What to do after a car accident in Nicaragua
Call 118 and your rental company first. Leaving the scene can be taken as an admission of guilt, and after an accident with injuries drivers may be detained until the case is decided.
- Check for injured people and help if it is safe. Call 118 (police) and your rental company’s assistance number.
- Do not leave if anyone is hurt or killed, unless your own life is in danger; in that case go straight to the nearest police station.
- If there is only material damage, notify the insurer at once. By mutual agreement the cars can be moved to the roadside after marking their positions.
- Go to the police to settle the matter in an official record (acta). The traffic officer decides who is responsible.
- The injured party claims from the insurer with the accident certificate within 15 days of its issue.
What foreign governments warn
- Canada: leaving the scene may be considered an admission of guilt; if injuries are involved you may be detained until a legal decision is made, regardless of fault; police may not respond, especially overnight.
- UK: after a serious or fatal accident you are likely to be detained while it is investigated.
Sources: Law 431 (consolidated text), La Gaceta No. 09, 18 Jan 2024; Government of Canada travel advice (2 Nov 2026); UK FCDO safety and security: Nicaragua.
Updated: 2026-11-13