State police told to pay tow truck owner $3.25 million

A federal jury has awarded $3.25 million to a Monroe County towing operator in a lawsuit against state police.

[Kost-Koe]

just me wrote:

Wow...I used to work in an insurance claim office. Just the name "Schlier" still makes my skin itch. What a sleezy outfit. Is it in some way mandatory to stay on the State Police tow company list? I'm sure they were kicked off for good reason. I hope this is appealed!

I agree. It should not be considered a "right" to be on the tow list, but rather a privilege. All these tow guys are slime. I am sure a higher court will overturn this (once it is out of the hands of a corrupted jury).

[have a nice day]

I didn't realize that it was the right of the towing companies to be on "The List." I think I'll go start my own towing company... 3.25 million for not doing anything. JACKPOT!

[Guest]

Schlier is one of the least liked persons I've ever known. Never heard a good word about him in my entire life...ever.

[doindawash]

I head a few bad things about this guy...from what I read above...they must be true!

[TREY]

pay up sucka

[What a Crock]

For what reason is the 'award' so high? He never would have earned that towing cars. This better be appealed.

[Dennis Mac]

As usual, the Morning Call gives scant details.

A "billing dispute"? How does that involve the PSP?

If you break-down, and a trooper calls for a tow, isn't the "billing" between you and the tow operator?

Did the PSP receive complaints regarding this guy's billing practices?

If so, the PSP should have referred the complaintant to the operator.

I have no love for the PSP, but I've gotta say, that this ruling stinks. If the PSP has to pay, guess what: WE PAY !!!

[Dennis Mac]

The PSP should be maintaining a list of the most EXPEDIENT tow operators - the ones who will clear the roads the fastest, and that's it.

So what part of the story is the MC leaving out?

[Franko]

Well here is a very professional Towing company in the Lehigh Valley that are clean, professional, compassionate and they enjoy their jobs!
http://www.fastlanetowing.com

[Who has the right]

What a Crock wrote:

For what reason is the 'award' so high? He never would have earned that towing cars. This better be appealed.

I was charged 150.00 for a 5lb. bag of sand by the tow company on graham st in allentown. That plus the tow, the hook up, travel time, all seperate charges. At that rate you bet you make that $$$$

[Down the Hatch]

Schlier is a snake who would overcharge his own mother to make a buck. The Lehigh Valley has a few rotten tow companies of their own. Piechota's (Thiefchota's) immediately comes to mind.

[Wally World]

Do you realize who is paying the 3.25 million? Waste of taxpayer monies! I was under the impression there was a 250k cap on suing gov. agencies, guess I was wrong. This list is nonsense it should be on a bid system like everything else. If you fail to live up to the bidded service you are charged.

[Phantom Writer who knows]

First let me preface that Schlier is not the only tow truck company that services the state police in that area. However, prior to 2001 (going back at least 2 decades) Schlier received most of the towing by the state police. Why, well guess. There is a kick back from the towing company to the State Police. No in money but in favors. Oil changes, body work, towing, tune ups. This has been going on for over 35 years in the state police. They might do an internal investigation but always both parties come up smelling like roses. This is not only true with the state police but with the local police also.
With respect to the big pay out by the federal jury. All justified by the numbers produced by the Plaintiff. They don't know what happened behind the scenes. It wasn't the State Police that use Schlier that bogged down their invoices it was Harrisburg. The local SP were told to their dismay that Schlier had to be removed from their towing list. The rest is history.

[Phillies Fan]

Don't break down on the turnpike. AAA is not allowed on the road. The state ploice will call the tow driver for you. Sleezy!

[Pa Gov Is Sleez]

*The Census Bureau has encountered periodic difficulties collecting housing permit data for Pennsylvania from third-party providers and consequently the year-to-year change in that state’s permits may reflect data collection issues rather than actual variations.

Only for pa was this notice issued! In pa the biggest crooks are not street corner drug dealer but, rather members of the government.

[Hand In Hand]

Down the Hatch wrote:

Schlier is a snake who would overcharge his own mother to make a buck. The Lehigh Valley has a few rotten tow companies of their own. Piechota's (Thiefchota's) immediately comes to mind.

He does favors for cops.

[Jeff]

Kost-Koe wrote:

<quoted text>
I agree. It should not be considered a "right" to be on the tow list, but rather a privilege. All these tow guys are slime. I am sure a higher court will overturn this (once it is out of the hands of a corrupted jury).

I hope it is overturned on appeal. This was the most ridiculous lawsuit of the year!

[Tarnished Sheba]

Oh brother... I hope they appeal this bullsh&t lawsuit.

[goody]

the state police should have to pay..its not bs its reality gentleman reality...apparently you people aren't business owners..you 9 to 5 guys
probably don't have the bills that the tow company has...

[LV Tower]

As a tower in the Lehigh Valley, I think this sheds a bad light on all of us. A lawsuit is one thing when the award is a fair amount, but $3.25 million? Seriously? Do you think Schlier's lost that much from lack of PSP calls? No way. Maybe $100k, if that? What's the rest for? Pain and suffering? Give me a break.

To everyone outside the towing industry: Please don't think that all towers are crooks like this.