American Eagle Wins Appeal Over Towing Dispute
A Florida appeals court revived American Eagle Towing’s lawsuit against Inter Freight, ruling the trial judge wrongly tossed the case before evidence could be heard. The decision keeps alive claims that the freight company failed to pay for towing and storage services after a crash.
The dispute began when American Eagle towed a wrecked tractor-trailer owned or operated by Inter Freight. American Eagle says it performed the work at the company’s request and stored the damaged rig for months, but Inter Freight refused to pay the bill. Inter Freight moved to dismiss, arguing the complaint was too vague and failed to show a valid contract. The trial court agreed and ended the case early.
On appeal, the Third District Court of Appeal reversed that ruling. The panel held that American Eagle’s allegations were sufficient to state claims for breach of contract and unjust enrichment under Florida law. Because the complaint described the services performed and the demand for payment, the court said the case should move forward to discovery and trial. The ruling matters because it reminds carriers and service providers that basic allegations of work performed and payment demanded can survive early dismissal motions.
For trucking and towing companies, the decision reduces the risk that legitimate invoices get wiped out by technical pleading challenges before facts are developed.
**Bottom Line:** Courts will let service providers pursue payment claims if they clearly allege work done and money owed.
https://www.courtlistener.com/opinion/10876277/american-eagle-towing-inc-v-inter-freight-inc/
How might this ruling change how you handle disputed towing bills?