Grateful We Only Had a Broken Belt: Reflections From the Road

During our year-long adventure across South America, we tried almost every mode of transportation you can imagine — from rickety collectives and overnight buses with questionable shocks, to tuk-tuks, trains, planes, and even hitchhiking. But for one full year, we actually owned a car, which we proudly tested on some of the roughest terrain in Peru (look at the photo above). And I have to say, one thing I’m deeply grateful for is that, through all that time, we never had a single car accident. Not even a fender bender.

That’s not to say we didn’t have any car-related issues. Oh no. I cannot count the times we had a flat tire in Peru due to nails or sharp rocks on the road. Once we even spent an unexpected week stranded in a small Brazilian town because our motor belt decided to give up on life in the middle of a very non-touristy highway. While the stop turned out to be an adventure in itself (and a lesson in patience, Portuguese, and local mechanics), it did get me thinking: What if it had been an accident? Would we have known what to do?

Accidents are chaotic and stressful — even when you're not thousands of kilometers from home. And while I haven’t experienced one on the road (knock on wood!), I came across this helpful guide with common mistakes drivers make after an accident, and I thought it’s worth sharing, because whether you’re at home or backpacking through the Andes, knowing what not to do can save you a lot of extra stress.

Common Mistakes Drivers Make After An Accident

Getting into a car accident, no matter how minor, can really throw you off - one minute you’re happily driving along, and the next your heart’s racing, your car’s damaged, and you’re struggling to process what just happened. 

It’s always a jarring experience, and in the confusion, it’s easy to make decisions you might regret later. That could be forgetting to get the right information or perhaps saying the wrong thing because you’re panicking, but the fact is that mistakes in those first few moments can definitely come back to haunt you later on. With that in mind, keep reading to learn about some of the common mistakes drivers make after an accident so you can avoid them if possible. 

Leaving The Scene Too Soon

You’d be surprised at just how many people’s first instinct is just to drive away, especially if the damage seems minor and no one seems injured. But even if the collision feels like it’s only a small bump, leaving the scene without properly exchanging details or reporting it can land you in legal trouble. 

The fact is that even if everyone feels fine in the moment, injuries sometimes show up hours or even days later, and taking the time to document what happened, speak with the other driver, and notify the appropriate people is always the best thing to do. 

Admitting Fault 

When you’re in shock, you might feel the need to apologise, even if the accident wasn’t your fault. It’s just human nature. But saying anything that might be seen as an admission of guilt can be used against you later, even if it isn’t the full story. 

The best thing to do is just stick to the facts when you’re talking to the other driver and the authorities. It’s the job of the insurance companies and professionals to sort out the details once everything’s been properly reported, so the truth should come out, which is why it’s best not to say anything at all unless it’s strictly necessary. 

Not Taking Photos

It might feel strange pulling out your phone after a crash, but those photos can be crucial. Damage that looks minor in person can look completely different the next day, or it could lead to something bigger, or even be disputed by the other party. 

Taking a few clear images of both vehicles, the surroundings, and anything else that might be relevant (like road signs or debris, for example) gives you a clear record to refer to if you need it later on and there are any questions. 

Not Getting Support 

Trying to handle everything yourself after an accident can feel totally overwhelming, and if there’s property damage, insurance problems, or you’ve been injured and that’s causing bigger issues, getting professional guidance can take a lot of the pressure off your shoulders. 

Finding a good lawyer is an excellent way to get help for car accident victims, so that can be your first port of call for advice, guidance, and compensation should it be necessary. 

Honestly, reading this made me realize how lucky we’ve been — and how important it is to be prepared, even (or especially!) when you’re out there living your best digital nomad life.

So here’s to safe travels, minimal car drama, and hopefully the only forced stop you’ll ever face on the road is for caipirinhas and fresh pão de queijo.