/litigation\/filing-a-lawsuit\/how-to-demand-payment-in-a-letter.html\">demand letter<\/a> establishing that you are the rightful owner of the vehicle they towed. This goes a step beyond dialing their telephone number, as a formal written letter can be used as evidence later.<\/p>\n<h3>Consider Filing a Claim in Small Claims Court<\/h3>\n<p>A third option is to file a claim in\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/litigation\/going-to-court\/small-claims-court.html\">small claims court<\/a>. Every state differs, but in general,\u00a0you are not represented by counsel in\u00a0small claims court. You are also limited in the amount of damages you can recover.<\/p>\n<p>Small claims court can provide a less expensive way to resolve your dispute with the towing company. You can learn more about it, including the\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/litigation\/going-to-court\/small-claims-court.html\">procedure for filing<\/a>,\u00a0by checking the website of the court in your area. You will only have to pay a small filing fee.<\/p>\n<h3>Consider Consulting a Lawyer<\/h3>\n<p>If you&#8217;re not able to work out an arrangement with the towing company and don&#8217;t want to gamble on small claims court alone, you may want to reach out to a lawyer. They can explain whether <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/litigation\/filing-a-lawsuit.html\">starting a lawsuit<\/a> may be worthwhile.\u00a0<\/p>\n<h2>Find a Lawyer Who Can Help You<\/h2>\n<p>It&#8217;s unlikely you will find a lawyer who specializes in suing towing companies. A\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/personal-injury-plaintiff\/?fli=dcta\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">plaintiff&#8217;s personal injury lawyer<\/a>, however, handles negligence cases and may be able to help. In disputes that don&#8217;t involve an injury, a <a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/litigation-appeals\/?fli=dcta\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">litigation attorney<\/a> may be suitable instead.<\/p>\n<p>Before establishing a client relationship, many lawyers will offer a free initial consultation. Even if you decide not to go to court, having an attorney on board may be helpful when you&#8217;re negotiating a settlement with your insurance company or the towing company. They can give you valuable legal advice about local laws and help you retrieve your car from the tow yard.<\/p><\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"was-this-helpful\">\n    <div\n            class=\"was-this-helpful__question-container\"\n            aria-labelledby=\"was-this-helpful__question\"\n            role=\"group\"\n    >\n        <span\n                id=\"was-this-helpful__question\"\n                class=\"was-this-helpful__question fl-text-lg-bold\"\n        >Was this helpful?<\/span>\n        <button\n                class=\"was-this-helpful__button fl-text-sm\"\n                aria-label=\"Yes\"\n                value=\"yes\"\n        >\n            <span class=\"was-this-helpful__button-text fl-text-bold\">Yes<\/span>\n            <i class=\"was-this-helpful__button-icon\">\n                <svg width=\"22\" height=\"22\" viewBox=\"0 0 22 22\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n                    <g id=\"thumbs-up\" clip-path=\"url(#clip0_604_3418)\">\n                        <path id=\"Vector\"\n                              d=\"M6 21H3C2.46957 21 1.96086 20.7893 1.58579 20.4142C1.21071 20.0391 1 19.5304 1 19V12C1 11.4696 1.21071 10.9609 1.58579 10.5858C1.96086 10.2107 2.46957 10 3 10H6M13 8V4C13 3.20435 12.6839 2.44129 12.1213 1.87868C11.5587 1.31607 10.7956 1 10 1L6 10V21H17.28C17.7623 21.0055 18.2304 20.8364 18.5979 20.524C18.9654 20.2116 19.2077 19.7769 19.28 19.3L20.66 10.3C20.7035 10.0134 20.6842 9.72068 20.6033 9.44225C20.5225 9.16382 20.3821 8.90629 20.1919 8.68751C20.0016 8.46873 19.7661 8.29393 19.5016 8.17522C19.2371 8.0565 18.9499 7.99672 18.66 8H13Z\"\n                              stroke=\"#666666\" stroke-width=\"2\" stroke-linecap=\"round\"\n                              stroke-linejoin=\"round\"><\/path>\n                    <\/g>\n                    <defs>\n                        <clipPath id=\"clip0_604_3418\">\n                            <rect width=\"22\" height=\"22\" fill=\"white\"><\/rect>\n                        <\/clipPath>\n                    <\/defs>\n                <\/svg>\n            <\/i>\n        <\/button>\n        <button\n                class=\"was-this-helpful__button fl-text-sm\"\n                aria-label=\"No\"\n                value=\"no\"\n        >\n            <span class=\"was-this-helpful__button-text fl-text-bold\">No<\/span>\n            <i class=\"was-this-helpful__button-icon\">\n                <svg width=\"22\" height=\"22\" viewBox=\"0 0 22 22\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n                    <g id=\"thumbs-down\" clip-path=\"url(#clip0_604_3423)\">\n                        <path id=\"Vector\"\n                              d=\"M16 0.999995H18.67C19.236 0.989986 19.7859 1.18813 20.2154 1.55681C20.645 1.9255 20.9242 2.43905 21 3V10C20.9242 10.5609 20.645 11.0745 20.2154 11.4432C19.7859 11.8119 19.236 12.01 18.67 12H16M9.00003 14V18C9.00003 18.7956 9.3161 19.5587 9.87871 20.1213C10.4413 20.6839 11.2044 21 12 21L16 12V0.999995H4.72003C4.2377 0.994543 3.76965 1.16359 3.40212 1.47599C3.0346 1.78839 2.79235 2.22309 2.72003 2.7L1.34003 11.7C1.29652 11.9866 1.31586 12.2793 1.39669 12.5577C1.47753 12.8362 1.61793 13.0937 1.80817 13.3125C1.99842 13.5313 2.23395 13.7061 2.49846 13.8248C2.76297 13.9435 3.05012 14.0033 3.34003 14H9.00003Z\"\n                              stroke=\"#666666\" stroke-width=\"2\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\"\/>\n                    <\/g>\n                    <defs>\n                        <clipPath id=\"clip0_604_3423\">\n                            <rect width=\"22\" height=\"22\" fill=\"white\"\/>\n                        <\/clipPath>\n                    <\/defs>\n                <\/svg>\n            <\/i>\n        <\/button>\n    <\/div>\n    <span class=\"was-this-helpful__taken-action fl-text-sm-bold\"><\/span>\n    <div class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-container\">\n        <div class=\"was-this-helpful__choose-option-message\" role=\"status\">\n            <p class=\"was-this-helpful__choose-option-message-text\"><\/p>\n        <\/div>\n        <form class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-form\">\n            <div class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback was-this-helpful__feedback--positive\">\n                <fieldset>\n                    <legend class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\" tabindex=\"0\">Why was this helpful?