Table of Contents:
Introduction
What is the First Thing I Should Do After a Car Accident?
- Four key steps to take immediately after a car accident in Abu Dhabi
Why is the Police Report So Important?
- Illustration of the green and red police report slips for a car accident in Abu Dhabi
How Are My Medical Bills Paid For?
Can I Claim Compensation Beyond My Immediate Medical Bills?
- A chart showing the different types of compensation available after a car accident
What If the Insurance Company Refuses to Pay or the Offer is Too Low?
Securing the Compensation You Deserve
Being in a vehicle accident is a stressful event, and the uncertainty that follows may make it hard to know what to do next. If you have been hurt, your priority is your health, but you also need to learn how to handle your medical expenditures.
This article covers the most frequent issues concerning claiming medical costs following a car accident in Abu Dhabi. It gives clear procedures to assist you manage the process and safeguard your legal rights under UAE law as of September 2025.
What is the First Thing I Should Do After a Car Accident?
Your actions in the moments following a crash are critical for your safety and any future insurance claim, here are four key steps to take:
- Prioritize Safety and Health: First, check if anyone is injured. Turn on your vehicle's hazard lights to warn other drivers. If the accident is minor and there are no injuries, move your vehicles to the side of the road to avoid blocking traffic. However, if anyone is hurt, do not move the vehicles.
- Call for Help Immediately: Dial 999 for both police and ambulance services. Even if injuries seem minor, it is essential to get a professional medical evaluation, as some conditions like whiplash may not be immediately obvious.
- Report the Accident: It is a legal requirement in the UAE to report every accident to the police. Under a new law effective March 29, 2025, you must report the incident within three hours. For minor accidents without injuries, you can use the Abu Dhabi Police app to file a report.
- Gather Evidence: While waiting for the police, use your phone to take photos and videos of the scene. Capture the positions of the cars, the damage to all vehicles, license plates, and any visible injuries. Exchange names, phone numbers, and insurance details with the other driver. Never admit fault at the scene; liability is a legal determination made by the police.
Why is the Police Report So Important?
The official police report is the single most important document for your car accident claim in Abu Dhabi. Without it, you cannot legally have your vehicle repaired or initiate an insurance claim.
The report establishes the facts of the incident and includes the police's determination of who was at fault. This is often indicated by a color-coded slip:
- Green Slip: Given to the person who was not at fault.
- Red Slip: Given to the person found to be at fault.
The police report is the cornerstone of your claim. An incorrect report may generate substantial issues, which is why having an expert legal professional analyze your case from the outset can be beneficial.
How Are My Medical Bills Paid For?
In the UAE, the at-fault driver's insurance is liable for paying the medical bills of people they damage. The system is meant to guarantee victims get the treatment they need.
The procedure for claiming medical costs following a car accident in Abu Dhabi requires many critical steps:
Notify the Insurance Company: You must report the accident to the at-fault driver's insurance company as soon as possible, usually within 24 to 48 hours.
Submit Your Documents: You will need to provide a complete file, including the official police report, a copy of your driver's license, and all medical records. This includes hospital invoices, doctor's reports, pharmacy receipts, and physical therapy bills. Keep meticulous records of every expense.
Unlimited Liability for Bodily Injury: A crucial feature of car insurance in Abu Dhabi is that the mandatory Third-Party Liability (TPL) coverage has unlimited liability for bodily injury. This means an insurer cannot legally refuse to pay for necessary medical treatment, no matter how high the cost.
Navigating interactions with insurance providers may be complicated. If you believe an offer is unfair or your claim is being delayed, the reputable car accident lawyers in Abu Dhabi listed on Lawzana may assist ensure you are handled properly.
Can I Claim Compensation Beyond My Immediate Medical Bills?
Yes. UAE law recognizes that the harm from an accident goes beyond just the initial hospital bills. A comprehensive personal injury claim in Abu Dhabi can also include compensation for:
- Future Medical Expenses: If your injury requires long-term care, future surgeries, or ongoing rehabilitation, you can claim for these anticipated costs. This often requires a detailed report from a medical expert.
- Lost Wages: You are entitled to compensation for any income you lost while recovering. If your injury permanently affects your ability to work, you can also claim for loss of future earning capacity.
- Moral Damages (Pain and Suffering): The law allows you to seek compensation for physical pain, emotional distress, and the loss of enjoyment of life resulting from the accident. The court determines the amount based on the severity of the injury and its impact on your life.
- Diya (Blood Money): In the tragic event of a fatality, the at-fault party's insurance is legally required to pay a fixed amount of AED 200,000 to the deceased's family. This is in addition to any other compensation the family may claim.
What If the Insurance Company Refuses to Pay or the Offer is Too Low?
If you cannot negotiate a fair settlement with the insurance company, you have the right to initiate a civil case in the Abu Dhabi courts to seek the full compensation you are entitled to.
It is vital to be aware of the statute of limitations. Under UAE law, you have three years from the date you become aware of the harm and the person liable to launch a case. If you miss this date, you will lose your ability to claim compensation permanently.
Securing the Compensation You Deserve
Claiming medical costs following a car accident in Abu Dhabi involves timely action, rigorous record-keeping, and a clear awareness of your rights. The legal and insurance systems may be complicated, and the stakes are high, particularly when dealing with significant injuries.
You do not have to navigate this process alone. Consulting with a legal expert ensures that all deadlines are fulfilled, your proof is properly structured, and your claim is assessed accurately to reflect all possible damages. Lawzana is a reliable resource for discovering highly skilled and experienced legal specialists. To safeguard your rights and obtain the best possible result, speak with one of the experienced car accident lawyers in Abu Dhabi now.
