Anderson Injury Lawyers | July 4, 2025 | Car Accidents
Having your car towed can be stressful and confusing. Whether it was towed after an accident, for illegal parking, or because of a breakdown, knowing your rights and responsibilities can help you avoid extra fees and frustration. Here is key information about towed vehicles in Texas to guide you if your car is ever taken.
Why Vehicles Get Towed in Texas
Vehicles can be towed for several reasons. Common situations include:
- Parking in a no-parking or fire lane zone
- Blocking driveways or fire hydrants
- Parking in a handicap spot without a placard
- Being involved in a crash and left inoperable
- Abandonment on public roads or private property
Knowing why your car was towed is the first step in figuring out how to retrieve it.
Where Does Your Car Go After Being Towed?
In Texas, cars are usually taken to licensed vehicle storage facilities. Police officers, property owners, and towing companies must provide details on where the vehicle was taken.
You can find your vehicle by:
- Calling the local police non-emergency line
- Checking with the property owner if towed from private property
- Contacting towing companies in the area
Facilities are required to provide access to your vehicle during normal business hours and must release it once all fees are paid.
Fees Associated With Towed Vehicles
When your car is towed, you will have to pay certain fees to get it back. These may include:
- Towing fee
- Daily storage fee
- Administrative or notification fees
Texas law regulates these charges to prevent excessive costs. For example, non-consent tow fees are capped based on vehicle weight and region. Before paying, ask for an itemized bill to ensure all fees are lawful.
Your Rights Under Texas Law
Under the Texas Occupations Code, you have specific rights if your car is towed. These include:
- The right to receive a copy of the tow ticket
- The right to access your vehicle within one hour of request during business hours
- The right to retrieve personal belongings from your car, even if you cannot pay the towing fees immediately
- The right to challenge an unlawful tow through a tow hearing
These protections exist to stop towing companies from taking advantage of drivers.
How to Challenge an Illegal Tow
If you believe your car was towed illegally, you can request a tow hearing. To do this:
- File your request with the local justice court within 14 days of receiving notice of the tow.
- Provide evidence, such as photos or witness statements, showing why the tow was improper.
- Attend the court hearing, where a judge will decide if the tow was lawful and whether fees must be refunded.
If successful, you may recover the towing and storage fees you paid.
What to Do After Your Car Is Towed
If your vehicle is towed in Texas:
- Stay calm and find out where it is located
- Gather your ID, proof of insurance, and payment for fees
- Inspect your vehicle before leaving the lot and note any damage
- Ask for an itemized receipt and copy of all towing documents
- Keep records of the tow in case of disputes later
This process helps ensure you recover your vehicle smoothly and protects your rights under Texas law.
Contact the Fort Worth Car Accident Lawyers at Anderson Injury Lawyers for Help Today
Understanding information about towed vehicles in Texas can save you time, money, and stress. Know why your car might be towed, where it will go, what fees to expect, and how to challenge unlawful towing if needed. Being informed is the best way to handle an unexpected tow without added problems and extra expenses.
If you have been injured by someone else’s negligence, we’re here to help. Contact our Fort Worth car accident lawyers at Anderson Injury Lawyers for a free consultation today.
If you’ve been injured in an accident in Fort Worth or Dallas and need legal help, contact our personal injury lawyers at Anderson Injury Lawyers to schedule a free consultation. We proudly serve Tarrant County, Dallas County, and throughout Texas.
Anderson Injury Lawyers – Fort Worth Office
1310 W El Paso St, Fort Worth, TX 76102
(817) 294-1900
Find us with our GeoCoordinates: 32.74621197527774, -97.33552733508391
Anderson Injury Lawyers – Fort Worth Office (Secondary)
6618 Fossil Bluff Dr # 108, Fort Worth, TX 76137
(817) 631-4113
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Anderson Injury Lawyers – Dallas Office
408 W Eighth St Suite 202, Dallas, TX 75208
(214) 327-8000
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Anderson Injury Lawyers – Austin Office
811 Nueces Street, Austin TX, 78701
(817) 294-1900
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