What to Do After a Car Accident in the United Arab Emirates

What should you do immediately after an accident in the UAE?

Call 999, get to safety, and secure an official report. Do not move vehicles in a traffic accident unless police instruct you or you are using the approved mobile reporting process for minor incidents.

• Traffic accidents
  • Call 999 or use Dubai Police or Abu Dhabi Police apps for minor fender-benders where there are no injuries.
  • Exchange IDs and insurance details. Take photos of vehicle positions, damage, skid marks, and surroundings.
  • Obtain the official accident report - it assigns preliminary fault that insurers rely on.
• Workplace accidents
  • Seek first aid and inform your supervisor immediately.
  • Employer must report to police and the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) typically within 24 hours.
  • Record the hazard, equipment involved, and witness details.
• Other injuries (falls, public places, product defects)
  • Photograph the scene, hazard, and lack of warnings. Ask for an internal incident report from the premises manager.
  • Collect witness contacts and keep all receipts and medical records.
• Medical treatment
  • Get treated and request detailed medical reports, imaging, and invoices.
  • Ask for medical leave certificates and any disability assessment.

Who pays for medical treatment after a traffic or workplace accident?

For traffic accidents, your own health insurance covers treatment initially, and you recover costs from the at-fault driver's insurer. For work injuries, the employer must bear treatment costs and pay statutory compensation for death or permanent disability.

• Traffic accidents
  • Mandatory third-party motor insurance covers bodily injury to others. Own-damage cover applies only if you purchased comprehensive policy.
  • If another driver is at fault, their insurer should repay your out-of-pocket medical costs and lost income.
  • Keep all original invoices, prescriptions, and pay slips to support reimbursement.
• Workplace injuries - Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021 and Cabinet Resolution No. 1 of 2022
  • Employer must cover medical treatment and related costs for occupational injuries.
  • Compensation for death or permanent disability is paid as per the Labour Law schedule (see below).
  • Most employers carry workmen's compensation insurance which pays on the employer's behalf.
• Public premises and product injuries
  • The occupier or product supplier may be liable under the Civil Transactions Law for negligent acts or defects causing injury.
  • You claim your treatment costs, then pursue recovery from the liable party or their insurer.

What compensation can victims claim in the UAE?

You can claim material damages (medical bills, rehabilitation, lost wages, future care), moral damages (pain, suffering, distress), and, where applicable, statutory diya or arsh for death or bodily injury through the criminal case. Courts may award both criminal and civil compensation.

• Heads of damages under Federal Law No. 5 of 1985 (Civil Transactions Law)
  • Medical expenses - past and future, including physiotherapy and assistive devices.
  • Loss of income - proven salary loss and future reduced earning capacity.
  • Property damage - repair or replacement of damaged items.
  • Moral damages - pain and suffering, loss of amenity, reputational harm.
• Criminal-linked compensation
  • Diya (blood money) for death - commonly AED 200,000 across the UAE.
  • Arsh for specific injuries - a percentage of diya based on the severity and body part affected, set using Sharia-based schedules and expert medical opinions.
  • Courts can also grant ta'zir compensation for pain and suffering alongside diya or arsh.
• Interest and enforcement
  • Civil courts may award legal interest from date of claim until payment at a rate the court determines.
  • Judgments can be enforced via the local Execution Court, including salary attachment and asset seizure.

What are the time limits to file accident and injury claims in the UAE?

Most tort claims must be filed within 3 years from the date you knew of the damage and the responsible person. Insurance claims and labour injury claims have additional, shorter procedural windows, so act quickly.

Tip: If a criminal case is ongoing, you can join a civil claim to it or file separately in the civil court. Do not wait for the criminal case to conclude if you are approaching the civil limitation period without a clear tolling basis.

How is fault determined in car accidents, and what do police reports mean?

Police accident reports classify fault using a color-coded format and narrative description. Insurers rely heavily on this report, but you can challenge fault through prosecution, expert reports, or civil proceedings.

• Police report basics
  • Dubai and Abu Dhabi use green/red reports indicating fault or no fault.
  • The report lists involved vehicles, drivers, violations, and a brief cause.
• Challenging fault
  • Submit evidence to police or Public Prosecution if you dispute the finding.
  • Request CCTV, dashcam footage, or witness statements. Your lawyer can seek a traffic expert before the civil court.
  • Traffic Law - Federal Law No. 21 of 1995 and amendments guide violations and penalties.
• Effect on compensation
  • If you share fault, the court can reduce damages proportionately.
  • Driving under the influence leads to criminal penalties and may void insurance coverage, leaving the driver personally liable.

How do you pursue a claim: insurance, criminal complaint, or civil lawsuit?

Start with the insurer if coverage exists, then pursue the criminal file where applicable, and file a civil claim for full damages. You can run these tracks in parallel, but coordinate documents and timelines.

