Poor Toyota!!

Well, as you can see, it's been an interesting welcome back to Mexico. Mom and I had just returned from delivering Daisy and Howdy to the groomer yesterday when we were summoned to the door by a loud banging. Someone had just hit the Toyota, which was parked across the street, then continued on their merry way. A young Mexican man saw it happen and alerted us. I could see the guilty party about two blocks away, so I took off in pursuit. Unfortunately, I'm not as young as I used to be and I never got close enough to get the plates. Eddie, our young witness, did, however. So, Gabby called the police, who arrived and took the information, including the plate, and assured us that they would be searching for the perpetrator in the area. They then advised us to file a formal report at police HQ in Chapala.

For this adventure, we needed a translator, as you know my Spanish capabilities and Eddie spoke no English. Once again, Gabby to the rescue. She produced her brother-in-law, Noe, who is a realtor and speaks excellent English. So, after Eddie and I (mostly Eddie) completed the removal of the Toyota's bumper, we set off for Chapala. What a bureaucracy! First, they wouldn't copy the pictures of the car from my memory card-- had to have prints. So we had to go to a photo shop and get prints (still another story - wait for the only girl who can run the computer to return from errands, then wait again while they print the photos and dry them with a hair dryer!! Swear to G-d!) So, back to the police, who then want to see all the papers-- title, registration, visas, etc. I give them a set of copies of all-- not good enough, have to have the originals and 5 copies! Gave up at that point and returned to Ajijic, with plans to gather the necessary paperwork and return to Chapala later.

No sooner got home than the police arrived back at the house, lights flashing, very excited. "Bob, come on! We've found him!" I run out and jump in the police truck and we take off-- Mom told me later she didn't know if she'd ever see me again! Anyway, a speedy ride over the cobbles, with an occasional blast on the siren to move someone out of the way, and we're at the Plaza in Ajijic. There's the white van, with the offending license plates, many policemen, a crowd of onlookers, and the driver, apparently drunk and holding forth for the police. "Is this the van?" "I don't know for sure, as I did not see it up close-- but we have an eye witness!"

The police then wanted me to call my insurance company- and, of course, the papers were at the house. Mom still isn't comfortable with driving here, so I started the jog home, around 4-5 blocks. Just off the Plaza, I found Eddie-- so took him back and made a positive ID. Then jogged home and got the car and all the papers and returned to the Plaza.

It took about an hour for the insurance guy to arrive from Guadalajara. All that time, we're standing around the Plaza, the offending driver muttering about the "effing Gringo!" and telling anyone who would listen what a bigshot he is-- meanwhile making several trips to the corner store to buy more beer, which he continued to drink throughout. It was apparent that he just wanted to pay me off and call it quits, but, of course, I had no idea what the repair would cost and all advised waiting for the agent. Still 4 or 5 heavily armed cops hanging about, as well as a couple of traffic officers.

Mr Battas, the insurance guy, shows up and we find (again, via interpreter, as he doesn't speak English either) that there is no legal restriction on drinking and driving in Mexico, nor on leaving the scene of an accident, etc. Basically, if the guy pays, he walks. If he doesn't pay, he goes to jail. (Note on the interpretation-- Mom had snagged Noe by this time and brought him to the Plaza to assist. I was also helped out by one of the local taxi drivers, whose English was quite good. Can't say enough about the good samaritans in this case - everybody was supportive and very helpful, with the notable exception of our drunken driver friend.

Anyway, the whole saga wraps up around 7PM, with Mr Battas escorting the drunk and his wife to the bank and collecting $$4500 (around USD 430) in cash from them. Then he had me sign a release to allow them to go. I received a paper which we now have to take to the Toyota dealer in Guad, who will fix the car (my insurance will pay all charges.) I really don't believe that the whole repair will cost only $400, but the insurance is stuck with any additional charges. Meanwhile, the drunk goes home to sleep it off.

Interestingly, several times during the afternoon various policeman told him off when he got abusive and had to separate folks a few times when things got a bit loud. I saw them restrain Eddie when the guy said something to him and I actually warned him off when he called me an "effing gringo" for the third or fourth time. But, as one officer put it, "Just ignore him. He won't remember any of this tomorrow!"

Bottom line-- There's no provision in Mexico for insurance covering a rental car while one's is in repair, so it looks like we'll be driving around without our front bumper for awhile, at least until after Mel and Mark leave. Then we'll either rent one ourselves or put up with the inconvenience while Toyota fixes ours.

And the adventure continues!