What happens in a serious crash in Vietnam?
In the case of a serious crash where either the traveler or a local is injured. People from the area or village quickly surround the scene of the crash out of curiosity. The police will then promptly show up and act as an on the spot investigator and judge. After their small investigation, they will decide who pays who what amounts.
The police will then confiscate the motorbikes from both parties and use them as ransom to force an agreement between those who were involved in the crash. It is here that you will usually find the police quite helpful. They typically aid in a reasonable negotiation between foreigners and Vietnamese.
We recommend following police advice in regards to the cash needed to make the situation go away. Holding on to your morals of who caused the crash will not help you here. This is Vietnam, and this is the way things are done. Once all parties agree to walkway quietly, the police will then release the motorbikes. A little coffee money for minor problems is an efficient way to make any problem magically disappear.
For Vietnam Motorbike Tour’s help and assistance it is important clients explain the full story accurately. It is common for travelers to “bend the truth” and this often contributes to digging big holes for all parties involved.
It is easiest for travelers to fix the situation themselves. Police, like to deal with the driver of the vehicle directly and attempts to pawn the situation onto someone else, can delay in motorbike retrieval.
Once again, if you are driving by the book and have an international drivers permit and valid license then this will help when accidents occur.
