Woman secures $7.1 million settlement in historic lawsuit against towing business for detaining her vehicle
In a significant victory for a Kansas City woman, a jury has awarded her a total of $7.1 million in damages in a landmark case against Haney's Trucking and Tow, a local towing company. The case, which has received national attention, sends a strong message to the towing industry about the consequences of predatory practices.
The woman, who runs a popular taco food truck named "Crazy Tacos," had her vehicle illegally towed from an abandoned lot in 2022. The food truck was held by Haney's Trucking and Tow for a staggering 699 days, during which time it was heavily damaged, and all the equipment inside was reportedly missing when she eventually got it back.
According to Philip Danaher, the woman's attorney at Danaher Law Firm, the jury's verdict serves as a powerful reminder of the rights of vehicle owners and the obligations of towing companies. Danaher plans on going after every dime of the $7.1 million awarded to his client.
The illegal tow occurred from a lot that had no signs forbidding parking, raising questions about the company's practices. Haney's Trucking and Tow began transferring ownership of the food truck out of the woman's name and into theirs, demanding thousands of dollars from her to have the vehicle returned.
This case highlights the importance of drivers being aware of their local laws and regulations. Knowing your rights can help you avoid falling victim to predatory towing. Be alert for warning signs, such as a lack of clear signage indicating no parking or towing zones.
It's also crucial to verify the practices of any towing company you might need to deal with. Transparent and clearly advertised pricing is a must, as the "junk fees" rule under federal law prohibits hidden or misleading fees. Document everything, including costs, dates, and any communication with towing companies. This documentation can be crucial if you need to dispute charges or file a complaint.
Stay informed about new laws and regulations in your state. Several states like North Carolina, Florida, Mississippi, Tennessee, Colorado, Maryland, and Virginia have enacted laws to combat predatory towing. Being aware of these developments can help you better protect yourself.
Regrettably, predatory billing affects 29.8% of crash-related tows in the United States, as reported by the U.S. Department of Transportation. However, cases like this one serve as a reminder that justice can be sought and won when individuals stand up for their rights.
As of the article's publication, Haney's Trucking and Tow was still operating and attempting to change its name. However, it was reported by Moneywise that the company has since ceased operations. The case was discussed by Brianne Thomas, an attorney at Boyd Kenter Thomas & Parish LLC, on WDAF-TV on June 27, 2025.
In Missouri, for a tow to be legal, the owner must be present, which was not the case in this instance. This underscores the importance of understanding your rights and being vigilant when it comes to towing practices. By following the tips outlined above, drivers can significantly reduce their risk of becoming victims of predatory towing.
- Despite the court ruling against Haney's Trucking and Tow, the small-business owner of "Crazy Tacos" had her vehicle illegally towed, highlighting the need for caution when dealing with towing companies in small-business operations.
- The $7.1 million verdict against Haney's Trucking and Tow in the 'Crazy Tacos' case underscores the importance of understanding finance matters, especially in relation to business practices, to protect small businesses from predatory towing.
