Car Impound FAQs

Answers to your questions regarding getting your car out of impound after being involved in a hit & run accident in Los Angeles, or other county.

Question: I just found out that my car was impounded. Can I just go to impound to get my car released?

Answer: No…In most circumstances it is being held for evidence and the car will not be released until a detective releases it at the police station.

Question: Can I retrieve my personal items, wallet, purse, cell phone before the investigator releases the car?

Answer: No, not until the car is released by the detective.

Question: How long can they keep my car on an evidence hold?

Answer: Usually up to 30 days.

Question: Do I have to pay the tow yard for storage and towing from the accident site?

Answer: Yes…you are responsible for all associated fees at the rate of $30-$50 per day plus the cost of towing your vehicle from the site of the accident.

Question: How long does it take to get my car out of impound?

Answer: That depends. Once our law firm is retained getting your car out of impound is our #1 priority. The average time is 2-3days, (not including weekends).

Question: What is the fist step to expedite my car from being released?

Answer: A. Our office will determine (based on the location of the accident) the appropriate police department, every county is different. For example in Los Angeles county there are over 15 different agencies including the Los Angeles police department, Los Angeles Sherriff’s Department, California Highway Patrol (over 20 offices) and many cities have their own police Department.

B. Accidents need to be located by date, time and location.

C. Once an accident is located then we obtain a report or accident number.

D. We then determine whether a specific investigator has been assigned.

E. We then begin the process of letting them know that we want to come forward and take responsibility for the accident. We show them our client’s cooperation and remorse at the earliest and possible moment. This will make the other party happier.

Question: Can my car be held if I am uncooperative?

Answer: Release of impounded vehicles involved in hit & run accidents is completely within the discretion of the police officer assigned to Investigate your accident.

Clients who are uncooperative, like those denying driving, knowing anything about the accident with their car, those clients claiming their car was stolen, or an anonymous person was driving are always considered uncooperative in the eyes of the police investigator or detective. Your vehicle’s release can be delayed while they gather evidence to build a case against you.

Question: If my car is damaged so bad that it is not driveable, what do I do to get it out of impound?

Answer: After your statement has been given to the police and your impound has been lifted you can go to the tow yard and after paying the required fees and have your car released. It is up to you to have your car towed to a body shop, or if badly damaged released to your insurance company.

Question: What if I don’t want my car back or it is damaged so much it is not worth fixing, or not worth the tow and storage costs I owe to get it out?

Answer: The tow yard can buy it from you for salvage value (not much) to defray the costs you owe them.

Question: Should I take photos of my property damage to my car before it is removed from impound or repaired by a body shop?

Answer: Although the police have already taken photos, it is always helpful for us see photos of the damage before your car is removed from impound or repairs are commenced by a body shop.