Traffic Accidents Involving Foreigners in Turkey: The Legal Process


Collision in a Foreign Land: A Foreigner's Guide to the Legal Process After a Traffic Accident in Turkey

Being involved in a traffic accident is a jarring and stressful experience in any country. When it happens in a foreign land like Turkey, the shock is compounded by language barriers, unfamiliar procedures, and a sense of vulnerability. In the chaotic moments following a collision, knowing the correct legal and procedural steps to take is not just helpful—it is absolutely critical to protecting your health, your rights, and your financial interests.

This article will serve as a step-by-step guide for what to do if you are involved in a traffic accident in Turkey. From the immediate actions at the scene to navigating insurance claims and potential lawsuits, understanding the process is your best defense. Given the serious legal consequences, the immediate guidance of a qualified lawyer is your most important asset. An experienced Alanya Lawyer can provide instant support and ensure your rights are protected from the very beginning.

Immediate Steps at the Scene of the Accident: Your First Response

What you do in the first 30 minutes after an accident can significantly impact the outcome. Stay as calm as possible and follow these steps:

  1. Ensure Safety First: Before anything else, check if anyone is injured. If there are injuries, call the emergency services immediately by dialing 112. Do not move injured individuals unless they are in immediate danger.

  2. Do Not Move the Vehicles (If Possible): For accidents involving more than minor damage, do not move the cars. The position of the vehicles is crucial evidence for the police to determine fault.

  3. Call the Traffic Police or Gendarmerie: For any accident involving injury, death, or significant material damage, you must call the authorities. Dial 155 for Traffic Police (in cities) or 156 for Gendarmerie (in rural areas). An official report from the authorities is vital, especially for a foreigner.

  4. Document Everything: Use your phone to take extensive photos and videos of the accident scene from multiple angles. Capture the position of the cars, license plates, skid marks, road signs, and all visible damage.

  5. Exchange Information: Get the other driver's name, contact details, driver's license information, and, most importantly, a copy of their mandatory traffic insurance policy (Trafik Sigortası). Provide them with your information as well.

  6. Do Not Sign Anything You Don't Understand: You may be asked to sign an "Agreed Statement of Facts" (Kaza Tespit Tutanağı). If there are any injuries, or if you do not fully agree on the facts or understand the Turkish text, do not sign it. Wait for the police to arrive and create an official report.

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The Aftermath: Insurance and Legal Reporting

Once the immediate situation is under control, the legal and administrative process begins.

  • The Accident Report ( This report, whether filled out by the parties or the police, is the primary document used to determine fault. It is submitted to the Insurance Information and Monitoring Center (TRAMER), which assesses the fault percentages for each driver.

  • Notify Your Insurance Company: You must report the accident to your own insurance company as soon as possible, typically within 5 business days. Failing to do so can jeopardize your claim.

  • What if the Other Driver is Uninsured or Flees? If you are hit by an uninsured driver or a hit-and-run driver, you are not without recourse. You can file a claim with Turkey's "Assurance Account" (Güvence Hesabı), a state fund designed to cover damages in such situations. A law firm is essential for navigating this specific process.

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Claiming Compensation: Material Damage and Bodily Injury

An accident can result in two types of damages, each with its own legal claim process.

1. Material Damage ( This covers damage to your vehicle. The at-fault driver's insurance will typically cover:

  • Repair Costs: The cost to fix your vehicle.

  • Depreciation/Loss of Value ( Even after repairs, a car that has been in an accident loses market value. You have the right to claim compensation for this loss of value. This is a specific legal claim that an Alanya law office can expertly file for you.

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2. Bodily Injury ( If you or your passengers are injured, the legal claims become much more serious and complex. You have the right to sue the at-fault driver and their insurance company for:

  • Medical Expenses: All costs related to your treatment, surgery, and rehabilitation.

  • Loss of Income: Compensation for the wages you lost while unable to work.

  • Compensation for Disability: If the injury results in temporary or permanent disability, you are entitled to a significant lump-sum payment based on the severity of the disability.

  • Wrongful Death Compensation ( In the tragic event of a fatality, the dependents of the deceased (spouse, children, etc.) have the right to claim compensation for the loss of financial support.

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The Criminal Aspect: When an Accident is a Crime

In Turkey, if an accident results in injury or death, it is not just a civil matter. The at-fault driver can also face a criminal investigation for:

  • Causing Injury by Negligence (

  • Causing Death by Negligence (

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If you are the at-fault driver in such an accident, securing a criminal defense lawyer immediately is non-negotiable. If you are the victim, your lawyer will participate in the criminal case to ensure your rights are represented and that the outcome supports your civil claim for compensation.

Conclusion
A traffic accident in Turkey is a serious event with complex legal ramifications. Your immediate actions at the scene can protect you, but navigating the subsequent insurance and legal claims requires professional expertise. An experienced Alanya Lawyer will be your advocate, ensuring that you are treated fairly, that all deadlines are met, and that you receive the full compensation you are legally entitled to for all your losses.

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