Jason Taylor, a Laguna Niguel resident, watched as Beach Cities Towing Services Inc. towed his truck and car, illegally, from his Laguna Niguel condominium complex on Sept. 2, 2007. In return, Taylor set an example for us all by standing up to the towing company’s exploitative practices.
In taking Taylor’s vehicles away, the towing company, Beach Cities Towing, violated many requirements of the California Vehicle Code, Section 22658 and charged him an exorbitant amount of $560 for eventually releasing the cars.
Taylor took Beach Cities to small claims court and won. He was awarded his $560 back. But, Beach Cities continued to bully Taylor by appealing the case and being granted a new trial, a new trial where Beach Cities could bring an attorney.
Not to be out gunned, Taylor sought help from…..you guessed it, Bisnar Chase Personal Injury Attorneys. When I read Taylor’s request for guidance with his case, I just couldn’t let him go it alone. So rather than give him the advice he sought, I assigned one of our attorneys, Eric Hansen to actually represent Taylor at the new trial, pro bono.
The case was heard in Orange County Superior Court last week. The judge not only gave Taylor the $560, but also awarded him four times that amount in punitive damages plus attorney’s fees. Beach Cities Towing should have left well enough alone. The towing company was in blatant violation of state law, which clearly states the circumstances under which a towing company may tow a vehicle away and how much they can charge the vehicle owner.
We represented Taylor in court because what some towing companies are doing is illegal. They take advantage of vehicle owners who are dependant on their vehicles and often don’t have the time or resources to fight back. Taylor’s case and the punitive damages awarded is an emphatic win for the common man. I’ve seen predatory towing companies get away with a lot because their victims are not be aware of their rights or do not have the knowledge and resources to fight them. I commend Taylor for boldly standing up for his rights and putting in the time and effort to research California law and go after Beach Cities. Congratulations Taylor! Good job Eric.