Traffic accidents are, unfortunately, an unavoidable part of daily life. When you suddenly find yourself in such a situation, it’s natural to panic and struggle to take the right steps. However, in a bustling city like Antalya, the first steps you take after being involved in a traffic accident are critically important for both your safety and the protection of your legal rights.
Whether you’re a local driver or a foreign visitor to our city, Kantarcı Law Office has compiled a step-by-step guide for you on what to do after an accident.
1. Ensure Your Safety and Stay Calm
Your top priority in an accident should always be your own safety and the safety of others.
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Stay Calm: Take a deep breath and try to assess the situation instead of panicking.
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Secure the Vehicle: If possible, move your vehicle to a safe spot (roadside, emergency lane).
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Signal Danger: Turn on your hazard lights and place warning triangles at an appropriate distance. This warns other drivers and helps prevent further accidents.
2. Report the Incident and Keep Records
For legal proceedings, it’s essential that the accident is documented accurately and completely.
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Call Police/Gendarmerie (When Mandatory): You must call the police or gendarmerie in the following situations:
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If there are injuries or fatalities in the accident.
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If one or more of the vehicles involved belong to the public (municipal bus, official vehicle, etc.).
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If one of the parties does not have a driver’s license or it’s insufficient.
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If one of the drivers is under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
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If the parties cannot agree in cases of significant material damage.
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As a foreign national involved in an accident, it’s strongly advised to call the police, especially to avoid any issues with your passport, visa, or residence permit.
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Material Damage Accident Report (When Parties Agree): If there is only material damage and none of the mandatory conditions above apply, the parties can fill out a “Material Damage Traffic Accident Report” among themselves. It’s crucial to fill out this report completely and accurately.
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Take Photos and Videos: Take plenty of photos and, if possible, videos from different angles of the accident scene, the condition of the vehicles, damages, road signs, and the general surroundings. Clearly show license plates, vehicle models, and the extent of the damage.
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Exchange Information: Get full driver’s license, registration, and traffic insurance details from the other party. Provide your own information to the other party as well. If there are eyewitnesses, don’t forget to get their contact information.
3. Medical Check-up and Treatment Process (If Any)
If there are injuries, your health is paramount, regardless of the legal process.
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Emergency Medical Aid: Even if you feel the slightest pain or discomfort, call 112 Emergency Services or go to the nearest healthcare facility to get medical attention.
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Treatment Records: Carefully keep all doctor’s reports, prescriptions, test results, and hospital records from your treatment process. These serve as important evidence in the compensation process.
4. Notify Insurance Company and Seek Legal Support
After an accident, you need to take quick and correct steps to claim your rights.
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Insurance Notification: Notify your insurance company of the accident as soon as possible. Submit all documents requested by the insurance company without delay.
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Seek Professional Legal Support: Insurance processes, compensation claims, and litigation after traffic accidents can be quite complex. For foreign nationals, language barriers and differences in legal procedures can make the process even more challenging. At Kantarcı Law Office, we offer professional legal support to ensure our clients receive their full rights during these difficult times. We meticulously follow all legal procedures, standing by you from the initial stage.
Remember, every step you take after a traffic accident is a guarantee of your future legal rights. Do not hesitate to contact us if you have any doubts or need professional assistance.