PITTSBURGH – Howard’s Towing and Recovery LLC, along with a handful of other defendants, are being accused in a class action of illegally cheating people through unscrupulous towing methods.
Terry Motchar sued Peter Gordon, Richard Bourman (d/b/a Shadyside Plaza Associates), Shady Plaza Associates LLC, Howard’s Towing and Recovery LLC, and Howard Szuminsky in the Allegheny Court of Common Pleas March 16.
“Howard’s Towing, on behalf of itself and the property defendants, retains possession of these towed vehicles and will not release the vehicles to their owners until it is paid a fee that substantially exceeds the [maximum] fees the City of Pittsburgh allows for such non-consensual towing services,” the lawsuit claims.
The class is suing under the state Vehicle Code, common law, and Pennsylvania’s Unfair Trade Practices and Consumer Protection Law violations.
It’s looking for a declaration that certifies the class, an order for the defendants to pay damages, and an injunction that would prevent the defendants from continuing the alleged illegal conduct.
The class also wants attorneys fees and pre- and post-judgment interest, and other related court costs.
Plaintiff is represented by Kelly Iverson of Carlson Lynch LLP of Pittsburgh and by Joshua Ward and Brian Fenters of The Law Firm of Fenters Ward of Pittsburgh.