Vehicle Repossession Accidents and Injuries

Each year, an estimated 1.5 to 2 million vehicles are repossessed in the United States. These repossessions are often carried out by unlicensed agents, without a court order or the involvement of law enforcement officials. Each day, these so-called “Repo Men,” who may or may not have criminal records, use violence and threats to repossess vehicles, with deadly consequences.

What is Repossession?

Automobile repossession, or “repo,” occurs when an agent of your creditor apprehends your vehicle because you have defaulted on your loan. What constitutes default depends on your contract, but it usually means that you failed to make a payment on time.

Repo Facts and Statistics

An estimated 1.5 to 2 million vehicles are repossessed in the U.S. every year.
In 33 out of 50 states, no special license is needed to carry out repossessions.
From 2006-2009, six deaths, three accidental child abductions, and more than two dozen injuries occurred during repossessions (National Consumer Law Center).

Common Repo Incidents and Injuries

Hit-and-run accidents
Pedestrian accidents
Auto crashes
Accidental child abductions
Physical violence (fights and altercations)
Gun shot and stab wounds

Recent Repo Incidents

2009- Atlanta, Georgia- A woman was run over by a repo truck driver as she attempted to verify paperwork that authorized him to tow her son’s car. When she tried to stop the driver to obtain the documents she was struck by the truck’s mirror, fell down, and was run over.
2009- Cleveland, Ohio- A woman carrying her 1-year-old was dragged several blocks after being run over by a repo driver as she attempted to stop him from towing her car. He ended up driving away with the woman’s other child, 4-years-old, asleep in the backseat.
2011- Chino Hills, California- A woman sustained fatal injuries as she stood in front of her car in an attempt to keep it from being repossessed. The tow truck driver reportedly thought she had moved out of the way and went on with the repo, crushing the woman between his truck and her car.

Your Rights

While it may be legal for creditors to repossess your vehicle, they are not allowed to commit a “breach of the peace” to do so. This means that repo agents cannot:

break into your house
enter a closed garage
pretend to be a law enforcement officer
stop you on the street or highway to repossess your vehicle
forcibly remove you from your vehicle
create a disturbance (fight or other altercation)
threaten you or your family

According to the Federal Trade Commission, “should there be a breach of the peace in seizing your car, your creditor may be required to pay a penalty or to compensate you if any harm is done to you or your property.”

Call an Experienced Personal Injury Attorney

While creditors may have a right to repossess your car, you have the right to your own safety and the safety of your family. If you or someone you love was injured during a vehicle repossession, contact Thomas J. Henry Injury Attorneys immediately. We have the resources needed to pursue your case quickly and aggressively. We are available 24/7, nights and weekends.

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Repossession Accidents