1. Insurance route
   • Notify the at-fault insurer and submit the police report, photos, medical bills, and wage proofs.
   • The insurer must decide within 15 working days after receiving complete documents and pay promptly after agreement.
   • If underpaid or rejected, file a complaint with the Central Bank of the UAE - Consumer Protection and the Insurance Dispute Resolution Committee (IDRC). You can later sue in court if unresolved.
2. Criminal route
   • For traffic violations or assault-type injuries, the police file goes to Public Prosecution and then to the Criminal Court.
   • Claim diya or arsh within the criminal case by submitting medical reports and dependency proofs.
   • Obtain certified copies of judgments and expert reports to use in your civil case.
3. Civil lawsuit route
   • File in the competent onshore court: Dubai Courts, Abu Dhabi Judicial Department, or other emirate courts. Onshore courts operate in Arabic.
   • State your damages with evidence. The court may appoint a medical or accounting expert and set a deposit for expert fees.
   • Judgment can be enforced through the Execution Court against assets and salaries in the UAE.
4. Free zone courts
   • DIFC and ADGM Courts operate in English and require jurisdiction by opt-in or connection to the free zone. Their judgments can be enforced onshore through established protocols.

How are work injury and death compensation calculated under UAE labour law?

Death compensation equals 24 months of the worker's basic wage, subject to an AED 18,000 minimum and AED 200,000 maximum. Permanent disability compensation is a proportional percentage of that death amount based on the certified disability percentage.

• Key rules - Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021 and Cabinet Resolution No. 1 of 2022
  • Employer pays treatment costs for occupational injuries.
  • Death compensation: basic wage x 24 months, min AED 18,000 - max AED 200,000, paid to legal heirs.
  • Permanent total disability: same as death compensation.
  • Permanent partial disability: proportional to the percentage of disability determined by medical assessment.
• Process
  • Report the incident to police and MOHRE within 24 hours.
  • Obtain a medical report stating the degree of disability and causation.
  • The employer or its insurer pays statutory compensation. You can pursue additional civil damages if employer negligence caused further losses.
• Exclusions and disputes
  • If the injury results from intoxication or willful misconduct, statutory compensation may be reduced or denied.
  • Disputes can be referred to MOHRE, then to the Labour Court.

How are medical negligence claims handled in the UAE?

Medical negligence is assessed through specialized Medical Liability Committees before or during court proceedings. You typically file a complaint with the health authority, obtain a committee report, and then claim civil damages and, in serious cases, criminal penalties.

• Legal framework
  • Federal Decree-Law No. 4 of 2016 on Medical Liability and its amendments.
  • Health authorities: Dubai Health Authority (DHA), Department of Health - Abu Dhabi (DOH), and MOHAP.
• Procedure
  • File a complaint with the relevant health authority. The Medical Liability Committee evaluates standard of care, causation, and degree of disability.
  • Use the committee report in your civil claim for damages and, where applicable, in a criminal complaint for gross negligence.
  • Hospitals and physicians carry medical malpractice insurance - claims are often settled with insurers.
• Damages
  • Material: additional treatment, rehabilitation, assistive care, loss of income.
  • Moral: pain, suffering, emotional distress.
  • In severe disability or death, arsh or diya may be awarded alongside civil damages.

How much will it cost, and how long does it take in the UAE courts?

Expect 6-18 months for a first instance civil injury case, longer if appeals or complex experts are involved. Court fees are a percentage of your claim with caps, and you must budget for certified translations and expert deposits.

• Cost recovery: Onshore courts award modest legal costs; you rarely recover full lawyer fees.
• Timeline drivers: availability of police/forensic files, medical expert appointments, and insurer response times.

How is compensation calculated for death and serious injury, including diya?

For death, courts usually award AED 200,000 as diya through the criminal case, plus additional civil damages for financial and moral loss. For serious injuries, arsh is set as a percentage of diya, with civil courts adding material and moral damages based on evidence.

• Diya and arsh
  • Diya for death: typically AED 200,000 per deceased, distributed to heirs.
  • Arsh: percentage of diya according to the injured body part and functional loss, guided by Sharia and medical evidence.
• Civil additions
  • Dependents may claim loss of support, funeral expenses, and moral damages.
  • Injury victims claim future care, home modifications, and assistive devices where needed.
• Practical range indicators
  • Moderate fractures with full recovery: medical costs plus modest moral damages.
  • Permanent disability affecting work: significant awards for loss of earning capacity, often supported by vocational and medical expert reports.

What evidence do you need to maximize your claim in the UAE?

Collect official reports, medical evidence, financial records, and scene documentation. Translate key documents into Arabic for onshore courts.

