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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.


Client Reviews
★★★★★
I can't begin to thank Mr. Hoffman enough for his extensive efforts throughout the entire case. He went absolutely above and beyond throughout the entire process. From day one he was immediately actively pursuing ways to prevent my case from ever going to court and once that was no longer an option, actively began working on getting the case ultimately dismissed. His communication was consistent and reassuring, despite my frantic worries all the time... Micaiah Botts
★★★★★
My family and I simply owe our life and future to Ron Hoffman. If you are looking for a lawyer that goes above and beyond the call of duty you can't find a better lawyer than Ron. He took my case head on from the moment I called his office. I was involved in an accidental hit and run where I was unaware of the injury. Every step of the way, Ron guided me through an almost two year long investigation and court settlement process and was constantly by my side through out every crossroad... Bill Martin
★★★★★
Ron Hoffman and his staff were Fantastic when dealing with such a serious issue of DUI. When I first Called Ron I was very nervous and worried for my daughter and her freedom. She had a failure to appear on top of her DUI and I knew just how bad this could be. Ron was able to immediately put me at ease and gave me the confidence that there was hope and a light at the end of the tunnel. Ron was able to get the failure to appear dismissed and also no jail time for my daughter... Claude Brown
★★★★★
I have been working with Mr. Hoffman for over 11 years. I have seen first hand his genuine dedication to his clients, and how his experience, knowledge and passion have gotten clients fantastic results. He treats each of his clients as his only client, and takes the time to develop detailed strategies and defenses for each individual case. I have never hesitated to refer Mr. Hoffman to anyone who has asked me for a good Criminal Defense attorney. He is a fantastic attorney!... Neeta P.
★★★★★
I had a DUI issue recently. I have never had a problem with the law as serious as this one. I did panic a bit after and knew I had to get a lawyer to help my future. I researched the Web and read the reviews for awesome DUI Lawyers. Hiring a lawyer can be intimidating. Ron's 30 years experience and step by step guidance helped me with my case. Jonie was amazing with keeping me calm. Ron Hoffman is a great lawyer and I would refer any friends or family to him... Manuel Gomez
★★★★★
Ron was so accommodating and professional. With a Firm like his you wouldn't expect him to be as accessible, but he immediately returned phone calls, was easy to communicate with and was very sympathetic to my situation. He went above and beyond and was able to get a better result than I'd hoped or expected. I highly recommend Ron Hoffman and his firm. He made a difficult and anxiety fueled process bearable and made me feel safe. He is a lovely man. One does not wish to need a criminal attorney, but if you do need one, Ron's the guy to call... Teri A.
★★★★★
Ron and his team were the perfect pairing for what I needed taken care of. Every step of the way he was extremely helpful and informative (not his first rodeo). His work ethic and attitude were exemplary and it showed with the results of using his services. I would recommend anyone I know to give Ron a call if they need help in his realm of expertise. Many thanks Ron and associates!... Donald N.
★★★★★
I didn't hire a lawyer for my first DUI... What a mistake! Ronald goes above and beyond with his art and knowledge of custom strategy according to your case. lawyer of the year (every year)... Adam R.
★★★★★
I hate lawyers. They are hard to get a hold of, greedy and unreliable. Ron is the opposite of all these things. He deserves 6 stars, and I very much recommend him. He helped me through my case with nothing but kindness, understanding, and knowledge and eventually got it dropped. Thanks for everything Ron!... Avi Z.
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