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If you have an accident
So some idiot has darted out of a side street without looking and pranged your new car. Or perhaps you yourself were careless, following too close, and banged into the car in front of you.
In Spain procedures to follow after an accident are much the same as in any country. The police may appear and take all the details of both drivers. Or, in the case of smaller accidents, the two drivers can settle the matter between themselves.
You must be sure to get the licence number, the name and the insurance company of the other driver. Do not be intimidated by any shouted threats. It is an upsetting situation, but try to keep your wits about you.
Remember that you have two months in order to bring a charge against the other driver. If you are sure that he is at fault, it is better to do this immediately, but it is not absolutely necessary. If you live in Spain, the normal procedure will be to contact your insurance agent quickly. He will lead you through the process.
If you wish to make a charge, you go to the local police station, make a declaration and then let the insurance companies sort it out. Even if it seems clear that the fault is yours, do not he too quick to admit it. Again, let the insurance company handle it.
The Spanish courts do function. A friend of mine saw a car back into her own car in a parking lot, crumpling the door, As the offending driver fled, she was able to get the licence number of the car. She traced the owner through this number, went to the police station and made a charge against him.
Two years later, she was summoned to a court hearing, where the other driver denied everything. The court ruled in her favour, however, and ordered the other driver to pay for all damages plus court costs, which his insurance company paid. Two years was a long time to wait, but there is a satisfaction when justice is done.
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