The Problem
You rented a motorcycle or scooter to explore the Turkish coastline and have been involved in an accident. Perhaps a car pulled out in front of you, the road surface was damaged, or you lost control on an unfamiliar road. You are injured, your rental vehicle is damaged, and you are unsure about your legal rights. Motorcycle accidents in Turkey often result in more serious injuries than car accidents, and the legal complexities are greater, especially regarding insurance coverage and liability.
How the Law Works in Turkey
Motorcycle accidents in Turkey are governed by the Highway Traffic Law (Law No. 2918) and the Turkish Code of Obligations (TBK, Law No. 6098). Under Article 85 of Law No. 2918, the operator of a motor vehicle is strictly liable for damages caused by the vehicle. Mandatory traffic insurance (Zorunlu Trafik Sigortası) must cover third-party damages. Under Article 97, you must first apply to the at-fault party's insurance company before filing a court case. For personal injuries, you can claim compensation for medical expenses, loss of income, pain and suffering (manevi tazminat), and permanent disability. If the rental company provided a motorcycle without proper insurance or safety equipment, they share liability under consumer protection law.
What the Tourist Should Do
Call 112 immediately for medical assistance and 155 for police. Do not move your motorcycle until police arrive and document the scene, as this is legally required. Take photos and videos of the accident scene, vehicle positions, road conditions, and your injuries. Get the other party's insurance information, license plate number, and contact details. If there are witnesses, collect their names and phone numbers. Go to a hospital and get a detailed medical report (adli rapor) documenting all injuries, even minor ones, as this is essential for your compensation claim. Notify your travel insurance provider within 24 hours. Contact your rental company and report the accident.
The Risks
Many motorcycle rental companies in tourist areas operate without proper licenses or insurance, leaving you without coverage in case of an accident. If you were not wearing a helmet, your compensation may be reduced due to contributory negligence under comparative fault rules. Rental contracts often contain clauses in Turkish that impose full liability on the renter regardless of fault. If police determine you were at fault, you may face criminal charges for negligent injury (TCK Article 89) in addition to civil liability. Some tourists leave Turkey before settling their claims, which makes it much harder to pursue compensation later.
LetFix Solution
LetFix specializes in traffic accident claims for tourists. We handle insurance negotiations, medical documentation, and court proceedings to ensure you receive full compensation for your injuries and damages.
