No way I am going via a lawyer for 3k pesos, life is too short and I don't need the hassle. We'll claim and if we lose we lose. C'est la vie.
Nose to nose would have been a challenge, even for a sub 6 footer like myself (not many tall Irish about!) I would have had to duck down to get near his little rat beak. The police officer on site calmed both sides, I will say he was fairly kind and calming in his interaction with my wife and regardless of whatever else comes of it I give him kudos for that. He gave me the impression that was the extent of his involvement however.