Types of Accidents
Traffic Accidents
We represent victims of car, motorcycle, and pedestrian accidents across Turkey, helping them claim full compensation.
Slip and Fall
If you slipped or tripped in a hotel, shop, or public place, we can help you seek damages for your injuries.
Hotel & Excursion Injuries
We assist tourists and locals injured during excursions or due to unsafe hotel conditions, including broken equipment and poor supervision.
Wrongful Death
We help families claim damages when a loved one dies due to negligence, including fatal accidents and medical errors.
Most of our clients are from the UK, so we know what UK clients need
We are based in the UK
Key People
Att. Med. Can Canko
Started his legal carrier in 2007. Mr. Canko hold LLB from University of Buckingham, UK. He holds Attorney-at-law and Mediator titles in Turkey. He is also a SRA regulated Solicitor in England and Wales. He is supervising Canko Law Firm (UK) and Canko Law Firm (Turkey). He is an expert litigator in all fields of law. He has over 500 solo case experties and has over $16 bn transactional experience.
Att. Pinar Canko
Started her legal carrier in 2007. Mrs. Canko hold Law Degree from Marmara University, Turkey. She is an attorney-at-law and also a Family Court Expert at Istanbul Court House. She is also a SRA regulated FQ Lawyer in England and Wales. She is managing Canko Law Firm (UK) and Canko Law Firm (Turkey). She deals with family and criminal law matters
Had an accident in Turkey? Here's how to claim compensation
One moment you are on holiday, at work or crossing the road. The next, you are injured in a country where you don't speak the language and don't know the system. If the accident was someone else's fault, Turkish law gives you the right to claim compensation, and you can usually do it from home in the UK.
We are a UK-based law firm with Turkish lawyers. Around 90% of our clients are British, so we know exactly what UK clients need: clear advice, in English, from people who understand both countries.
Your claim at a glance
-
Who can claim: anyone injured in Turkey through someone else's fault, including tourists and foreign residents
-
Where the claim is brought: usually in the Turkish courts, under Turkish law
-
Do you need to go back to Turkey? In most cases, no. A power of attorney lets us act for you
-
What you can recover: medical costs, lost earnings, care costs and compensation for pain and suffering
-
Deadline: generally two years from when you knew of the damage and who caused it, so act early
What does an accident lawyer in Turkey actually do?
An accident lawyer turns a stressful, confusing situation into a claim with a clear plan. In practice that means:
-
Finding out what happened: police reports, CCTV, witness details and photographs
-
Proving your injuries: medical records from Turkey and the UK, and expert reports where needed
-
Working out what your claim is worth: not just today's bills, but future treatment, lost income and the impact on your life
-
Dealing with the insurer: so you are not pressured into accepting a low offer
-
Going to court when needed: if the other side will not pay fairly, we issue proceedings in Turkey
Which accidents can you claim for?
Road traffic accidents
Turkey's roads can be busy and unpredictable, especially in tourist areas. Whether you were a driver, passenger, cyclist or pedestrian, the at-fault driver's compulsory insurance is usually the first source of compensation. Claims can include medical costs, lost income, vehicle damage, and pain and suffering.
Hotel and holiday accidents
Slips by the pool, broken balcony railings, unsafe stairs, food poisoning, faulty equipment. Hotels and resorts in Turkey owe their guests a duty of care. If they fall short and you are hurt, you may have a claim against the hotel, and in some package holiday cases against the UK tour operator.
Excursions, boat trips and water sports
Jeep safaris, boat tours, jet skis, paragliding and diving trips all carry risk. When an operator cuts corners on safety, equipment or supervision, injured guests can claim.
Accidents at work
Employers in Turkey must provide a safe workplace. Construction, factories and agriculture see the most serious accidents. A work accident claim can sit alongside state social security benefits, and we look at both.
Fatal accidents
When an accident causes a death, close family members can claim for funeral costs, the loss of financial support and their own grief. We handle these cases with the care they need.
What compensation can you claim?
-
Medical costs: hospital stays, surgery, medication, physiotherapy and future treatment
-
Lost earnings: income lost while you recover
-
Future losses: if the injury affects your ability to work long term
-
Care and travel: help at home, travel to appointments and return journeys from Turkey
-
Home adaptations: ramps, mobility equipment and other changes you now need
-
Pain and suffering: compensation for the injury itself and its effect on your life
How does the claim work? Five steps
-
Free case assessment. Tell us what happened using the form below. It costs nothing and commits you to nothing.
-
We ask the right questions. Where and when it happened, the treatment you received and who else was involved.
-
You send your evidence. Photographs, medical reports and proof of your financial losses, at your own pace.
-
We assess the claim properly. Our senior lawyers read the case in full and give you a straight answer on whether it is worth bringing.
-
We negotiate or go to court. Many claims settle with the insurer. If not, we take the case to the Turkish courts.
What if you can't afford legal fees?
Where a case is strong enough, we may be able to act on a success fee basis, so you have nothing to pay up front and our fee comes from the compensation recovered. We will always explain the terms clearly before you agree to anything.
How long do you have to claim?
Time limits in Turkey are strict. As a general rule, a claim must be brought within two years from when you knew about the damage and who was responsible, and in any event within ten years of the accident. A longer period can apply where the accident is also a criminal offence, and claims against public bodies have their own rules. The safest course is to speak to a lawyer as soon as you can.
Mistakes to avoid after an accident in Turkey
-
Not getting medical treatment straight away. Your medical records are the backbone of your claim.
-
Leaving without a police report. For road accidents especially, the report is key evidence.
-
Throwing away receipts. Keep everything you spend because of the accident.
-
Accepting the first offer. Early offers from insurers are often far below what a claim is worth.
-
Waiting too long. Evidence such as CCTV is often deleted within weeks.
Frequently asked questions
Can I claim if I'm back in the UK?
Yes. Most of our clients run their claims entirely from the UK, with our team acting for them in Turkey.
Do I need to speak Turkish?
No. We handle everything in English, from the first call to the final settlement.
What if my travel insurance has paid some of my costs?
You may still have a claim for losses your insurer did not cover, such as pain and suffering and lost earnings. Tell us what has been paid and we will advise you.
How much is my accident claim worth?
Every claim is different. The value depends on the seriousness of your injuries, how long recovery takes, your financial losses and the effect on your life. We give you a realistic assessment once we have seen the medical evidence.
Can I claim against my UK tour operator instead?
If you booked a package holiday through a UK operator, you may be able to claim against them in the UK courts for accidents caused by the hotel or excursion they supplied. We will tell you which route is better for your case.
Speak to an accident lawyer about your case
Don't let time run out. Complete the form below for a free case assessment, and you will hear back from us within 24 hours.