Travel has a way of surprising you. Usually, that means a hidden gem, a great meal, or a story you didn’t expect to tell. But sometimes, the surprise isn’t a good one.
A few weeks ago, in Santa Rosa, California, my trip took a hard left—literally. I was a passenger in a car when another driver turned left in front of us. In an instant, the trip changed from exploring Northern California to dealing with a totaled vehicle, insurance calls, and the strange fog that follows a crash.
It’s not something most travelers plan for. But maybe we should.
The Moment After: When Everything Feels… Off
Even if you walk away, a car accident does something to you.
I was conscious, aware, and able to function—but not quite right. There’s a disorientation that settles in. Your ears may ring. Your vision might blur a little. Your thoughts come slower than usual.
And yet, in that exact moment, you’re expected to:
- Answer questions
- Assess your condition
- Make decisions
The first and most important thing is simple: check yourself.
Don’t rush it. Don’t assume you’re fine just because you’re standing. Adrenaline is powerful, and it can hide injuries that show up hours—or even days—later.
At the Scene: What Needs to Happen
Once you’re able, the practical side kicks in. In our case, law enforcement arrived quickly and helped us out of the vehicle. From there, it became a checklist—even if it didn’t feel like one at the time.
If you ever find yourself in this situation, focus on:
- Exchanging insurance and driver information
- Taking photos of damage, vehicles, and surroundings
- Noting time and location
- Talking with the police if statements are needed
You may not think clearly in the moment, but your phone can do a lot of the remembering for you.
The Travel Complication: You’re Not Home
Here’s where things get tricky. When you’re traveling, a wreck isn’t just a wreck—it’s a logistical puzzle.
We were three hours from my friend’s home. The car was headed to a tow yard for somewhere that we didn’t know. And all we wanted, in that moment, was to get back to the hotel.
Oddly enough, the solution didn’t come from us. A police officer finally said, “Uber.”
Of course.
But when your brain is still catching up, even obvious solutions can feel just out of reach.
Insurance: Ask Questions (Then Ask Again)
Calling the insurance company is one of the first things you’ll do and one of the most frustrating.
We were initially told we’d have to arrange and pay for our own rental car to get back to my friend’s home. That turned out to be incorrect. The coverage was there—it just wasn’t communicated clearly.
That’s an important lesson:
- Don’t take the first answer as the final answer
- Ask for clarification
- Know what your policy actually covers
When you’re tired, shaken, and far from home, it’s easy to accept whatever you’re told. But this is where it pays to push a little.
The Physical Aftermath: Don’t Skip This Step
Even if you think you’re okay—get checked out.
I walked away with significant bruising in several areas and a fair amount of pain. Thankfully, nothing was broken, but a visit to urgent care confirmed that and gave me what I needed to manage it.
More importantly, it created a record.
Watch for symptoms like:
- Increasing soreness or stiffness
- Headaches or dizziness
- Delayed pain (very common after accidents)
Your health comes first, but documentation matters too.
What Every Traveler Should Do Before the Trip
This experience made one thing clear: a little preparation goes a long way.
Before your next trip, take a few minutes to cover the basics:
Download Your Insurance App
Being able to file a claim immediately—and reach the right department—can save time and confusion.
Download Your Health Insurance App
Being able to locate an urgent care, hospital, or doctor that takes your insurance immediately—and reach the right department can save time and confusion.
Carry More Than One Credit Card
Rental cars, deposits, and unexpected expenses don’t always cooperate with just one card.
Understand Your Coverage
Know whether your policy includes rental cars, towing, and trip interruption coverage.
Install Rideshare Apps
Uber or Lyft can get you out of a tough spot fast—especially when you’re not thinking clearly.
Have a Loose Backup Plan
You don’t need a full emergency playbook, but having a general idea helps when things go sideways.
Final Thoughts: The Trip You Didn’t Plan
Accidents don’t wait for bad weather or dangerous roads. Ours happened on a beautiful Northern California day because of a single bad decision by another driver.
You can’t control that. But you can control how prepared you are and how you respond when something goes wrong.
And if it does? Give yourself a little grace.
You’re not just dealing with logistics. You’re dealing with shock, stress, and a sudden shift from traveler to problem-solver.
This is not the story I set out to write, but I think it’s an important one to tell.
My friend and I are fine, and the car has been replaced. We are happy to say we walked away from what could have been a devastating incident. But we are both still dealing with the insurance company, which takes time.
Want to know more about the trip to Sonoma? Find it here.
