Opinion ID: 2110894
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: Randolph's Claim

Text: This case arises from BMV's impoundment and sale of Randolph's 1980 Honda Accord LX. On January 16, 1987, Delaware & South Towing Co. (D & S) towed Randolph's automobile from a grassy area in front of her apartment, located at 8247 Harcourt Rd., Indianapolis. D & S had been told to tow the automobile by a private party, apparently the manager of Randolph's apartment complex. On or about January 16, 1987, Randolph entered the hospital due to an incapacitating illness. She was in the hospital from mid-January 1987 until May 1987. Randolph last saw her automobile before she entered the hospital in January 1987. On February 16, 1987, the BMV sent a first class letter regarding Randolph's automobile to her Harcourt Road address. The letter identified the automobile, notified Randolph that the car had been towed by D & S, and told her how she could recover it: IN ORDER TO OBTAIN A RELEASE OF THIS VEHICLE IT IS NECESSARY FOR YOU TO SHOW PROOF OF OWNERSHIP AND MEET THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE DEPARTMENT OF LAW ENFORCEMENT HAVING PLACED THE VEHICLE UNDER PROTECTIVE CUSTODY. TOW-IN CHARGES PLUS STORAGE WILL ACCRUE FROM THE DATE OF TOW-IN. IT IS THE OWNER AND ANY LIENHOLDERS [sic] LEGAL RESPONSIBILITY FOR ALL COSTS INCURRED IN REMOVING AND STORING THE VEHICLE OR PARTS. IN THE EVENT YOU DO NOT CLAIM THIS VEHICLE WITHIN FIFTEEN (15) DAYS FROM THE DATE OF THIS NOTICE, THE VEHICLE WILL BE SOLD AT PUBLIC AUCTION AS AN ABANDONED VEHICLE, PURSUANT TO IC 1971, 9-9-1.1. (Record at 115). On March 10, 1987, Randolph's automobile was sold at an auction held on the premises of D & S, to an employee of D & S for $430, including towing charges. Randolph contends that at the time of sale her automobile was worth approximately $1,750 wholesale and $2,550 retail. Pursuant to Ind. Code § 9-9-1.1-14(b) [3] Randolph received nothing from the sale. Randolph says she received neither the BMV notice nor any other communication indicating that her automobile was towed and would be sold. The letter notice sent to Randolph was not returned to the BMV Abandoned Vehicle Department from the post office, and the department did not receive any other indication that it was not deliverable. The department had no means for determining whether the notice had been received, and can neither confirm nor deny that Randolph received notice.