Driver hit with outrageous parking bill after towing car from their own home
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Imagine coming home, parking as usual, and later discovering your car has been towed—leaving you with a shocking bill to pay. This is the reality some Detroit residents are facing in a situation sparking outrage.
Could this happen to you?
Darryl Woods, a tenant of the Jefferson Apartments, was among those blindsided by a sudden enforcement of a parking policy that many claim they were never properly informed about.
Woods and his neighbors were accustomed to parking in the building's garage without issue.
However, without clear communication or adequate notice, residents found their vehicles unceremoniously towed away, leaving them to grapple with a hefty bill from the towing company.
“This is predatory, this is unacceptable, and this is outright wrong and we as citizens of the city of Detroit should not stand for this,” Woods told WXYZ Detroit, echoing the frustration felt by many.
The situation escalated when Woods arrived at the towing depot before his SUV did, only to be charged the full amount despite not having exact change.
Morris Mays, another resident, faced an even steeper challenge with two of his vehicles towed, potentially costing him between $1,700 to $1,800.
“I've had my car towed or known people who have had cars towed in suburban areas, and it could have been $100, $150,” Mays said.
“But here in Detroit with this Goch towing company, they want $825 a car.”
The root of the issue seems to stem from a notice that was reportedly placed near the main elevator inside the building.
This notice, which residents claim was inconspicuous and easily overlooked, was the only warning provided about the new parking enforcement.
Tenants argue that the building typically sends important notices directly to their doors, and this deviation from the norm contributed to the confusion and subsequent towing debacle.
Goch and Sons, the towing company at the center of the controversy, defended their steep fees by stating,
“This was not a normal tow.”
They explained that the vehicles were parked in one of the lowest structures in Detroit, where standard tow trucks cannot operate.
The company cited the need for specialized equipment and the inability to roll the vehicles without keys as reasons for the higher costs and the 2-3 hours required to tow each vehicle.
However, this explanation has done little to quell the outrage among residents, especially since the City of Detroit caps impound fees at $200 for contracted towing companies—a cap that does not apply to Goch and Sons, as they are not city-contracted.
The incident at the Jefferson Apartments is not an isolated one.
In San Jose, California, drivers are grappling with a new parking ban that rotates tow-away zones for street cleaning, forcing RVs to move weekly.
This has sparked frustration among those who live in motorhomes, with resident Paul Peterson likening it to a “cat and mouse” game.
As members of The GrayVine community, many of whom have experienced the changing tides of city policies and regulations, it's crucial to stay informed and proactive about your rights as tenants and vehicle owners.
Here are some steps to safeguard against parking pitfalls:
1. Stay Informed
Regularly check for notices in common areas and request that important updates be sent directly to you.
2. Know Your Rights
Familiarize yourself with local parking regulations and tenant rights. If you're part of a homeowners' association or apartment complex, attend meetings or read the minutes to stay on top of policy changes.
3. Document Everything
If you find yourself unfairly towed, document the situation with photos and notes. This can be invaluable if you need to dispute the tow or associated fees.
4. Advocate for Clarity
Work with your neighbors to demand clear and direct communication from property management or city officials regarding parking policies.
5. Seek Legal Advice
If you believe you've been subjected to predatory towing practices, consult with a legal professional to explore your options.
We invite you to share your own experiences with parking issues or any advice you may have for fellow readers facing similar challenges in the comments below. Your insights could be a lifeline for someone else in our community.
Could this happen to you?
Darryl Woods, a tenant of the Jefferson Apartments, was among those blindsided by a sudden enforcement of a parking policy that many claim they were never properly informed about.
Woods and his neighbors were accustomed to parking in the building's garage without issue.
However, without clear communication or adequate notice, residents found their vehicles unceremoniously towed away, leaving them to grapple with a hefty bill from the towing company.
A driver in Detroit has been faced with an exorbitant $825 towing charge for parking at his own residence. Image source: WXYZ-TV Detroit | Channel 7/Youtube.
“This is predatory, this is unacceptable, and this is outright wrong and we as citizens of the city of Detroit should not stand for this,” Woods told WXYZ Detroit, echoing the frustration felt by many.
The situation escalated when Woods arrived at the towing depot before his SUV did, only to be charged the full amount despite not having exact change.
Morris Mays, another resident, faced an even steeper challenge with two of his vehicles towed, potentially costing him between $1,700 to $1,800.
“I've had my car towed or known people who have had cars towed in suburban areas, and it could have been $100, $150,” Mays said.
“But here in Detroit with this Goch towing company, they want $825 a car.”
The root of the issue seems to stem from a notice that was reportedly placed near the main elevator inside the building.
This notice, which residents claim was inconspicuous and easily overlooked, was the only warning provided about the new parking enforcement.
Tenants argue that the building typically sends important notices directly to their doors, and this deviation from the norm contributed to the confusion and subsequent towing debacle.
Goch and Sons, the towing company at the center of the controversy, defended their steep fees by stating,
“This was not a normal tow.”
They explained that the vehicles were parked in one of the lowest structures in Detroit, where standard tow trucks cannot operate.
The company cited the need for specialized equipment and the inability to roll the vehicles without keys as reasons for the higher costs and the 2-3 hours required to tow each vehicle.
However, this explanation has done little to quell the outrage among residents, especially since the City of Detroit caps impound fees at $200 for contracted towing companies—a cap that does not apply to Goch and Sons, as they are not city-contracted.
The incident at the Jefferson Apartments is not an isolated one.
In San Jose, California, drivers are grappling with a new parking ban that rotates tow-away zones for street cleaning, forcing RVs to move weekly.
This has sparked frustration among those who live in motorhomes, with resident Paul Peterson likening it to a “cat and mouse” game.
As members of The GrayVine community, many of whom have experienced the changing tides of city policies and regulations, it's crucial to stay informed and proactive about your rights as tenants and vehicle owners.
Here are some steps to safeguard against parking pitfalls:
1. Stay Informed
Regularly check for notices in common areas and request that important updates be sent directly to you.
2. Know Your Rights
Familiarize yourself with local parking regulations and tenant rights. If you're part of a homeowners' association or apartment complex, attend meetings or read the minutes to stay on top of policy changes.
3. Document Everything
If you find yourself unfairly towed, document the situation with photos and notes. This can be invaluable if you need to dispute the tow or associated fees.
4. Advocate for Clarity
Work with your neighbors to demand clear and direct communication from property management or city officials regarding parking policies.
5. Seek Legal Advice
If you believe you've been subjected to predatory towing practices, consult with a legal professional to explore your options.
