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.
