We have lived in Panama for almost 6 years and never been in a wreck, until a few days ago. It was definitely a learning experience and not one I want to go through again!
The other day, I parked at a store where I normally do - on the side. Fewer cars park there and it's easier to get in and out of the spaces. I had all six kids with me and we were excited about getting ready for my son's 14th birthday.
We hopped in the car and I started backing out. All of a sudden, we heard some crunching sound. Noodles. I had hit the car next to me.
I got out of the car to see what the deal was. Homie was parked crooked in the spot, but I had broken his taillight. He was an older guy and told me he was honking at me. You see, in the excitement inside the car, I couldn't hear honking.
As soon as I started talking to him, he said to give him $300 or he would call the cops. I called my husband and Panamanian friend. My friend tried to talk the guy down. Nope, he wanted $300.
You see, the reason the total was so high was I am a gringa. That's all I can figure. That and the fact that the deductible if I went through insurance would have been $300 as well. He said he called the parts store and they said the taillight was $300 to replace. Calling the police would have added a ticket on top of the $300 I would have had to have paid.
I tried to explain to him that he was parked crooked, but it was my fault since I was the one moving and he was sitting still. Plus all the damage was on his car - just the broken light.
He appeared to know everyone coming into and out of the store. Others said they could hear him honking and asked if I had hit him. Pretty sure he was related to the mayor as well.
We decided the best thing to do was pay the $300 and get on with life. As soon as I told him my husband was coming, he was the nicest guy. Telling me how cute my kids were and all of that.
Not a fun experience, but now I look every direction before I even think about moving my car! Live and learn, right?
