Woman Wins $7.1M After Illegally Towed Food Truck Sparks Legal Battle

A Kansas City food truck owner has secured a $7.1 million jury award after refusing to pay predatory towing fees and taking legal action against the company responsible for seizing her vehicle.

The woman, who owns Crazy Tacos, parked her food truck in what appeared to be a safe, empty lot — no signs, no fences, no warnings. Within 30 minutes, it was towed.

Towing Company Violated Missouri Law

Her truck was towed by Haney’s Trucking and Tow, which held it for 699 days, demanded thousands in fees, and even attempted to transfer ownership. According to Missouri law, a property owner must be present for a tow to be legal. That wasn’t the case here.

By the time she got her truck back, it was damaged, missing equipment, and barely functioning — effectively ruining her livelihood. Rather than back down, she:

Filed a complaint with the Missouri Attorney General’s Office
Pursued a lawsuit with the help of legal counsel
Proved the tow was illegal and that the company tried to wrongfully keep her truck

A jury ultimately awarded her $6.9 million in punitive damages and $200,000 in compensatory damages.

“They towed the truck after 30 minutes — illegally,” said her attorney, Brianne Thomas.

Following the verdict, the towing company reportedly ceased operations, changed its name, and vacated its office.

5 Steps to Protect Yourself From Predatory Towing

If you’re ever in a similar situation, here’s how to fight back — and possibly win:

Know your local laws
Towing rules vary by city and state. Learn your rights, especially in commercial or high-traffic zones.
Watch for signs and markings
Even if a lot appears empty, check for signage, red curbs, and fire lanes.
Document everything
Take photos of the scene, note the time, and get a copy of the tow authorization if possible.
Question suspicious fees
Don’t automatically pay high towing bills if something feels off — missing signage, no owner present, etc.
File a formal complaint
Report incidents to your state attorney general or consumer protection office. Legal action can lead to justice.

Bonus: What to Do If Your Car Is Towed

If your car is towed — rightfully or not — follow these steps:

Find out why it was towed (check signage, missed payments, unpaid tickets)
Locate your car (contact the towing company or look for notices)
Pay promptly to avoid mounting storage fees
Dispute if wronged by gathering evidence and filing a complaint

Sometimes, a simple conversation with the tow company may resolve the issue. If not, consult with a lawyer, as many offer free case evaluations.

This Kansas City case shows that standing up for your rights — and having proof — can lead to big wins against illegal towing practices.

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