Practical Steps after a Road-Traffic Accident

Traffic accidents are unfortunately an inevitable part of our daily lives. It is quite natural to panic and have difficulty taking the right steps, especially when you suddenly find yourself in such a situation. However Antalya , what to do if you are involved in a traffic accident? This is the document showing first steps Theis of critical importance for both your security and the protection of your legal rights. While

Whether you are a local driver or a foreigner visiting our city, Antalya Traffic Accident Lawyer Kantarcı Law Firm , we have compiled for you step by step what you need to do after the accident.

1. Stay Safe and Stay Calm

In the event of an accident, your first priority should always be your own safety and that of others.

• Stay Calm: Instead of panicking, take a deep breath and try to evaluate the situation.
• Secure Vehicle: If possible, move your vehicle to a safe place (roadside, safety lane).
• Signal Distress: Close your vehicle's quads and place the triangle reflectors at the appropriate distance. This prevents additional accidents by alerting other drivers.

2. Report the Situation and Keep Necessary Records

It is essential for the legal process to record the accident accurately and completely.

• Call the Police/Gendarmerie (In Case of Necessity): In the following cases definitely you need to call the police or gendarmerie:
  • If there is injury or death in the accident.
  • If one or more of the vehicles involved in the accident belong to the public (municipal bus, official vehicle, etc.).
  • If one of the parties does not have a driver's license or is insufficient.
  • If one of the drivers is under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
  • If the parties cannot reach an agreement in cases where material damage is severe.
  • If you have an accident as a foreign national, it is strongly recommended that you call the police to avoid any problems, especially with your passport, visa or residence permit.
• Material Damage Accident Report (When the Parties Agree): If there is only material damage in the accident and the above mandatory conditions are not present, the parties can fill out the "Material Damage Traffic Accident Identification Report" between them. It is very important to fill out this report completely and accurately.
• Take Photos and Videos: Take plenty of photographs and, if possible, video of the accident scene, the condition of the vehicles, damage, road signs and the general environment from different angles. Clearly show license plates, vehicle models, and extent of damage.
• Information Exchange: Obtain complete driver's license, registration and traffic insurance information of the other party. Give your own information to the other party. If there are eyewitnesses, be sure to get their contact information.

3. Health Check and Treatment Process (If Any)

If you are injured, your health is paramount, regardless of the legal process.

• Emergency Medical Assistance: If you feel even the slightest pain or discomfort, get medical support by calling 112 Emergency Aid or going to the nearest health institution.
• Treatment Records: Meticulously keep all doctor's reports, prescriptions, test results and hospital records during your treatment process. These constitute important evidence in the compensation process.

4. Notification and Legal Support to the Insurance Company

After the accident, you need to seek your rights quickly and accurately.

• Insurance Notice: Report the accident to your own insurance company as soon as possible. Submit all the documents requested by the insurance company.
• Edit documentation: Accident report, health documents, photographs, communication records and insurance correspondence should be kept separately.

Procedure to be followed after a traffic accident; It varies depending on the nature of the event, type of damage, insurance coverage and application periods.