1. Ensure Safety and Notify the Authorities

  • After the accident, first make sure you are safe and, if possible, help others involved in the accident.
  • If your vehicle is blocking traffic or is in a position that could cause a second accident, try to move it to a safe place after taking the necessary photographs.
  • In an emergency, call 112 to summon medical teams and law enforcement.
  • Traffic accidents can cause shock. Try to stay calm and focus on the safety of your surroundings and the instructions of the medical teams.

2. Photograph the Scene and Gather Evidence

  • Take detailed photographs showing how the accident happened. The images should capture the positions of the vehicles, license plates, damaged areas, road signs and environmental conditions.
  • Obtain the identity, driver’s license, vehicle registration and insurance details of the parties involved. If possible, photograph these documents for your records.
  • If there are eyewitnesses, record their contact details and note down their observations about the incident.
  • Check whether there are security cameras at the scene. Contact the relevant business or institution promptly, as the footage may be deleted.

3. Notify Your Insurance Company and the Relevant Authorities

  • Report the accident to your insurance company as soon as possible and check the notification periods in your policy.
  • An agreed accident report (kaza tespit tutanağı) may be completed only for accidents involving property damage alone in which the parties agree on how the accident happened. If there is a disagreement or any circumstance that prevents the report from being completed, call law enforcement.
  • Where a police or gendarmerie report is required, follow the instructions of the authorities and obtain a copy of the document issued.
  • If your vehicle is seriously damaged, you can request towing through your comprehensive motor insurance (kasko) or roadside assistance service.

4. Get a Medical Check-Up

  • Even if you do not appear to be seriously injured at the time of the accident, visit a healthcare facility for a check-up if you have any complaints.
  • Do not ignore symptoms that may appear later, such as dizziness or neck or back pain; keep records of your examinations and reports.
  • If needed, consult physicians in the relevant specialties about the physical or psychological effects of the accident.
  • Keep the reports, prescriptions, invoices and other expense documents relating to your treatment.

5. Look Into Your Legal Rights and Seek Support Where Necessary

  • For a compensation claim to be assessed, the harm you have suffered and each head of damage must be presented to the insurance company with proper documentation.
  • You may wish to obtain a legal assessment from an attorney to determine your rights to compensation and the liable parties after the accident.
  • To ensure that claims for pecuniary and non-pecuniary damages can be properly assessed, keep all accident, medical, income and expense documents.
  • If the insurance company’s offer does not cover your actual loss or the process is dragging on, seek legal support on your options for applications, arbitration and litigation.
  • Remember that deadlines and procedural requirements may vary from case to case; act without delay to avoid losing your rights.

Conclusion

By following these steps, you can reduce the pecuniary and non-pecuniary losses that may arise after an accident, ensure that evidence is preserved and exercise your legal rights more effectively. Acting in an informed and deliberate manner is a significant advantage in preventing hardship after an accident.