Essential Legal Facts for Expats in Accident and Compensation Cases in Turkey
A legal guide explaining how expats can pursue compensation in Turkey after a traffic accident, without physically being present — and the most common mistakes made.
Many Turkish expats mistakenly believe that they cannot initiate or claim compensation in Turkey unless they physically return.
As a result, the most critical first month is often lost. In reality, a lawyer can handle the entire compensation claim process through power of attorney — without the expat entering Turkey.
Compensation is not limited to repair or financial damage only.
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Permanent disability
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Vehicle value loss (değer kaybı)
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Death compensation for family members
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Moral compensation (psychological and emotional impact)
can legally be claimed — often far beyond what the insurance company initially offers.
Insurance companies typically offer the minimum possible amount.
Therefore, when the initial expert report arrives, the case should not be closed immediately — it must be legally evaluated.
Example (fictional): A Turkish family living in Germany assumed the 90,000 TL paid by the insurer was final after a fatal accident. A legal appeal brought them an additional 1.2 million TL in compensation.
For more insight, visit the related category:
/insurance-compensation-law
In conclusion, expats do not need to return to Turkey to secure their rights — but immediate legal action is the key to preventing irreversible financial loss.
