(Thechieftainspear) – A Virginia woman’s shopping trip turned into a frustrating ordeal after her car was towed from a Walmart parking lot due to an alleged parking violation. However, her persistence led to a full refund and policy changes at the retailer.
Alison Copeland, a disabled driver, had just entered the Frederick Boulevard Walmart in Portsmouth when her vehicle was towed by Always Swift Towing. The company claimed she had double-parked in a handicapped spot, but Copeland argued that another driver had crossed the line first, forcing her to adjust her position.
Despite having a valid disabled placard and photographic evidence that she believed proved she had not intentionally violated parking rules, Copeland was forced to pay $375 to retrieve her vehicle.
“This is my vehicle, and you can see the tire barely crossed the line,” she said, showing photos of her car’s position.
Attempts to dispute the tow were unsuccessful, with a representative from Always Swift Towing maintaining that Copeland had violated parking regulations.
“She was over the line. That’s why we towed her,” the representative stated, emphasizing that Walmart had authorized their enforcement of parking policies.
The incident left Copeland hesitant to return to Walmart, fearing her car could be targeted again. “I don’t know if my car will still be there the next time I shop,” she said.
Taking Action for Justice
Determined to fight back, Copeland reached out to local news outlets and contacted Walmart’s corporate leadership, including the CEO and marketing executives, in hopes of getting a resolution.
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Her efforts paid off when Walmart’s store manager, Jamie Cobb, personally refunded her the full $375 in cash. Additionally, the company decided to sever ties with Always Swift Towing.
“I couldn’t sleep because of this. It wasn’t just about my refund—it was about fairness,” Copeland said. “Not everyone would have had the money to get their car back.”
What to Do If Your Car Is Towed
If your vehicle is towed, whether justified or not, there are steps you can take to resolve the issue:
- Determine the reason – Check for any posted signs or unpaid citations that might have led to the tow.
- Find your vehicle – Contact local authorities or the towing company, which is usually required to provide information on where your car is stored.
- Retrieve your car quickly – Storage fees can accumulate daily, increasing the cost of getting your vehicle back.
- Dispute wrongful towing – Collect evidence, including photos and receipts, and familiarize yourself with local towing regulations.
- Seek legal advice if necessary – Some lawyers offer free consultations for wrongful towing cases.
In Copeland’s case, her persistence not only resulted in a refund but also brought attention to concerns about towing practices. Walmart has yet to issue a public statement regarding the policy change, and Always Swift Towing has not responded to requests for comment .
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