I am a 26 YO SWM that parked my car behind a Washington Mutual bank (3500 North Clark) in Lakeview/Wrigleyville. I parked behind the bank because parking was sparse and I did not see any signs in the parking lot indicating that parking there after bank hours required a permit. The only signs I saw read 'Customer parking only during bank hours.' There was also a sign for the towing service. As a result, I parked there.
When I returned 45 minutes later, my car was gone. I took a cab to the towing company address and sure enough, there it was. I asked the attendant why my car was towed and he indicated that I had no permit to park in the lot. I informed that I was parked in a public bank parking lot and he said 'the bank is closed' followed by 'do you want your car or not?' It cost me $170.00 and $18.00 for cab fare.
I plan on taking photos tomorrow of the signs and the parking lot. Beyond that, calling the manager of the bank and the towing company, I'm considering legal recourse. Would I have any kind of case? Any idea what kind of chances I might have? Are the costs to pursuing this greater than the benefits? Should I file a police report?
I defer to your experience regarding this matter. Thanks!
When I returned 45 minutes later, my car was gone. I took a cab to the towing company address and sure enough, there it was. I asked the attendant why my car was towed and he indicated that I had no permit to park in the lot. I informed that I was parked in a public bank parking lot and he said 'the bank is closed' followed by 'do you want your car or not?' It cost me $170.00 and $18.00 for cab fare.
I plan on taking photos tomorrow of the signs and the parking lot. Beyond that, calling the manager of the bank and the towing company, I'm considering legal recourse. Would I have any kind of case? Any idea what kind of chances I might have? Are the costs to pursuing this greater than the benefits? Should I file a police report?
I defer to your experience regarding this matter. Thanks!
