What should I do immediately after a car accident in Dubai?

Call 999 (police emergency) or 901 (Dubai Police non-emergency). Do not move vehicles unless they create a danger. Take photographs, exchange insurance details with the other driver, and get witness contacts. Report to your insurer within your policy's notification period (usually 7 days). Then contact our lawyers before signing anything.

How is fault determined in a UAE car accident?

Dubai Police investigate and issue a traffic accident report assigning fault. A single report (khabra) determines percentage fault. If you believe the fault assignment is incorrect, our lawyers can challenge it through a traffic expert report (khaber markuri) during court proceedings.

Can I claim if I was a passenger in the accident?

Yes. As a passenger you are a third party and can claim against the at-fault driver's compulsory third-party insurance, and in many cases against your own driver's insurance as well.

How much compensation will I receive for a car accident in the UAE?

Each case is unique. UAE courts consider the severity of injuries, medical costs, income loss, vehicle value and other factors. Our lawyers provide a case-specific assessment at your initial consultation.

Can I still claim if I was partly at fault?

Yes. UAE law applies proportional liability, meaning your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault. Even if you were 50% at fault, you can still recover 50% of your losses from the other party.

Car Accident Compensation Lawyer Dubai | Road Accident Claims UAE

Car Accident Compensation Law in Dubai & UAE

The UAE has compulsory third-party motor insurance under Federal Traffic Law No. 21 of 1995 and Cabinet Resolution No. 14 of 2020. If you are involved in a road accident — whether as a driver, passenger, cyclist or pedestrian — you are entitled to claim compensation from the at-fault party's insurer and, where applicable, directly from the at-fault driver.

Al Safar & Partners has handled hundreds of car accident claims across Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah and all UAE emirates. Our car accident lawyers know exactly how UAE courts value injuries, how insurers calculate vehicle damage, and how to challenge unfair settlements.

What You Can Claim After a Car Accident in the UAE

Vehicle Repair or Total Loss: Full repair costs or market replacement value for a written-off vehicle.
Medical Expenses: All past and future treatment costs directly caused by the accident.
Lost Income & Earning Capacity: Compensation if the accident affects your ability to work.
Pain & Suffering: UAE courts award moral damages for physical and psychological suffering.
Diya (Blood Money): A mandatory AED 200,000+ payment in fatal accidents under UAE law.
Rental Car Costs: While your vehicle is under repair.
Additional Dependant Support: For families of fatally injured victims.

Steps to Take After a Car Accident in Dubai

1. Report to Police Immediately

Under UAE law, all accidents must be reported to the police before vehicles are moved (except where required for safety). A police report (hadithat muroor) is essential for any insurance or court claim.

2. Obtain a Traffic Accident Report

The police will issue a traffic accident report (khabra) detailing fault determination. This document is the foundation of your claim. Our team can assist in obtaining and challenging fault assessments if you believe they are incorrect.

3. File an Insurance Claim

Report the accident to your insurer and the at-fault driver's insurer within the policy notification period (typically 7 days). Delays can prejudice your claim — contact our team immediately if you are approaching a deadline.

4. Preserve All Evidence

Photographs, dashcam footage, witness details, medical records, and repair estimates are all critical. Our lawyers advise on evidence preservation from the moment of instruction.

5. Consult a Car Accident Lawyer

Before accepting any settlement offer from an insurer, speak to one of our car accident lawyers. Initial settlements are often far below what UAE courts would award — and once accepted, you cannot claim more.

Challenging a Car Insurance Claim in the UAE

If your insurer refuses to pay, delays payment beyond the regulatory period, or offers an unfairly low settlement, you have the right to file a complaint with SANADAK — the Central Bank of UAE's financial disputes authority. Our lawyers prepare and submit SANADAK complaints, represent you at hearings, and escalate to the Dubai Courts or Court of Appeal where needed.

Car Accident Compensation Lawyers Dubai.