<\/legend>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--understandable\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"positive-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Easy to understand\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--understandable\"\n                        >Easy to understand<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--solved-problem\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"positive-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Solved my problem\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--solved-problem\"\n                        >Solved my problem<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--other\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"positive-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Other\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--other\"\n                        >Other<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/fieldset>\n            <\/div>\n            <div class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback was-this-helpful__feedback--negative\">\n                <fieldset>\n                    <legend class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\" tabindex=\"0\">Why was this not helpful?<\/legend>\n                    <div class=\"was-this-helpful__choose-option-message\" role=\"status\">\n                        <p class=\"was-this-helpful__choose-option-message-text\"><\/p>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--missing-info\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"negative-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Missing Information\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--missing-info\"\n                        >Missing the information I need<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--complicated\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"negative-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Too complicated\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--complicated\"\n                        >Too complicated \/ too many steps<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--dated\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"negative-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Out of date\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--dated\"\n                        >Out of date<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--negative-other\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"negative-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Other\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--negative-other\"\n                        >Other<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/fieldset>\n            <\/div>\n            <div class=\"was-this-helpful__form-buttons-container\">\n                <button\n                    class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-button was-this-helpful__feedback-button--positive at-feedback-submit fl-button secondary\"\n                    type=\"submit\"\n                >\n                    <span class=\"fl-button-content\">Submit<\/span>\n                    <i\n                        class=\"fa fa-angle-right medium\"\n                        aria-hidden=\"true\"\n                    ><\/i>\n                <\/button>\n                <button\n                    class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-button was-this-helpful__feedback-button--cancel fl-button primary disabled\"\n                    type=\"reset\"\n                >\n                    <span class=\"fl-button-content\">Cancel<\/span>\n                    <i\n                        class=\"fa fa-times-circle medium\"\n                        aria-hidden=\"true\"\n                    ><\/i>\n                <\/button>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/form>\n    <\/div>\n    <div class=\"was-this-helpful__thank-you-message\" role=\"status\">\n        <i class=\"was-this-helpful__thank-you-message-icon fa fa-check\"><\/i>\n        <p class=\"was-this-helpful__thank-you-message-text\" aria-live=\"polite\"><\/p>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"fl-section-sidebar\"><div class=\"fl-editors-summary\" data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary\">\n    \n    <div class=\"fl-editors-summary-content\" data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content\">\n                    <h2>Can I Solve This on My Own or Do I Need an Attorney?<\/h2>\n                <div class=\"fl-editors-summary-content-main\" data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-main\">\n            \n        <\/div>\n        <ul class=\"fl-list-style-none\">\n                            <li data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-item\">\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-check medium fl-editors-summary-content-item-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                    Small claims for vehicle damage may not need a lawyer.\n\n                <\/li>\n                            <li data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-item\">\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-check medium fl-editors-summary-content-item-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                    Complex court cases (such as contract disputes or personal injury) generally need the support of an attorney.\n\n                <\/li>\n                            <li data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-item\">\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-check medium fl-editors-summary-content-item-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                    An attorney can represent you in court or during appeals.\n\n                <\/li>\n                    <\/ul>\n                    <div class=\"fl-editors-summary-content-description\" data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-description\">\n                <p>The court process for many cases against a business, such as a towing company, can be complicated and slow. An attorney can offer tailored advice and help prevent common mistakes during litigation.