Had a crash on the Carraterra Austral (near Puerto Rio Tranquilo) one week ago with a 4x4 coming from the opposite direction. The police got involved and have taken my license and that of the other driver.

The other driver blames me and wanted $1200 at the time of the crash. We both had to report to the municipal judiciary to provide a declaration of the events surrounding the crash. I also learned that the bill for his repairs had grown to $1700. Fixing my Africa Twin with new parts (complete front end required) will cost in excess of $3000.

The court office informed me that I would get my license back the following day at the municipal offices in Coyhueque. Went at the time I was supposed to and there was no sign of the paperwork and nobody knew anything about the accident and the procedures that will follow.

I have been led to believe that both parties will meet a judge and he will make a suggestion to resolve the matter. Each party can then reach an agreement or if not a lengthy legal process will start. It has been mentioned that the other party may ask the judge to issue an order that prevents me from leaving Chile in this time.

I informed the court office that I was leaving town for a week to pick up my spares in Santiago and would return ASAP. Hopefully then the paperwork and a clearer idea of what will happen will be available.

I am very interested to know if anyone knows what options are open to me and what might happen. Leaving Chile is not an option at the moment as my bike will take a while to fix and I am still some way off riding a bike again.

Many thanks for any help.

Matt