The 7 Critical Steps After an Accident
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Step 1: Ensure Safety
Switch on your hazard lights immediately. If the vehicle is moveable and no serious injuries, move it to the hard shoulder or a safe area to prevent further accidents. Never leave the scene of an accident.
Emergency Numbers
Dubai Police
901
Traffic accidents
Ambulance
998
Medical emergencies
Dubai Civil Defense
997
Fire & rescue
RTA 24hr Helpline
800-9090
Road incidents & tolls
General Emergency
999
All emergencies
Dubai Smart Witness App
For minor accidents in Dubai with no injuries and where both vehicles are driveable, the Dubai Police Smart Witness App allows self-reporting without waiting for police:
- 📱Download Dubai Police app or Smart Witness app
- 📸Both drivers photograph their licenses and vehicle damage
- 📋Submit accident details through the app
- 🖨️Instant digital police report generated for insurance
- ⏱️Saves hours of waiting for police — process in 15 minutes
Smart Witness is NOT for accidents with injuries, vehicles that cannot move, or when parties dispute fault.
Insurance Claim Process
1
Notify insurer within 24 hours
Call your insurance company's 24/7 accident hotline immediately
2
Submit police report
Provide the official Haaditha (accident report) number
3
Vehicle inspection
Insurer arranges damage assessment at approved garage
4
Repair authorization
Insurer authorizes repairs at approved workshop
5
Vehicle collection
Collect repaired vehicle; excess payment if applicable
Fault Determination & Legal Liability
| Scenario | Who Is at Fault | Insurance Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Rear-end collision (you hit someone from behind) | You (following vehicle) | Your insurance pays for other party; your NCD may be lost |
| Jumping a red light causes accident | The traffic light violator | Violator's insurance covers all parties; criminal fine |
| Accident due to lane change without signal | Lane-changing vehicle | Lane-changer's insurance covers damage |
| Accident on private property / parking lot | Assessed by police report | May require civil court if parties dispute |
| Both vehicles at fault (shared negligence) | Both drivers (% split) | Liability split per police report; both insurers pay proportionally |
| Hit by uninsured driver | Uninsured driver | Comprehensive policy may cover you; TPL only may not |
FAQs
Immediately switch on hazard lights, check for injuries, call 998 for ambulance if needed, call traffic police (901 in Dubai, 991 in Abu Dhabi), exchange insurance and license details, take photos, and obtain a police accident report. Never leave the scene without a police report.
Yes. A police accident report (Haaditha report) is mandatory for all motor insurance claims in the UAE. In Dubai, you can obtain a digital report via the Dubai Police Smart Witness app for minor non-injury accidents.
The Dubai Police Smart Witness app allows drivers in minor, non-injury accidents (where both vehicles are driveable) to self-report the accident without waiting for police. Both parties submit photos and details digitally, and an instant report is generated for insurance.
If the other driver is uninsured, they face criminal penalties (AED 500 fine, 4 black points, vehicle impoundment). You should claim on your own comprehensive insurance if you have it. The uninsured driver is personally liable for all damages, which can be pursued through civil court.
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Dubai Police & MOI Verified
• Dubai Police Accident Report: dubaipolice.gov.ae
• Abu Dhabi Police Traffic: adpolice.gov.ae
• UAE General Emergency Number: 999