with variations, this is the latin way. when you get in a car accident you are expected to negotiate a settlement with the other party. when the police arrive, they will stand to one side while you negotiate that settlement. if you cannot arrive at a settlement, they impound the vehicles, the drivers and the passnegers until the courts can settle things for you, a process that can take years. the passengers are usually let go once they give a signed statement and pay some 'costs' to the police. the drivers are not let go until some serious cash changes hands (unless one or both of them is a very powerful dignitary). even if you are completely blame free, it is in your best interests to make whatever settlement with the other driver you can, quickly, because things get very expensive once you go to the police station
).
