Brianne Thomas thought she had found a safe place to park. The lot looked empty. There were no signs posted. She seemed to have no reason to think it was off-limits. But when she came back just a short time later, a tow company had unexpectedly taken it. The car wasn’t just any regular vehicle, either. It was her livelihood: a food truck she operated as a small business.

That tow triggered a legal battle that lasted nearly two years

The company that took her truck didn’t just remove it. They kept it for 699 days. They even tried to transfer the title into their own name.

Now, a Jackson County jury has awarded her $7.4 million. That includes $6.9 million in punitive damages and $200,000 in compensatory damages. Her attorneys say the verdict sends a strong message to any tow company trying to operate outside the law.

The trouble started in 2022

Thomas parked her “Crazy Tacos” truck in a lot she believed was safe. Since the lot clearly looked deserted, she didn’t think anything of the location. When she returned less than an hour later, it was gone.

Haney’s Trucking and Tow removed it. Missouri law requires the property owner to be present for a private property tow. No one was there.

When Thomas tried to get her truck back, the company demanded thousands. Instead of paying, she filed a complaint with the Missouri Attorney General. Then she hired lawyers and got ready for a fight.

The company kept the vehicle. They began transferring ownership paperwork. By the time Thomas recovered it, the company had gutted it. Equipment was missing. It could barely drive.

Today, Haney’s Trucking and Tow appears to have vanished

Their listed office is empty. The building is for sale. A second location is also shut down. Neighbors say no one has worked there in weeks. The company’s attorney declined to comment.

Predatory towing isn’t just a Kansas City issue

Drivers across the country report being towed illegally or charged excessive fees. Some cities and states have pushed back. New laws require better signage and stricter rules around private lot towing.

Drivers who believe they’re victims can fight back

One of the first places to file a complaint is with the State Attorney General’s office, which investigates unfair or deceptive business practices. In Missouri, for example, complaints can be submitted to the Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division.

Local police or sheriff’s departments can also help, especially if the tow seemed illegal or lacked proper signage. Calling the non-emergency number allows officers to check if the tow was reported properly and determine if further investigation is needed.

Many cities and counties handle towing enforcement through code enforcement or public works departments. These offices can issue fines or citations if a company violates local ordinances.

Some states regulate tow companies through the Department of Transportation or a Public Utilities Commission. These agencies may license towing operators and investigate misconduct or unsafe practices.

Filing a complaint with the Better Business Bureau is another option. While the BBB can’t issue fines, they often help resolve disputes and warn other consumers about shady companies.

If a vehicle was damaged, illegally held, or towed without proper authorization, drivers can take the company to small claims or civil court

It’s important to gather documentation, such as photos, receipts, and any written communications.

To protect yourself, always take pictures of where you park, check for clear signage, and never assume a tow is automatically legal.

If your vehicle is taken, ask for a copy of the invoice, proof of authorization, and a breakdown of charges. Don’t be afraid to speak up or take legal action. Predatory towing thrives on silence.