• Core evidence
  • Police accident report and traffic violation record.
  • Forensic Medicine or Medical Liability Committee reports.
  • Hospital records, imaging, prescriptions, and disability assessments.
  • Pay slips, employment contracts, and bank statements to prove income loss.
  • Receipts for all out-of-pocket costs, including transport and home care.
• Supporting evidence
  • Photos/videos of the scene, CCTV or dashcam footage.
  • Witness statements and contact details.
  • Expert reports - accident reconstruction, ergonomics, or occupational assessments.
• Formatting
  • Arabic is mandatory for onshore filings - use MOJ-accredited translators.
  • Certify and legalize foreign documents if necessary.

What are common mistakes that reduce compensation in the UAE?

Delaying reports, settling too early with insurers, and poor documentation are the biggest pitfalls. Do not admit fault or sign releases without legal review.

• Procedural errors
  • Not reporting to police or MOHRE within required timeframes.
  • Missing the 3-year limitation period for civil claims.
• Evidence gaps
  • Lack of contemporaneous medical records or skipping follow-up care.
  • No proof of income or reliance for loss of support claims.
• Negotiation missteps
  • Accepting low insurer offers before understanding long-term prognosis.
  • Making public statements or social media posts that undermine your injuries.
• Insurance issues
  • Driving under the influence or without a valid license can void cover and expose personal assets.
  • Failing to notify your insurer promptly or to cooperate with reasonable investigations.

Which UAE laws and authorities govern accident and injury claims?

Injury claims are governed primarily by the Civil Transactions Law, Traffic Law, Labour Law, and the Medical Liability Law. Police, Public Prosecution, local courts, and the Central Bank of the UAE (insurance) are the key authorities.

• Statutes and regulations
  • Civil Transactions Law - Federal Law No. 5 of 1985 (tort, damages, insurance).
  • Traffic Law - Federal Law No. 21 of 1995 and amendments.
  • Labour Law - Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021 and Cabinet Resolution No. 1 of 2022.
  • Medical Liability - Federal Decree-Law No. 4 of 2016 and amendments.
  • Unified Motor Insurance Policies - Central Bank regulations governing claims and timelines.
• Authorities
  • Dubai Police, Abu Dhabi Police, and emirate police departments.
  • Public Prosecution and Criminal Courts.
  • Dubai Courts, Abu Dhabi Judicial Department, and other emirate courts.
  • Central Bank of the UAE - Consumer Protection and Insurance Dispute Resolution Committee.
  • DHA, DOH, MOHAP - for medical liability investigations.
  • MOHRE - for work injury reporting and labour disputes.

How do lawyer fees, success fees, and insurance complaints work in the UAE?

Most onshore injury lawyers charge fixed or hourly fees; contingency-only arrangements are restricted. If an insurer underpays, you can escalate to the Central Bank and the Insurance Dispute Resolution Committee before suing.

• Lawyer fees
  • Onshore fee agreements are usually fixed or hourly. Success-based bonuses may be used carefully but pure contingency can be problematic.
  • DIFC or ADGM firms may offer different fee models subject to their court rules.
• Insurance complaints
  • File to the insurer first with full documentation.
  • Escalate to the Central Bank Consumer Protection portal. For formal disputes, use the Insurance Dispute Resolution Committee, whose decisions are enforceable and appealable to court within a short window.
• Cost-benefit
  • Given limited cost recovery, consider early settlement if it covers fair medical and income losses supported by evidence.

When should you hire a lawyer or expert in the UAE?

Engage a lawyer immediately for serious injuries, disputed fault, medical negligence, or if a criminal case is opened. Use experts when proving disability, accident mechanics, or long-term care needs.

• Hire a lawyer when
  • Injuries are serious or permanent, or there is a fatality.
  • Insurer disputes liability or offers a low settlement.
  • You need to claim diya/arsh or join a civil claim to a criminal case.
  • Work injury involves disability or your employer is uncooperative.
  • Medical negligence is suspected and you need to navigate Medical Liability Committees.
• Use experts to
  • Assess permanent impairment and future care costs.
  • Calculate loss of earning capacity with actuarial methods.
  • Reconstruct traffic accidents or audit safety failures at workplaces.

What are your next steps after an accident or injury in the UAE?

Secure reports, treat injuries, and notify insurers quickly. Then quantify your losses and choose the right forum to claim.

1. Call 999 and get an official police report or use approved minor accident apps where applicable.
2. Get medical care and request full medical reports, imaging, and disability assessments.
3. Notify the at-fault insurer and your own insurer within 24-48 hours with the police report.
4. For work injuries, ensure your employer reports to MOHRE and the police within 24 hours.
5. Organize evidence: bills, pay slips, photos, witnesses, and translation needs.
6. Consider a legal consult to value your claim, protect limitation periods, and plan strategy across insurance, criminal, and civil tracks.
7. If the insurer delays or underpays, file to the Central Bank and the Insurance Dispute Resolution Committee, then proceed to court if needed.