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2 class-action lawsuits filed against Pittsburgh towing companies

Two Pittsburgh towing companies are facing legal action.

Two class-action lawsuits were just filed against the companies, accusing them of predatory and unjust practices.

Morgan Herzing said she didn't exceed the one-hour time limit when she was towed from a lot on South Highland Avenue in Shadyside.

"I was only there for about 20 minutes and I came back out and my car was already gone,” Herzing said.

She said it was late and the businesses the lot serves were closed.

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"I talked to the tow truck driver and he said if I wanted to get my car back it was $200 in cash,” Herzing said.

She gave Howard's Towing $200.  She's now part of a class-action lawsuit against them filed by attorney Joshua Ward.

"You're not to charge a tow fee for a nonconsensual tow for excess of $135 dollars,” said Ward,

Ward also filed a lawsuit against Tag Towing.  He said he witnessed a woman being accosted by a Tag tow truck driver.

"There was Tag Towing. There a representative demanding $200 cash. I listened for about a minute while she was calling family members. Nobody was able to help. She was very respectful, and it moved me, in a way,” Ward said.

Ward gave that woman $200 and then went home and saw our extensive reporting on Tag Towing.

11 Investigates told you last spring customers accused the company of gouging them for thousands of dollars.

Pittsburgh police even filed charges against the company's owner.

Ward said these practices are unfair and unjust.

"They're preying on the people of Pittsburgh, essentially, holding their vehicles hostage and taking advantage of their ignorance in the law,” Ward said.

The next step is for a judge to decide if the issue is appropriate for a class action.

 

Cox Media Group

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