Steps to Take After a Car Accident in the UAE: Legal Advice from Experts

Driving is common. Whether because of a commute, or due to infrastructure decisions, much of the developing and modern world is centered around transportation via personal vehicles. 

The UAE is no exception to this trend, with reports from 2024 suggesting there are 3.5 million cars registered in the country, 40 percent of which are in Dubai. With that concentration of automobile ownership, it's small wonder that the UAE’s traffic accident rates have more than doubled since 2020 to almost 4,400 in 2023. 

Since motorists resumed their usual commutes and trips following a sharp drop in 2020, insurance rates are also rising. In 2021, car accident claims rose 45 percent from the previous year. Add to this the recent and unprecedented natural disasters that have hit the Emirates, and you’re left with insurance premium increases that saw customers pay between 10 and 15 percent more in 2023. The upward trends of car ownership, insurance rates, and car accidents in the UAE show no indication of slowing. 

If you’re a motorist, knowing the best course of action to protect yourself physically and legally in car accident cases is imperative. The aftermath of a car accident can get messy (that gets even worse if you had a motorcycle accident) if there are disagreements between you and the other drivers or the insurance companies. You should know where to go immediately after a car accident, what to record, who to call, and which professionals to hire to protect your investments and health. 

What Steps to Take After a Car Accident in the UAE

Taking calm and orderly steps after a car accident is paramount to making sure everyone is safe and no further injury occurs. Knowing what to expect after a car accident will not only help you navigate the chaotic aftermath to the benefit of everyone involved, but protect you later on when the legal system gets involved.

• Move to safety - The road is a dangerous place to be, so immediately after being in a car accident, make sure you carefully move off the active roadway. You should also try to get your vehicle off the road and activate hazard lights to warn oncoming motorists. 

• Check yourself for Injuries - Check yourself and any passengers you had for injuries. Note any scraps, bruises, cuts, broken bones, or anything else that was not there prior to the accident. Make sure to call 999 for emergency medical assistance, even if you don’t find any apparent injuries. 

• Report the accident - While you’re on the line with 999, report the accident to the police. Make sure to give details about what was happening before, during, and after the accident for the most accurate report. You should file this within 24 hours of the accident. This will be important later for insurance and legal proceedings. 

• Document the crash - Take photos of the vehicles involved (especially yours) and document the scene of the crash. Make sure to take clear photos of the damage done to the vehicles. Also make note of the driving conditions and any signs or symbols nearby.

• Exchange information - Speak with the other drivers involved and get their contact, driver license, and insurance information. You do not have to talk to them about the accident itself, and it’s recommended you do not until the police arrive. 

• Get a police report - Once the police arrive, answer their questions, cooperate with their instructions, and arrange to get a copy of their accident report. This report is also important for insurance and legal proceedings, so make sure you get one. 

• Notify your insurance company - Call your insurance company and provide details like the police report number, photos of the accident, and any information pertaining to your insurance policy. Do not accept any negotiation about a payout yet. You should understand how much damage has been done first. 

• Seek medical attention - Visit a doctor regardless of whether you found an injury or not. Cars and trucks are heavy, powerful machines that can cause internal damage without you knowing until it becomes a problem. Getting a medical checkup will also factor into your insurance payout. 

• Get a repair estimate - Arrange to have your car taken to a dealership or mechanic to assess the damage. You should get an estimate of the repair cost before proceeding with an insurance payout or any legal complications that arise. 

• Consult a legal professional - Consulting a legal professional is always a good idea. The days, weeks, and months following a car accident may lead to insurance issues, legal action, and injury claims. Hiring a car accident lawyer in the UAE can shorten the time needed to receive compensation and guard your physical and financial wellbeing. 

How to Claim Insurance for Car Accident in Dubai

To file an insurance claim following a car accident you will need to collect certain documents and decide if you need to file a claim. Car insurance claims usually only come into play if there is bodily injury during the accident or if the car is damaged. If the damage was determined to be caused by another motorist, you will likely get your payout, but if you are determined to be at fault, they may not. 

As for the documents, make sure you submit:

• The police report

• Your vehicle's registration

• Copies of the driver licenses for all drivers involved

• Filled out insurance claim forms from all drivers involved



• A car modifying certificate if applicable

What is a Car Modifying Certificate in the UAE?

A car modifying certificate is a document issued to a motorist after having their vehicle examined for road-worthiness. Note that modifications to the vehicle are only permitted through certified dealerships. Third-party mechanics or garages may not make modifications. 

How Long do You Have to Claim for a Car Accident

There is no legal time requirement for filing an insurance claim for a car accident, so it’s recommended that you check your insurance premium for clarification. Generally speaking, it's best to file your insurance claim as soon as you have all the necessary information, or within 10 days of the accident. Note that it is strongly recommended to have the police report filed the same day or within 24 hours. 

Contact Connect Legal for Expert Advice

In most cases, having legal representation on standby is a good idea after car accidents. Legal professionals in the UAE are experienced with laws pertaining to traffic accidents and can advise you on the best way to document the accident and seek insurance payouts for medical and repair fees. They can also help you in the event of a civil suit should one of the drivers involved seek litigation. 

Finding a legal expert for insurance or car crash claims is easy on Connect Legal. It’s designed to connect lawyers with the clients that need them most and in the appropriate field of law. If you’ve been in a traffic accident, you can find lawyers on Connect Legal that specialize in dealing with insurance companies and car insurance claims. You can also find lawyers that will represent you in court should some part of the process break down. 

Traffic accidents are traumatic, and the often confusing and unfamiliar aftermath can lead to missteps. Consult with the legal professionals at Connect Legal to make sure you get what you need to recover your health and finances after a car accident.