The Problem
You are driving along a beautiful coastal road, and suddenly, another car hits your rental vehicle. The shock is overwhelming. You are blocking traffic, the other driver is yelling in Turkish, and you have no idea what the local protocol is for handling a car crash in a foreign country.
How the Law Works in Turkey
Turkish traffic law requires specific documentation for insurance claims. If there are any injuries, or if one of the drivers is intoxicated, lacks a license, or flees the scene, the vehicles must not be moved until the Traffic Police (Trafik Polisi) or Gendarmerie (Jandarma) arrive to create an official report. If it is just minor cosmetic damage and both parties agree on what happened, they can fill out a mutual "Accident Report Form" (Kaza Tespit Tutanağı) and move the cars.
What the Tourist Should Do
First, check for injuries. If anyone is hurt, immediately dial 112 for an ambulance and police. If it is a minor crash, do not move the cars right away. Take clear photos and videos from multiple angles showing the road, license plates, and damages. Exchange insurance and contact details with the other driver. Call your rental agency immediately; they will instruct you on their specific insurance policy requirements.
The Risks
If you panic and move your car before the police arrive (in a non-agreed situation), or if you leave the scene entirely, your rental insurance will be completely voided, and you will be held 100% financially responsible. If the crash involves severe injury or death, you could face immediate detention and a travel ban preventing you from leaving Turkey until the criminal investigation concludes.
LetFix Solution
If an accident results in criminal charges, a dispute over fault, or a travel ban, dealing with the Turkish judicial system requires urgent and expert defense. You need a local lawyer to protect your freedom and negotiate with insurance companies.
