Being involved in a car crash is bad enough, but having the other driver flee the scene is even worse. Worst of all is being involved in a hit-and-run crash while on vacation in Mexico.
Tips
When you are involved in a hit-and-run crash in Mexico, the things you need to contend with are daunting. There is likely to be a language barrier, communicating with local police or taking witness statements will be complicated. Then there are the differences in traffic regulations and vehicle laws south of the border. Not to mention the fact that you cannot rely on your U.S. car insurance policy to pay for the necessary repairs to your vehicle.
Protection
If you plan to drive your personal vehicle into Mexico while on vacation, caution should be the watchword. Be sure to follow all traffic laws to the letter, and watch out for other drivers who may not be as adept at driving as you are.
What to Do!
Hopefully, these simple traffic safety steps will protect you, but what if you are involved in a hit-and-run Mexico crash through no fault of your own? What should you do, and how should you protect yourself in the aftermath of the accident? Here are some first steps to take when you are involved in a hit-and-run crash in Mexico.
- Call the insurance company immediately! They can engage the authorities, and send an adjuster.
- While you dial/on the phone, gather as much information as you can. Even if you cannot read the entire license plate, capturing as many letters and numbers as you can. This will make the investigation easier.
- Never chase the other driver. Even if you think you can catch up, trying to chase down the other driver could be a huge mistake. You do not want a simple traffic mishap to escalate into a dangerous physical confrontation.
- Round up the witnesses. Unless you are truly in the middle of nowhere, chances are someone saw the crash. Now is the time to round up those witnesses, along with translators if you can. It never hurts to have an interpreter as you record information on the crash and take witness statements.
- Contact the local authorities. Mexico has laws against hit-and-run driving just like the United States does. It is important to report what happened to the local police, so they can begin the investigation as soon as possible.
Having an accident while in Mexico is a worst-case scenario. If you are involved in a crash, you need to know what to do. The first steps outlined above can help you act fast, so you can get the justice you deserve. Always make sure your friends and relatives purchase and carry MexInsurance.com® insurance for Mexico.
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