Being involved in a traffic accident can be a stressful and confusing experience, especially if it happens in a foreign country like Turkey. It’s important to know what steps to take if you are involved in a traffic accident in Turkey to ensure that the necessary measures are taken and that you are able to make any insurance claims.
If you are involved in a traffic accident in Turkey, the first step is to remain calm and assess the situation. Check for any injuries and call for medical assistance if needed. If there are any injuries, the police must be notified immediately and an ambulance will be dispatched to the scene.
The next step is to contact the local police and report the accident. The police will take a report of the accident, gather information from the parties involved, and investigate the cause of the accident. It’s important to remain at the scene of the accident until the police arrive and to cooperate fully with the investigation.
It’s important to also take note of the names, addresses, and insurance details of the other drivers and witnesses, as well as the vehicle registration numbers. You should also take photos of the accident scene, damage to the vehicles, and injuries if possible.
If you have an International Driving Permit and the other party does not have the insurance and it’s a clear accident due to their fault, the police will fine the other party for not having the insurance. However, if the accident is your fault, you will be liable for any damages and injuries caused and it’s important to have valid car insurance that covers foreign countries, as it will come in handy in such situations.
It’s also important to inform your insurance company as soon as possible so that they can assist you in making any claims. Be sure to keep any documents and information about the accident, such as the police report, for insurance purposes.
In some cases, foreign drivers might be detained at the scene of the accident, particularly if there is a suspicion of criminal conduct or if there is a dispute about the cause of the accident. It’s important to have the contact information of a lawyer who can assist in these situations.
If the accident resulted in death, it’s important to inform your embassy and consular representatives, they can provide assistance and inform family members.
In conclusion, if you are involved in a traffic accident in Turkey, it’s important to remain calm and assess the situation. Notify the police and medical assistants if needed, and cooperate fully with the investigation. It