Understanding Accident Law Within the UAE
Personal Injury Lawyer
1.1 The Legal Foundation
The UAE cases related to accidents or injuries are largely governed by the UAE Civil Code, Federal Law No. 5, 1985.
The following are the major articles:
Article 282: Persons causing injury to others are liable to pay compensation.
Article 292: The compensation should deal with both the actual damages and other damages concerned.
Article 299: Damages have to be awarded for personal injury suffered, if any.
Conclusion—If you are harmed by the actions or negligence of someone, you can sue for damages through the UAE laws.
1.2 Time Limits or Statutes of Limitations
You usually have:
3 years from the date you discovered the injury and who caused it.
Or 15 years from the date of the accident (whichever comes first).
If you are unable to meet this deadline, your claim could be dismissed.
1.3 Different Laws for Different Accidents
The UAE also has special laws regulating particular types of accidents:
Work injuries, labor law, and Federal Decree-Law No. 33, 2021.
It should be noted that this list is
Traffic accidents are included under motor vehicle and insurance laws.
Accidental deaths may include “Diya” or blood money payments (AED 200,000 will be required).
Common Types of Accidents in the UAE
2.1 Car or Road Accidents
These are the most common. After an accident:
Make a police report as soon as possible.
Take photos and gather information regarding witnesses.
Make a claim with the other person’s insurance company.
You can claim for:
Medical bills & hospital expenses:
It costs money to fix cars
Lost income if unable to work.
Pain and suffering.
2.2 Workplace Accidents
If you are injured at work, your employer is required to:
Report the injury to the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratization (MOHRE).
Pay for my medical treatment.
Provide compensation for death or disability, commonly 24 months of your basic salary.
You Can Also Read About: Employment & Labour Lawyer In Dubai, UAE
2.3 Slip, Trip, and Fall Accidents
If you fall as a result of a dangerous condition at a mall, a hotel, or a building:
The property owner or manager could be liable.
You will have to show they were negligent.
Photograph the scene, record incident reports, and obtain statements from witnesses.
Get help from an expert lawyer.
2.4 Medical Negligence
A serious mistake by a doctor or a hospital resulting in injury to you shall make you entitled to compensation as provided for by the Medical Liability Law, Federal Decree-Law No. 4, 2016.
You will require professional medical evidence and proof that the medical malpractice resulted in your injury.
You Can Also Read: Compensation for a Medical Mistake
2.5 Fatal Accidents and “Blood Money”
In cases involving deaths due to an accident, UAE laws offer compensation to the victims’ families by paying a fixed amount, known as Diya, which is AED 200,000.
The families may also bring a separate claim under civil law for damages.
Types of Compensation You Can Claim
The compensation, as a rule, involves two principal areas:
3.1 Financial Losses, Financial Damages
Health expenses, hospitalizations, surgeries, therapies, and rehabilitations.
Lost Income: Wages that are forfeited due to recovery.
Loss of future earnings if you can’t return to your job.
Property damage to the car, broken articles, etc.
3.2 Emotional or Physical Harm (Non-Economic Damages)
Pain and Suffering.
Permanent disability or disfigurement.
Mental stress or psychological trauma.
Loss of enjoyment of life.
3.3 The Amount Affected by WHAT
The final compensation payment depends on:
The seriousness of your injury: You’ll be charged
Whether you’ll fully recover.
Job, salary, and age.
If you were partly to blame (liability shared).
The strength of your medical and accident evidence.
The UAE courts allow ample discretion, which implies that the fine may vary between cases.
The Role of an Accident Lawyer
The best thing you could do, in this case, is hire an experienced accident lawyer or personal injury lawyer in the UAE to protect all your rights.
4.1 How a Lawyer Helps—Personal injury lawyer
Investigates the accident and collect the facts.
Estimates your medical and financial damages.
Negotiates with insurance companies.
Submit your case to a court if required.
Provides you with advice on expectations and timelines.
4.2 How Lawyers Charge
Personal injury lawyer Charges
Some are contingency fees, meaning a percentage of what you win.
Other professionals may require a fixed cost or charge by the hour.
So, make sure you understand the terms before moving forward.
4.3 Choosing the Right Lawyer
Search for an attorney who:
Specializes in accident or personal injury law.
Comprehends UAE civil law as well as Sharia components.
Has cases in UAE courts.
Is transparent regarding fees and updates.
What to Do After an Accident in the UAE
Seek immediate medical attention.
Keep all bills, all reports, and all prescriptions. Except for the reporter of the accident.
When involving traffic, contact the police.
When involved in work accidents, you are required to notify your employer as well as MOHRE
When involving property, notify the property manager.
Collect evidence.
Pictures, CCTV footage if possible, and witnesses’ information.
Tell your insurance company.
For auto accidents or injuries at work, report in 24-48 hours.
You should refuse any acceptance of responsibility or any signing of documents before you’ve contacted an attorney.
In relation to this,
You should consult a personal injury lawyer as quickly as possible.
Make sure to monitor your recovery progress.
Document the influence that injury has on your occupational and personal activities.
Compensations Arrangement When It Comes to work injuries
If you are injured on the job:
Contact a Personal injury lawyer as soon as possible
The expense of your care will be borne by your employer until you are cured.
If you are unable to work, you will receive partial payment.
If the injury results in death, the family will receive a payment ranging from AED 18,000 to AED 200,000.
As far as permanent disability is concerned, the payment is made pursuant to the scale ascertained by
The amounts mentioned are as fixed by Ministerial Resolution No. 657 dated 2022.
UAE Courts’ Approach Towards Damages Assessment
The UAE courts consider both financial and moral damages.
Some examples from past cases will illustrate the difference:
A person sustained 100% disability due to a car accident and received AED 1,000,000.
The other person with 35% disability received AED 150,000.
“There isn’t a strict formula, so each case, as decided by the judges, is individual
Mistakes to Avoid
Delayed or failed reporting of the accident.
Settling with insurance too early.
Missing receipts and medical documents.
Delaying making contact with an attorney.
Assuming you can’t claim, as you may have been partly liable.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1. Can I make a claim if I was partially liable for the incident?
Well, yes, but your payment will be reduced according to your degree of fault.
Q2. What is Diya (blood money)?
It’s compensation, usually AED 200,000, given to the family if the person dies as a result of an accident.
Q3: How long do I have to file my claim?
Usually 3 years from when you discover the injury or the person responsible.
Q4. Do I really need a lawyer?
Yes, you may need it; however, be strongly advised—UAE laws regarding accidents are complicated.
Q5. Can I claim any damages?
Yes, medical expenses, loss of earnings, car restoration, and physical and emotional distress (pain, stress, etc.).
Final Thoughts
The UAE’s accident laws are intended to protect persons injured as a result of another person’s fault. It may be a traffic accident, an occupational injury, or medical malpractice, as you are entitled to claim a proper claim due to this situation.
It can all be a bit confusing, particularly with varying laws, insurance, and language, so having an experienced UAE accident lawyer really makes a difference.
Act fast, retain all your evidence, and you will settle for nothing less than you deserve. The proper professional help will help you be financially and emotionally healed if you are a victim of an accident.