Can my embassy help me out?

Your embassy will be able to help you out in certain circumstances.  War, natural disasters and translators at hospitals are things that you embassy will be sure to work with you on.  Your embassy will not bail you out of jail or pay your fines for not wearing your crash helmet.  The best thing to do is register at your embassy at every country you visit.  This will be done by Nomadic Nation but it will be up to you to contact your embassy upon arrival.  Knowing what they will and will not do ahead of time can help you make important decisions on the road.