UAE Accident Claim: 7 Stages, Clearly Explained
From the moment you call 999 to the day you receive your compensation — here is every stage of the UAE accident claim process, the documents you need, the timelines to expect, and where lawyers add the most value.
The UAE accident claim system has up to seven distinct stages. Not every case goes through all seven — minor uncontested claims may resolve at Stage 5. Understanding the full map prevents costly mistakes at any point.
The UAE accident claim system has up to seven distinct stages. Not every case goes through all seven — minor uncontested claims may resolve at Stage 5. Understanding the full map prevents costly mistakes at any point.
Accident Report & Scene Attendance
Your entire UAE accident claim starts here. Under UAE Traffic Law (Federal Decree-Law 14/2024), you must report the accident to the police before moving vehicles, unless doing so creates an ongoing hazard. Moving vehicles without police permission — even for a minor collision — can result in a fine and, crucially, undermines your legal position in any subsequent claim.
What to do at the scene
- Call 999 (emergency) or 901 (Dubai Police non-emergency). Other emirates: Abu Dhabi 800-2-ADPOLICE, Sharjah 06-563-1111.
- Photograph vehicle positions, damage, tyre marks, road conditions, and traffic signs before anything is moved.
- Note the other driver's: name, UAE ID / passport number, vehicle plate, insurance policy number, insurer name.
- Record witness names and phone numbers. Their statements can shift fault percentages significantly.
- Note the precise time, location (GPS pin), and weather / road conditions.
- Preserve dashcam footage immediately — overwriting cycles can delete evidence within hours.
The police will issue a Taqreer al-Haadith (traffic accident report) at the scene. This is your immediate reference number. The full investigation report (khabra) comes later.
Abu Dhabi: 999
Sharjah: 999
Ambulance: 998
RTA Dubai: 800-9090
Accident Report & Scene Attendance
Your entire UAE accident claim starts here. Under UAE Traffic Law (Federal Decree-Law 14/2024), you must report the accident to the police before moving vehicles, unless doing so creates an ongoing hazard. Moving vehicles without police permission — even for a minor collision — can result in a fine and, crucially, undermines your legal position in any subsequent claim.
What to do at the scene
- Call 999 (emergency) or 901 (Dubai Police non-emergency). Other emirates: Abu Dhabi 800-2-ADPOLICE, Sharjah 06-563-1111.
- Photograph vehicle positions, damage, tyre marks, road conditions, and traffic signs before anything is moved.
- Note the other driver's: name, UAE ID / passport number, vehicle plate, insurance policy number, insurer name.
- Record witness names and phone numbers. Their statements can shift fault percentages significantly.
- Note the precise time, location (GPS pin), and weather / road conditions.
- Preserve dashcam footage immediately — overwriting cycles can delete evidence within hours.
The police will issue a Taqreer al-Haadith (traffic accident report) at the scene. This is your immediate reference number. The full investigation report (khabra) comes later.
Abu Dhabi: 999
Sharjah: 999
Ambulance: 998
RTA Dubai: 800-9090
Traffic Investigation & The Khabra Report
After the initial report, Dubai Police's traffic investigation department opens a formal case file. A traffic expert (khabeer markouri) is assigned to investigate the accident. They review the scene, photos, vehicle positions, CCTV footage, dashcam recordings, witness statements, and road conditions.
The outcome is the Khabra Report (تقرير الخبرة) — the single most important document in your entire claim. It assigns a fault percentage to each party. Typical outcomes:
- 100% / 0% — one party entirely at fault
- 75% / 25% — one party primarily at fault, the other contributory
- 50% / 50% — both parties equally at fault
What happens if you disagree with the khabra?
You can formally object through the courts by requesting a new expert be appointed. This is called an Isti'anah (استئانة). The court may appoint a new expert or ask the original expert to reconsider. This process typically adds 2–4 months but can increase your compensation substantially.
- Traffic accident report (Taqreer)
- Scene photographs / dashcam
- Witness statement details
- Khabra report (issued by police)
Traffic Investigation & The Khabra Report
After the initial report, Dubai Police's traffic investigation department opens a formal case file. A traffic expert (khabeer markouri) is assigned to investigate the accident. They review the scene, photos, vehicle positions, CCTV footage, dashcam recordings, witness statements, and road conditions.
The outcome is the Khabra Report (تقرير الخبرة) — the single most important document in your entire claim. It assigns a fault percentage to each party. Typical outcomes:
- 100% / 0% — one party entirely at fault
- 75% / 25% — one party primarily at fault, the other contributory
- 50% / 50% — both parties equally at fault
What happens if you disagree with the khabra?
You can formally object through the courts by requesting a new expert be appointed. This is called an Isti'anah (استئانة). The court may appoint a new expert or ask the original expert to reconsider. This process typically adds 2–4 months but can increase your compensation substantially.
- Traffic accident report (Taqreer)
- Scene photographs / dashcam
- Witness statement details
- Khabra report (issued by police)
Frequently Asked Questions
Know the process. Now get the result.
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