ESL Teacher Forum - Teach in China

12/22/2007 4:05:14 AM bruce Posts: 24	Three weeks ago, I was driving my motercycle in the town where I teach English. It was about 7pm and a car came out of nowhere ramming me and pushing my motorcycle into another woman who was riding her bike. She in turn crashed into a pole and suffered head trauma. The speeding car never stopped, and I stayed to help the woman. As it turns out, big mistake. The authorities confiscated my passport and I was told to pay 5,000 RMB to the police for the hospital. (which I did) I was given a receipt for that money. I am being told that I may have to pay alot more money in this situation. What can I do? It's not my fault this car crashed into me! My school has been really helpful, my contract is almost up and I am afaid that I will not be able to go home in time. My school has been very helpful, but they are telling me not to get the embassy involved or to hire a lawyer because it will then go to court and there will be even more expense and trouble. Are they just trying to save face? Help! -- China Teacher Blogs
	• permalink
12/30/2007 11:11:15 PM JourneyEast.org Posts: 81	What visa type are you here on? Are you working at a school or just travelling? -- International Travel Insurance
	• permalink
12/30/2007 11:12:51 PM bruce Posts: 24	I'm working at a school and here on a z visa. How does that matter? Yesterday, I was told that I may have to pay 30,000 RMB!!!! I'm freaking out! -- China Teacher Blogs
	• permalink
12/30/2007 11:17:11 PM JourneyEast.org Posts: 81	Because it kinda determines how this thing is going to play out. If you were just travelling and did not have the support of a school you would be totally ---ewed. But because you're working in China (and from it seems legally) than your school will likely try to handle this under the table. Do you have a license to drive? If not, you're going to get fined for that and if the person is seriously injured, you may have to go to jail for a few days. The school will try to protect its interests (and ultimately you) by taking care of this quietly under the table. I can't give you too much advice here, we've had two teachers in the past eight years in this situation. You should seek the advice of a lawyer, but do not engage in their service, just ask for advice, and don't tell your school that you are doing it. You have to know what your rights are in case it goes to court, but you dont want to push the powers to be in that direction either.. Let the Chinese deal with the Chinese. If this goes to court, you will not be allowed to leave China until the matter is resolved, fault is determined, and compensation (if any) is paid in full. In these situations the injured party needs to get healthy and the hospital needs to get paid.. Because you are a foreigner, chances are there are a number of folks that will seek to exploit as much money from you as possible. Your school will have to dole it out in the end if you cannot afford it, so I hope the relationship with you and your headmaster is tight.. The school by rights cannot get rid of you during this period either, as they are the responsible party and you are on their visa. Good luck and PM me off the list if you want a list of lawyers you can speak with in your area. . . . edited by journeyeast on 12/30/2007 -- International Travel Insurance
	• permalink
1/12/2008 1:09:56 PM 7095 Administrator Posts: 116	So, what is happening with your situation? --
	• permalink
1/16/2008 9:03:11 AM bruce Posts: 24	UPDATE: Thanks JE. My school pretty much took care of the situation and handled everything behind the scenes. I had to make several payments to the police which were supposed to be going towards the hospital and the family's ongoing medical expenses. They provided a Chinese fa piao for each payment. I think my school had to pay a fine and some money also. I'm back home and planning to teach in China next semester. I won't drive in China again though! -- China Teacher Blogs
	• permalink
9/7/2010 4:48:22 AM raj21 Posts: 5	You might lose your driver's license, you will be found at fault, even if you weren't, your insurance is going to skyrocket if you can get it at all, you will pay for all damages, you will be assessed fines for the tickets and if we are lucky you won't be driving for awhile. Hope no-one was injured. __________ Breast Enlargement|Breast Growth --
	• permalink

---