The Miami car accident lawyers at the Perazzo Law Firm remind accident victims that if someone you did not call shows up after your crash offering a tow, repairs, or legal help, do not sign anything. The Florida Highway Patrol and the Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office are warning drivers about this, according to WSVN 7News. If you were hurt, The Perazzo Law Firm can talk through your options at 888-PERAZZO.
What officials are warning about
The Perazzo Law Firm has learned, according to WSVN 7News, that the Florida Highway Patrol and the Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office are warning the public about crash-scene solicitation. WSVN reports that people show up at crashes unannounced, in tow trucks or claiming to offer help, and get drivers to sign away their vehicles, leaving them owing thousands.
WSVN also reports that an FHP lieutenant described offenders sitting at a gas station, listening to police scanners, and rushing to the call. Officials told WSVN that investigators staged several crashes with undercover officers posing as victims, and that two men were detained.
The same report says a February 16 collision between two tow trucks at SW 288th Street and Old Dixie Highway was possibly linked to the scheme, according to the Sheriff’s Office. According to WSVN, the Sheriff’s Office said one truck carried a handheld radio with access to its frequencies. WSVN reports the driver of one truck died.
What to do at the scene
- Call 911 first. Police and EMS belong at the scene.
- Use your own tow. Officials advise calling a tow truck yourself or asking authorities to call one, WSVN reports.
- Decline uninvited offers. Per the same report, officials advise against accepting services from anyone at a crash scene unless you called for help. That includes a tow operator, someone posing as an attorney, or someone offering body shop work.
- Sign nothing at the roadside. Read any form later, away from the scene, with time to ask questions.
- Take photos and exchange information with the other driver as you normally would.
What Florida law says about unsolicited wreckers
Under Fla. Stat. § 323.002, in a county or city that runs a wrecker operator system, an operator who is not authorized under that system may not drive by a crash scene, solicit or offer services, and tow the vehicle before an authorized operator arrives. The statute treats that as a misdemeanor. It also bars unauthorized operators from monitoring police radio to find wrecked vehicles.
The same statute says you may still contact any wrecker operator yourself.
If you already signed something
Keep your copy, photograph every page, and note the company name and who handed it to you. If you were injured, talk to a lawyer before agreeing to anything else. Our Miami car accident team can review what happened and explain your options. Call 888-PERAZZO or send us a message for a FREE consultation 24/7 and Zero Out-of-Pocket Fees* to clients.
* No fee if no recovery. Our attorney's fee is contingent on a recovery, but you may still be responsible for court costs and case expenses, as set out in your written contingency fee agreement. Contingent fees are not permitted in all types of cases.
FAQ
Can I use any tow company I choose?
Under Fla. Stat. § 323.002, owners and operators of disabled vehicles may contact any wrecker operator. Officials also advise calling one yourself or asking authorities to.
Is it safe to talk to someone who says they are an attorney at the scene?
Officials warn against accepting services from anyone who appears at a crash scene uninvited, including someone posing as an attorney, according to WSVN. If you want legal advice, choose who you call, on your own time.
Should I sign a tow form if the driver says it is required?
Do not sign at the roadside under pressure. Officials advise calling a tow truck yourself or asking authorities to call one. Keep a copy of anything you are given.
This blog is attorney advertising and for general information only; it is not legal advice, and reading it does not create an attorney-client relationship. Past results do not guarantee a similar outcome. The Perazzo Law Firm, North Miami Beach, Florida.