<\/p>\n\n            <\/div>\n                            <div class=\"fl-editors-summary-content-link fl-flex\" data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-link\">\n                <i class=\"fa fa-angle-right medium\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                <p class=\"find-attorney\"><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/litigation-appeals\/#USER_GEO\/?fli=esum:FL34\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Find a local attorney<\/a><\/p>\n\n            <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"email-subscription fl-mb30\">\n    <div class=\"email-subscription-header\">\n        <div class=\"email-subscription-header-content\">\n            <h3 class=\"fl-callout-sm fl-no-margin\">Stay Up-to-Date With How the Law Affects Your Life<\/h3>\n        <\/div>\n        <div class=\"email-subscription-header-image fl-flex fl-items-end\">\n            <img decoding=\"async\"\n                src=\"https://www.findlaw.com/static/c/images\/images\/w_1200,c_limit,dpr_auto\/f_auto,q_auto:eco\/v1745902396\/ability-law\/wp-prod\/general-components-subscribe-module-Image-subscribeModule_1\/general-components-subscribe-module-Image-subscribeModule_1.png?_i=AA\"\n                alt=\"\"\n                loading=\"lazy\"\n            \/>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n\n    <div class=\"email-subscription-content fl-flex fl-flex-wrap\">\n        <div class=\"email-subscription-content-text fl-mb25\">\n            <h4 class=\"fl-no-margin\">Enter your email address to subscribe<\/h4>\n        <\/div>\n\n        <form class=\"email-subscription-content-form\">\n            <input type=\"hidden\" name=\"distributionList\" value=\"latl\" \/>\n            <label for=\"email-subscription-content-form-group-input\" class=\"fl-text-sm-bold\">Email (Required)<\/label>\n            <div class=\"email-subscription-content-form-group\">\n                <input id=\"email-subscription-content-form-group-input\" name=\"email\" autocomplete=\"email\"\/>\n                <button type=\"submit\" aria-label=\"Submit\">\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-angle-right\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                <\/button>\n            <\/div>\n            <p class=\"email-subscription-content-form-success subscribe-success-message fl-text-sm-bold\" aria-hidden=\"true\" role=\"status\">Thank you for subscribing!<\/p>\n            <p class=\"email-subscription-content-form-error subscribe-error-message fl-text-sm-bold\" role=\"alert\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/p>\n\n            <div id=\"email-subscription-content-form-recaptcha\" class=\"email-subscription-content-form-recaptcha subscribe-recaptcha\"\n                data-sitekey=\"0x4AAAAAAABGBEkK9kEeKxO-\"><\/div>\n        <\/form>\n\n        <div class=\"email-subscription-content-footer fl-text-sm\">\n            <p><a href=\"https:\/\/newsletters.findlaw.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Learn more about FindLaw\u2019s newsletters<\/a>, including our terms of use and privacy policy.<\/p>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"general-list\">\n    <h3>Helpful Links<\/h3>\n    <ul class=\"fl-list fl-no-margin\">\n                                    <li class=\"fl-list-item fl-flex\">\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-angle-right medium\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                    <a class=\"fl-list-item-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/litigation\/going-to-court.html\">\n                        What To Expect When Going to Court\n                    <\/a>\n                <\/li>\n                                                <li class=\"fl-list-item fl-flex\">\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-angle-right medium\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                    <a class=\"fl-list-item-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/litigation\/filing-a-lawsuit\/can-i-sue-.html\">\n                        Can I Sue?\n                    <\/a>\n                <\/li>\n                                                <li class=\"fl-list-item fl-flex\">\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-angle-right medium\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                    <a class=\"fl-list-item-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/litigation\/legal-system\/civil-court-basics.html\">\n                        Civil Court Basics\n                    <\/a>\n                <\/li>\n                        <\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n\n    <div class=\"popularDirectory\">\n        <div class=\"general-popular-directory \">\n            <div class=\"general-popular-directory-title\">\n                <h3>Attorney Directory<\/h3>\n            <\/div>\n            <ul>\n                                    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/litigation-appeals\/?fli=dcta\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Litigation and Appeals Attorneys<\/a><\/li>\n                            <\/ul>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>You may be able to sue a towing company and recover damages. Learn about the standard of care, negligence, breach of bailment, compensatory damages, and much more at FindLaw.com.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":41135,"featured_media":0,"parent":368853,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"app\/Http\/Controllers\/Templates\/ArticleWithBreadcrumbsController.php","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_stopmodifiedupdate":true,"_modified_date":"","_autodraft_ids":[],"_cloudinary_featured_overwrite":false,"_sb_is_suggestion_mode":false,"_sb_show_suggestion_boards":false,"_sb_show_comment_boards":false,"_sb_suggestion_history":"","_sb_update_block_changes":"","_is_real_time_mode":false,"_realtime_collaborators":"","footnotes":"","cf_checklist_status":["SEO Title Length","External Links","Alt Text for All Images","Category Assigned"]},"categories":[2803],"tags":[],"state_laws_tags":[],"flmsa":[],"class_list":["post-368892","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry","category-litigation"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/368892","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/41135"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=368892"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/368892\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":399731,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/368892\/revisions\/399731"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/368853"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=368892"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=368892"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=368892"},{"taxonomy":"state_laws_tags","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/state_laws_tags?post=368892"},{"taxonomy":"flmsa","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/flmsa?post=368892"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}