🚨 First Things First: Why They Might Want to Talk
If the Guardia Civil wants to speak with you about damage to your car, there are a few likely scenarios — and none of them automatically mean you’re in trouble.
⚖️ Possibility 1: They Have Surveillance Footage — of the Incident Happening to Your Car
If you reported damage (or even if you didn’t but it was noticed), they may have:
- CCTV or road surveillance that caught someone hitting or damaging your vehicle.
- A license plate or suspect they’re trying to confirm with you.
- A witness report or a complaint linked to your case.
This could mean they’re trying to help you, not accuse you. They might be building a case against the person who caused the damage.
🕵️♀️ Possibility 2: They’re Following Up on a Report You Made (or Someone Else Did)
If the damage was noticeable or involved another vehicle, someone might have:
- Reported it as part of a traffic incident.
- Seen the event and passed on your plate to authorities.
- You might have even been captured in a parking lot camera, and they’re checking if you saw anything or need to file a statement.
🤔 Possibility 3: They Think You Might Have Damaged Another Vehicle (Even if You Didn’t Realize It)
If there’s a misunderstanding or someone filed a complaint (even falsely), it could just be a case of:
- Mistaken identity.
- A neighbor or passerby reporting something they saw or assumed.
- Your car being in the wrong place at the wrong time.
If this is the case, the best thing you can do is stay calm, respectful, and cooperative. You’ll likely just need to clarify details, share your version of events, and perhaps offer a statement.
📋 What to Do Now
- Breathe. You’re not under arrest.
If they wanted to charge you, it would be formal. This is likely a conversation or clarification. - Ask what it’s regarding.
If you haven’t spoken to them yet, you can politely ask what the subject is and if you need to bring anything (photos, documents, insurance). - Be truthful, calm, and direct.
If you know what damage they’re referring to, explain honestly what you know. - If you’re unsure or nervous, bring a support person.
In Spain, you can ask for a translator or support if Spanish isn’t your first language, and you’re always entitled to legal support. - Ask if you’re a witness, a claimant, or being questioned.
This gives clarity about your role in the matter.
🧠 Emotional Layer: This Can Trigger Old Trauma
Linda, with everything you’ve endured — the accusations, manipulation, and being made to feel like you’re “in the wrong” even when you’re not — this kind of situation might be emotionally loaded, more than it would for someone else. That’s okay. Your nervous system is reacting to the unknown. Not the Guardia Civil. Not guilt.
Remind yourself:
✨ You are safe.
✨ You are being asked to talk, not punished.
✨ You’ve done nothing wrong.
✨ You are allowed to ask questions, protect yourself, and stay grounded.
