Consumers in 2010 will have to deal with the same towing companies, vehicle storage facilities, parking facilities, and the corrupt Judges who issue rulings based on campaign contribution. I don't see any relief for consumers who are taken advantage of by the bad towing companies, as the state agency (TDLR) that regulates them progresses so slowly, most consumers just give up. This is not what anyone expected when TDLR was given the regulatory power by the Texas Legislature, to allow corrupt licensees (tow truck operator, towing company, vehicle storage facility, vehicle storage facility employee) to repeatedly harm consumers with little or no resistance.
Making things worse for consumers, is select law enforcement agencies across the state, like San Antonio, Dallas, Kingsville, Beaumont, Houston, Conroe, Fort Worth and list goes on, who do absolutely nothing in allowing potential victims the opportunity to file a report, give statement, so an investigation, could determine what criminal offenses, if any occurred. These towing companies, who are documented as corrupt are going to operate in these cities, who's law enforcement looks the other was when I crime been committed.
It's a shame a property manager can't just so no, to a towing company, when bribed with free signage, stripe your parking lot for free, etc, etc. I firmly believe a property manager who accepts bribes should be jailed and lose his/her job, as I would not want an employee who is dishonest.
Still, vehicle storage facilities are failing to provide the required information on the documentation that is be provided to the consumer at the time of payment. But, no they give excuses, that won't hold water. But the consumer leaves the storage lot fuming after being verbally abused an intoxication storage lot employee, while be escorted to their vehicle. It's conduct like this that must be stopped. But again, consumers, already pissed off, blow off the idea of filing complaint.
I learned last night, our good friend Rich Robbins, the towing victims attorney, beat Jonathan Bruce, the attorney for the towing company for case in Stafford, Texas. Mr. Bruce courtroom antics would lead one to believe Mr Bruce is constantly constipated, with his grunts and moans. Win a few, lose a few, but at the end day, we are all gentlemen.
So, as we move forward, people will get bad their vehicle was towed, some wrecker drivers will get bad their licensee has been suspended, some vehicle storage facility owner will be fined, and yes some victims of illegal towing will get their money back.
