Accident payment, Turkey - Should I be concerned?
 

After a serious accident near Kars a relative of the driver at fault, wishes to pay me a sum of money to replace my bike. Be traced me to the hospital I was transferred to in Istanbul. Am I being unnecessarily concerned by this individuals will wish to meet me and offer payment or is this normal practice in Turkey? Advice would be appreciated.

Based on the experience of a friend in Turkey last year, this is the usual method of settling claims involving accidents with vehicle damage. Usually sorted out on the side of the road..

However, if it involves personal injury and the possibility of ongoing health problems, it is up to you whether it would be the right thing (for you) to do. Guess the two parts of the accident could be treated separately, especially if you are covered by your own personal injury insurance.

Danger is if you accept a settlement for just the bike and that is somehow regarded as settlement for all claims involving your injury and/or your insurance company regards that as breaking their rules regarding admitting liability or settling claims outside their system.

It is normal procedure in Turkiye, especially in Eastern Turkiye...

They take care of the opposite side, especially if he is foreigner or if they have the mistake...

Thank you Sammy and Tony for the replies. It all collapsed at the final hurdle as it was a no show by the relatives.

Repatriated back to UK having had surgery and awaiting more this week (I know how to have a good time!). In slower time I will have to establish if there are any means of claiming financial compensation via the Turkish insurance system that may assist in replacing the machine and clothing.b

Sorry for your accident and for you. Hope you get well soon and recover all... and come back to road again soon....

Attorney in Istanbul, Turkey
 

I am amazed that just before reading your thread I was organizing some of my notes from our ride through Turkey. and found the name and phone # of a friendly Turkish lawyer who speaks English.

I met Okun Beggu at the BMW agency in Istanbul and we became friends. He is an attorney and if he can't take your case, I would trust him to suggest another Turkish attorney who can. His phone # is: 05325001417 He rides a BMW and is well known at the Istanbul BMW agency,

As an interesting note, in the sixties I graduated high school in Ankara, Turkey my Father was a U S diplomatic attache and I know a little of Turkish law YOU WILL NEED A TURKISH ATTORNEY to recover any damages because the Turkish law states that if you as a foreigner had not been in Turkey, the accident would not have happened. So, you are at fault no matter what. Of course this point is arguable in a court of law, but the blame is always placed on the foreigner- at first blush.

Tell him Edward and Elisa recommended him ..... the American and the Spaniard he met at the BMW agency, riding the two G650-GS from Spain to Turkey and back and arranged for VIP corporate guest hotel prices at a great hotel in Istanbul.....

Eat, Drink and Buy Insurance
xfiltrate....

Xfiltrate, thank you for the name of the Turkish attorney, do you have his email address that you could PM me please?

Turkish Attorney
 

I am sorry EMBEE I could not find an e-mail address for Okun Beggu
you might try going through your embassy in Ankara to help you find him or another Turkish attorney that speaks English. Or through the British consul in Istanbul....

I was amazed in 2012 how many Turks speak English and German a big change from 1964 when I was there.

Good luck, if I were you I would query through diplomatic channels for an attorney to represent you in Istanbul.

We will be returning to Turkey next year , I will PM you if I discover any info that might be more helpful.

xfiltrate