Traffic accidents can happen unexpectedly, no matter how carefully you drive. In such situations, knowing the correct steps instead of panicking is extremely important for the safety of the driver, passengers and other road users. When an accident involves a rental car, the procedures specified by the rental company should also be followed in addition to general traffic rules.
After an accident, personal safety should always be the first priority. Necessary official procedures should then be completed, the incident should be documented and the rental company should be informed.
In this guide, you can find the essential steps to follow if you are involved in an accident with your own vehicle or a rental car.
When an accident occurs, try to remain calm and check the condition of yourself, your passengers and the other people involved.
If anyone is injured or requires emergency assistance, call the 112 Emergency Call Center. As far as safely possible, stay away from situations that could lead to another accident.
If you need to leave the vehicle, pay close attention to surrounding traffic. Stepping into moving traffic without checking the road can create additional danger.
After an accident, it is important to make sure that approaching drivers can notice the scene in time. Where appropriate and safe, use the vehicle's hazard warning lights and take the necessary safety precautions.
If equipment such as a warning triangle is required, it should be positioned safely while taking road and traffic conditions into account.
However, in accidents involving injuries, serious damage or circumstances requiring an official investigation, you may need to follow the instructions of the authorities before moving the vehicles.
Depending on the circumstances of the accident, emergency services or law enforcement may need to attend the scene. In particular, call 112 if there are injuries or any situation that threatens personal safety.
Provide the location of the accident, the number of injured people and the general circumstances as clearly as possible.
Following the instructions provided by the authorities is important both for safety and for ensuring that the incident is properly documented.
If it can be done safely, taking photographs showing the accident and the condition of the vehicles can be useful.
You can photograph the overall positions of the vehicles, damaged areas, licence plates, road conditions, traffic signs and other details that may be relevant to the accident from different angles.
Photographs can provide useful information when the accident is assessed later. However, never put yourself in moving traffic or another dangerous situation just to take pictures.
An accident report helps document certain traffic accidents involving property damage when the applicable conditions are met.
However, a report completed only by the parties involved may not be sufficient for every traffic accident. Depending on the circumstances, the police, gendarmerie or other competent authorities may need to be called to the scene.
For this reason, applicable rules should be followed according to the nature of the accident, and the relevant authorities should be contacted if there is any uncertainty.
When it is appropriate to complete an accident report, the details of the drivers and vehicles should be recorded accurately.
Driver and vehicle information, licence plate numbers, insurance details, the location and time of the accident and information explaining how the accident occurred should be included completely and accurately.
Before completing the report, check that all information is correct and describe the circumstances of the accident as clearly as possible.
If another vehicle is involved in the accident, it is important to record the necessary driver, vehicle and insurance information.
The licence plate number and relevant documentation should be checked. Where possible and safe, photographs of the documents and licence plates can also be taken.
Incomplete or incorrect information may delay subsequent procedures, so records should be kept carefully.
One of the most important steps after an accident involving a rental vehicle is to inform the rental company as soon as possible.
Rental companies may have specific procedures for accidents and vehicle damage. Therefore, rather than taking action independently, it is important to follow the company's instructions.
Customers of Oğuz Rent a Car should also follow the accident and damage procedures stated in their rental agreement and contact the company following an accident.
When reporting the accident, you may be asked to provide the location and time of the incident, the condition of the vehicle and basic information about any other vehicles involved.
It may not be appropriate to have damage to a rental vehicle repaired without the knowledge and approval of the rental company.
Follow the rental company's instructions regarding how the damage should be assessed, whether the vehicle should be taken to a service center and whether towing is necessary.
This helps ensure that the vehicle is handled correctly and that the applicable rental and protection conditions are followed.
If you are unsure whether the vehicle can be driven safely after an accident, do not continue driving.
Damage to the tyres, steering, brakes, suspension, lighting or mechanical components can affect driving safety.
If you are using a rental vehicle, contact the rental company for instructions regarding towing or roadside assistance.
Insurance and additional protection coverage for rental vehicles may vary depending on the reservation, rental agreement and services selected.
Therefore, you should not assume that all damage will automatically be fully covered after an accident. Exclusions, limitations, driver liability and required documentation may vary according to the rental agreement.
Missing accident reports or other required official documents may also affect the process. It is therefore important to carefully follow the accident, damage and protection conditions stated in the rental agreement.
Depending on the circumstances, accident reports, official records, driver and vehicle information, photographs and other relevant documents may be required during subsequent procedures.
If you are driving a rental vehicle, make sure that all documents requested by the rental company are provided.
Keeping photographs or digital copies of the documents can also make it easier to access the information later.
Acting hastily or leaving the scene before completing the necessary procedures can create serious problems. As long as it is safe to do so, make sure the accident is documented and the required official procedures are completed.
With a rental vehicle, repairing the car without informing the rental company, handing it over to an unauthorized person or failing to report damage may cause problems under the rental agreement.
You should also never continue driving a damaged vehicle if you are unsure whether it is safe.
When driving between Göreme, Uçhisar, Ürgüp, Avanos, Ortahisar and other tourist destinations around Cappadocia, pay close attention to road conditions and traffic signs.
Some roads in the region may have slopes and bends, while seasonal weather conditions can also affect driving. Snow and ice, particularly during winter, may change road conditions.
Checking your route before departure, adjusting your speed to road conditions and maintaining a safe following distance can contribute to a safer journey.
Knowing what to do after an accident is important, but being prepared before the rental begins is equally useful.
When collecting the vehicle, check whether any existing damage has been recorded on the vehicle handover form. Saving the rental company's emergency contact details on your phone can also be helpful.
You should also familiarize yourself with the insurance and protection coverage, roadside assistance procedure and documents required in the event of an accident.
Safe driving should always be the priority. However, knowing what steps to take in an unexpected situation is also an important part of being prepared for your journey.
When renting with Oğuz Rent a Car, you can learn about rental conditions, vehicle use and accident procedures before collecting your vehicle so that you can begin your journey better prepared.
In the event of an accident, stay calm, prioritize personal safety, complete the necessary official procedures and, if you are driving a rental vehicle, contact Oğuz Rent a Car as soon as possible.
