Anyone ever been involved in a not-at-fault accident with a driver from a foreign country? (Houston: rental car, 2014)

[kev330]

On Sunday, 06/23 I was driving down a street in my neighborhood when a careless driver quickly reversed out of a driveway without checking for traffic and sideswiped the rear passenger door of my brand new, 2014 KIA Forte EX. I am in shock, I haven't even had the car more than 3 weeks and its already been in an accident that wasn't my fault. I tried to brake and swerve to avoid it, but they were reversing so quickly and not looking back,
that I couldn't avoid it. I obviously have the right-of-way and the other party is clearly at fault. However, they are blaming me, telling me that I was going too fast. No, I was going about 30mph (the speed limit).

Here's where it gets really frustrating. These people were visiting from Mexico, driving their own car, licensed, registered, and insured in Mexico. I haven't gotten anything accomplished with their insurance. I'm just getting the runaround with attitude by the same lady from Mexico.

I have since filed a claim with my insurance company, which I completely trust, and it's been smooth sailing from here. I didn't trust Ace Seguros (their insurance). My car is at the Ancira Collision Center and I have a rental car from Enterprise. I didn't want to be waiting around for the other party's insurance.

Being that these careless idiots are living in another country, will they get away with this? State Farm said they are going to represent me after all is completed so they can TRY and get my $500 deductible back and State Farm can get the repair costs back.

The police officer told me that is in an increasing problem here in San Antonio.

I'm so stressed out about all of this. Has anyone else been involved in this situation?

[TrapperL]

I had a Mexican Nat'l side swipe my then new Dodge Dakota truck in Sonterra. If it works for you like it did for me, don't look for yer $500.00 back. They just packed up their stuff and went home. Never did pay the insurance company either. Their insurance company knows that they can stall the US companies forever and there's nothing you can do about it. Texas needs to either make these folks get USA insurance or if they are in a wreck, their car impounded for collateral. That the way it works if YOU go to Mexico except if you are in a wreck in Mexico it's automatically your fault. Expect to go to jail in Mexico as well until the damaged Mexican car is fixed.

[kev330]

I'm really not expecting to get anything out of this. It just angers me that these fools are going to get away with this. I'm probably going to experience the same thing you did when they hit your Dakota. They're not strict enough with these people.

[sleeptech210]

Sorry! It really irks me seeing more and more Mexican plates on the road! Knowing they don't care to have the proper ins! Not to mention Mexican nationals tend to have terrible driving habits! At least in my encounters...usually involves stop signs, yield signs, and cutting people off!

[rynetwo]

Originally Posted by TrapperL

I had a Mexican Nat'l side swipe my then new Dodge Dakota truck in Sonterra. If it works for you like it did for me, don't look for yer $500.00 back. They just packed up their stuff and went home. Never did pay the insurance company either. Their insurance company knows that they can stall the US companies forever and there's nothing you can do about it. Texas needs to either make these folks get USA insurance or if they are in a wreck, their car impounded for collateral. That the way it works if YOU go to Mexico except if you are in a wreck in Mexico it's automatically your fault. Expect to go to jail in Mexico as well until the damaged Mexican car is fixed.

Sorry Trapper that would be racist and never pass in the USA.

Everything aside it's really annoying the difference on how your treated depending on where your from and what side of the border your on...

[pobre]

They are supposed to have US insurance when they drive here. There are many, many border insurance agents who sell those polices.

Unfortunately, no one is checking. In Mexico, if you are driving without a valid (fill in the blank), or are at fault in an accident, your car can be impounded on the spot. I do so wish that Texas could enforce something similar.

[KM1174]

i wouldnt hold your breath for any money back. they have likely gone back to mexico and you wont see one cent from them. the most you can do is press charges (if applicable) and hope it goes on the record. any criminal record usually bars someone entry into the USA, so while there is a slight chance they could get through without being harassed, the odds are in your favor that they will be stopped at the border (if they attempt reentry into the usa) and be deported back to mexico.

furthermore, this IS a growing problem in Sa. mexican nationals think they can do w/e they want then go home with no repercussions. i wont suggest it, but the phrase 'eye for an eye' sure comes to mind. just the other day, while waiting in line at HEB, a swarm of mexican nationals tried to cut past everyone in line... 4 kids n all. i was a bit shocked that no one said a word til i did. of course, i was the typical american douche and waited til the cashier started checking them out, told her that they cut in front of everyone and that if she didnt do something about it, i would go get her manager and see to it that something was done.

needless to say, they were forced to pack up their stuff and move to the end of the line. they ended up abandoning their cart all together though, as by the time i was done checking out, they were speed walking ahead of me to their car with mexican plates on it.

finally, a KIA? really? your money could have been better spent than buying a car that needs maintenance every 2-3 months.

[bolonyokte]

thank you all i found this topic to be exceptionally informative and hope that there will come a day, although i will not hold my breath" that this type of problem gets some serious action on behalf of the US--

[Mom2Feebs]

Here's what happened to the Mexican national that t-boned me at a major intersection in Houston:

NOTHING

[kev330]

Originally Posted by KM1174

i wouldnt hold your breath for any money back. they have likely gone back to mexico and you wont see one cent from them. the most you can do is press charges (if applicable) and hope it goes on the record. any criminal record usually bars someone entry into the USA, so while there is a slight chance they could get through without being harassed, the odds are in your favor that they will be stopped at the border (if they attempt reentry into the usa) and be deported back to mexico.

furthermore, this IS a growing problem in Sa. mexican nationals think they can do w/e they want then go home with no repercussions. i wont suggest it, but the phrase 'eye for an eye' sure comes to mind. just the other day, while waiting in line at HEB, a swarm of mexican nationals tried to cut past everyone in line... 4 kids n all. i was a bit shocked that no one said a word til i did. of course, i was the typical american douche and waited til the cashier started checking them out, told her that they cut in front of everyone and that if she didnt do something about it, i would go get her manager and see to it that something was done.

needless to say, they were forced to pack up their stuff and move to the end of the line. they ended up abandoning their cart all together though, as by the time i was done checking out, they were speed walking ahead of me to their car with mexican plates on it.

finally, a KIA? really? your money could have been better spent than buying a car that needs maintenance every 2-3 months.

Yeah, these people think they can do whatever they please. They're horrible drivers!

Now to my vehicle of choice. I've had 2 KIAs, all surpass 100,000 miles with nothing more than oil changes, and standard maintenance. No repairs what so ever. My neighbor has a 2006 Sorento with 272,000 trouble free miles. They are great, solid vehicles, I don't know where this common misconception comes from that they're a bad auto manufacurer. Have you been inside one lately? Seen how many awards the Optima has received?

Ok now back to the original topic.