Kan. AG Puts Brakes on Turnpike Tow Operator for Auto Accident Scam

Kansas Attorney General Phill Kline filed suit recently against a Lawrence towing company after an investigation by his Consumer Protection and Antitrust Division reportedly revealed numerous alleged violations of the Kansas Consumer Protection Act (KCPA).

In a petition filed in Douglas County District Court Nov. 8, Kline alleges that Kevin Raasch, d/b/a TransMasters Towing, 1549 N. 3rd Street, Lawrence, Kan., committed 14 deceptive or unconscionable acts or practices under the KCPA against six specific Kansas consumers.

Among other allegations, Kline accuses TransMasters Towing of charging grossly excessive fees for services provided by the company, misrepresenting toll road policy concerning the selection of a towing company following accidents on the Kansas Turnpike, and taking advantage of consumers hospitalized or otherwise incapacitated following automobile accidents.

Kline’s office initiated its investigation of the defendant after the Kansas Highway Patrol forwarded information to the office that indicated that the defendant may have engaged in a pattern of deceptive or unconscionable practices in possible violation of Kansas law.

Kline asked the court to order the defendant to pay $10,000 in civil penalties and fines for each violation of the KCPA, presently totaling $140,000, in addition to all court costs and investigative fees. Kline also asked the court to permanently enjoin the defendant from these and all other violations of the KCPA.