Traffic Accident in Turkey - What you need to know legally!
We provide expert legal advice to ensure that your interests are protected in accordance with Turkish law. Under these laws, people involved in car accidents must report the incident immediately to their insurance companies and follow certain legal procedures to ensure proper documentation and effective claiming of damages. Failure to do so may result in the statute of limitations running out.
Our experienced team specialises in personal injury and property damage claims involving foreign vehicles and guides clients through every step, from the accident itself to a quick resolution, whether through negotiation (mediation) or litigation.
What should you be aware of after a traffic accident in Turkey?
After a traffic accident in Turkey, it is important to exchange all necessary information immediately. This includes exchanging names, addresses and insurance details between the drivers or owners involved. It is also advisable to carefully document the scene of the accident by taking photographs and noting the contact details of witnesses. These steps are important so that the process of making a claim or obtaining compensation is not unnecessarily complicated.
After an accident, it is important to co-operate with the other driver and/or owner and complete a detailed accident report. This report is an important document for future legal proceedings or insurance claims. It is important to establish whether there has been material damage to the vehicle or personal injury. Under Turkish law, police officers in Turkey are only required to complete an official accident report if there is personal injury. In the case of property damage, the parties involved must complete the accident report themselves.
This report should include the statements of the parties involved and a detailed description of the physical evidence at the scene of the accident, such as vehicle damage or skid marks. It is also advisable to include a sketch of the accident in the report. Correctly recording all the facts can have a significant impact on the success of future claims.
It is also highly recommended to seek medical attention immediately, even if no injuries are apparent. Sometimes symptoms only appear later, which can be difficult to prove. These medical reports therefore play a crucial role in any compensation claim.
In summary, immediately after an accident in Turkey you should:
- Collect evidence (photos & videos)
- Write an accident report (if possible, with the help of a police officer)
- Exchange contact details, ID and driving license
- Record witnesses and their statements
- Obtain a medical report
Why it is particularly important to seek specialist traffic accident legal advice in Turkey!
Choosing the right lawyer to handle your car accident in Turkey is crucial. You should ensure that you receive proper legal advice and representation. It is advisable to choose a lawyer with specific experience in accidents involving foreign plates as there are important differences compared to domestic accidents.
We have listed the main differences below:
- The owner of a vehicle with a foreign number plate is not legally obliged to have the vehicle repaired in Turkey. The Turkish Supreme Court has made it clear in several rulings that owners of vehicles with foreign plates have the right to have repairs carried out in the country where the vehicle is registered. This case law underlines the fundamental freedom of vehicle owners to choose a repairer regardless of the location of the vehicle.
- Persons with a damaged vehicle may return to the country in which the vehicle is registered if the damage so permits. The inspection and/or repair of the vehicle may also be carried out abroad. Once the inspection or repair has been completed, it is possible to open a claim file in Turkey and, if necessary, take legal action (a lawsuit).
- Turkish insurance companies are often reluctant to pay in full following a foreign survey. This reluctance is often based on the assumption that foreign reports may not meet local legal or technical standards. In such cases, it is possible to pursue outstanding payments in court against the insurance company, the driver and the owner.
What compensation claims can you make in the event of an accident in Turkey?
I. Compensation claims for vehicle damage
- Compensation for property damage - (repair costs)
- Compensation for non-material damage (if applicable)
- In the event of a total loss, the value of the vehicle as determined in the motor vehicle report
- The costs of the motor vehicle expert's report
- Costs for car rental or the costs for the use of a means of transport (taxi)
II. In the event of a traffic accident involving personal injury, the following claims for damages can be asserted
- Treatment, health and hospital costs
- Compensation for loss of earnings
- Compensation for the loss of or impairment to earning capacity due to a traffic accident involving personal injury (in the event of incapacity to work)
- Compensation for non-material damages and other compensation
In the event of a car accident in Turkey, we will provide you with comprehensive support at every stage of the process. We will handle all correspondence with your legal expenses insurance company and ensure that your claims are processed correctly and in a timely manner. Please do not hesitate to contact us – we are here to efficiently handle your legal and insurance matters.
