I HAD A TRAFFIC ACCIDENT IN TURKEY, WHAT SHOULD I DO?

If you’ve had a traffic accident in Turkey, there are specific legal and practical steps you need to follow to ensure safety, comply with regulations, and resolve the situation effectively. Here's what you should do:

1. Ensure Safety First

• Stop Immediately: It’s illegal to leave the scene of an accident in Turkey.

• Turn on Hazard Lights and place a warning triangle 30 meters behind your car to alert oncoming traffic.

• Check for injuries: If anyone is injured, call the emergency services (112) immediately.

2. Contact Authorities

• For Minor Accidents (No Injuries): If there are no injuries and the vehicles can be moved, you can resolve the issue without police involvement. Exchange information with the other driver and complete a traffic accident report (Kaza Tespit Tutanağı).

  • Important: Both drivers must sign this report. You also need photographs of the accident scene and damages.

• For Major Accidents or Injuries: Call the police (155) or gendarmerie (156) if:

  • Someone is injured or killed.

  • The vehicles are severely damaged and cannot move.

  • There’s a dispute about who is at fault.

  • The other driver doesn’t have insurance.

  • Public property is damaged.

3. Exchange Information

Collect the following from the other party:

• Full name and ID number

• Contact information

• License plate number

• Driver's license details

• Mandatory Traffic Insurance policy details (Trafik Sigortası)

4. Document the Scene

• Take clear photos of:

  • The vehicles’ positions

  • License plates

  • Damage to all vehicles

  • Surroundings, including any traffic signs or signals

• If police are involved, they will issue an official accident report.

5. File an Accident Report

• If it’s a minor accident with no police involvement, complete the Kaza Tespit Tutanağı.

  • This form is often available in glove compartments or from insurance companies.

  • Both drivers must sign, and the form will be used for insurance claims.

• If the police are involved, they will file an official report. Request a copy for insurance purposes.

6. Notify Your Insurance Company

• Contact your insurance company within 5 business days.

• Provide the accident report, photographs, and any additional documents they request.

7. Seek Medical Attention (If Necessary)

• Even if you feel fine, visit a hospital for a medical checkup. Some injuries may not be immediately apparent.

• Keep any medical reports for insurance claims.

8. Legal Assistance

• If there’s a dispute about fault, injuries, or damages, consult a lawyer who specializes in traffic law.

• Turkish laws require mandatory insurance for vehicles, but if the other driver is uninsured, legal recourse may be necessary.

Emergency Contact Numbers

• 112: Ambulance and Emergency Services

• 155: Police

• 156: Gendarmerie (Rural areas)

• 110: Fire Brigade

• Traffic Police: Available to handle major accident situations.

Important Notes

• Do not admit fault at the scene of the accident. Let authorities and insurance companies determine liability.

• Turkish law requires Trafik Sigortası (mandatory third-party liability insurance) for all vehicles. This will cover damage to the other party but not your own vehicle unless you have additional comprehensive insurance.

Would you like help understanding the accident report form or navigating the insurance process?

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