Taiwanese Court Awards Nearly $8,000 in Compensation After Car Falls Off Tow Truck

A car owner in Miaoli County, Taiwan, is set to receive nearly NT$80,000 (approximately $2,500 USD) in national compensation after their vehicle was damaged during a police tow. The incident occurred when the car, being towed for illegal parking, detached from the tow truck en route to the impound lot.

The vehicle sustained damage to its rear bumper and right side sill. While the owner received insurance payouts for repairs, they pursued national compensation for additional costs. These included NT$28,800 for a rental car during the repair period, NT$45,000 for vehicle depreciation, NT$8,000 for appraisal fees, and NT$30,000 for emotional distress, totaling NT$112,500.

The Miaoli District Court ruled that the Miaoli County Police Bureau was liable for the damages, acknowledging a causal link between the towing operation and the car's damage. The court awarded NT$24,600 for the rental car, recognizing the necessity of alternative transportation. The depreciation and appraisal fees were also approved based on an appraisal report from the Miaoli County Automobile Commerce Association.

However, the court denied the claim for emotional distress, stating that the damage primarily affected property rights and did not fall under categories legally recognized for emotional compensation. The towing and storage fees were also deemed unrelated to the accident itself, as they stemmed from the initial parking violation.