If you are involved in a traffic accident in Türkiye, stay calm and avoid making rushed decisions.

If the accident involves only material/property damage and all drivers agree on how the accident happened, in many cases there is no need to wait for the police. The drivers can complete and sign the Kaza Tespit Tutanağı (Traffic Accident Report Form) themselves.

If there is only property damage

Before moving the vehicles, if it is safe to do so:

  • Take clear photos and videos of the accident scene.
  • Photograph the position of all vehicles.
  • Photograph the license plates.
  • Photograph all visible damage.

After documenting the scene, move the vehicles to a safe location if possible and if they are obstructing traffic.

If you do not speak Turkish, do not sign a document you do not understand. Use Google Translate, ask someone who speaks Turkish, or seek help from a professional interpreter. Make sure all information written in the report is accurate before signing.

When should you call the police?

You should contact the police or relevant authorities rather than relying only on the Kaza Tespit Tutanağı if:

  • One of the drivers does not have a valid driving licence or does not have the appropriate licence for the vehicle.
  • One of the vehicles does not have valid compulsory traffic insurance.
  • There is a suspicion that a driver is under the influence of alcohol, drugs or other substances.
  • Someone has been injured or killed in the accident.
  • Public property has been damaged, such as an electricity pole, road barrier, traffic sign or other public infrastructure.
  • Property belonging to a third party has been damaged.
  • One of the drivers leaves or flees the scene.
  • The drivers cannot agree on how the accident happened, or one of them refuses to sign the accident report.

In such situations, it is important to have the incident officially documented.

What documents should you obtain from the other driver?

Take clear and readable photos of these documents:

  • Driving licence (Ehliyet)
  • Vehicle registration certificate (Ruhsat)
  • Compulsory traffic insurance policy (Trafik Sigortası Poliçesi)

You should also photograph:

  • The vehicle's licence plate
  • The damage to the vehicle
  • The accident scene and position of the vehicles

If possible, also record the other driver's phone number and insurance company details.

Be careful when completing the accident report

Enter all information accurately and truthfully.

Before signing, carefully check the information entered in the form and make sure you understand what you are signing.

Never sign anything you do not understand or agree with.

If there is a disagreement about how the accident happened or who is responsible, do not sign a disputed report simply to finish the process. Contact the relevant authorities instead.

What if the vehicle is rented?

If you are driving a rental car, contact the rental company as soon as possible after the accident.

The company's customer support or emergency assistance team will guide you through the procedures required under the rental agreement and insurance arrangements.

Follow their instructions carefully. If they tell you that a police report or other official document is required for insurance purposes, make sure you obtain it.

Most importantly: Think about safety first!

After an accident, your first priority should be your own safety and the safety of others.

Then:

  • Photograph the scene and damage.
  • Collect the necessary documents and information.
  • Complete the Kaza Tespit Tutanağı carefully when applicable.
  • Check everything before signing.
  • Keep copies of the report, photographs and other documents.

 

Remember: Taking clear photographs, collecting the correct documents and information, and never signing something you do not understand can prevent many problems later.