Common Car Accident Injuries and How to Claim Compensation in UAE

A car accident can turn your world upside down in a split second. In addition to the shock and damage to your vehicle, the physical injuries that follow can be serious, long-term, and costly. If you or someone you know has been injured in a road accident in Dubai, Sharjah, or elsewhere in the UAE, understanding the nature of your injuries, and your legal right to compensation is the first step to recovery.

At FranGulf Advocates & Legal Consultants, our accident lawyers in the UAE have assisted hundreds of victims in obtaining fair compensation for their injuries. In this guide, we will outline the most common types of car accident injuries and exactly how compensation is obtained under UAE law.

Most Common Car Accident Injuries in UAE

1. Whiplash and Neck Injuries

Whiplash is among the most frequently reported car accident injuries, especially in rear-end collisions. Whiplash injuries result from the sudden jerking of the neck due to the impact, causing strain on the muscles and ligaments. The symptoms of whiplash injury include neck pain, stiffness, headaches, and dizziness. While whiplash injuries seem minor at first, they can progress to a chronic condition if not treated and pursued legally.

Whiplash injuries are completely compensable under UAE law. Victims can seek compensation for medical expenses, physiotherapy costs, and lost wages while recovering.

2. Head and Brain Injuries (TBI)

Traumatic brain injuries can vary from mild concussions to severe brain injuries. TBI results from the head hitting the steering wheel, dashboard, or window during the collision. Even mild concussions can lead to memory loss, confusion, and mood swings that impact a victim’s life for months.

TBI claims are taken seriously by UAE courts. Victims can seek significant compensation for emergency services, rehabilitation, long-term medical care, and loss of future earning capacity.

3. Spinal Cord and Back Injuries

Spinal injuries such as herniated discs, broken vertebrae, and spinal cord injuries are some of the most serious consequences of high-impact accidents. In extreme cases, they can lead to partial or complete paralysis, which can drastically change the life of the injured victim and his or her ability to live independently and earn a living.

The compensation for spinal injuries in the UAE can include surgical expenses, future medical treatment, modifications to the home and lifestyle, and pain and suffering damages.

4. Broken Bones and Fractures

The impact of a collision commonly leads to bone fractures in the arms, legs, ribs, collarbone, and pelvis. Multiple fractures can lead to surgery and physiotherapy for months, keeping the victim away from work for a long time.

The victim has the right to claim compensation for hospital expenses, surgery, rehabilitation, and full loss of wages.

5. Soft Tissue Injuries

Soft tissue injuries, also known as injuries to the muscles, tendons, and ligaments, are difficult to detect in X-rays and thus require a thorough medical examination for documentation. Such injuries lead to chronic pain and stiffness and are commonly underestimated in insurance claims.

6. Chest Injuries

The chest region is especially at risk during an accident because of the collision with the seatbelt, steering wheel, or airbag. Injuries include broken or fractured ribs, internal bleeding, and in extreme cases, damage to the heart or lungs. These injuries often necessitate immediate hospitalization and intensive care.

7. Psychological Injuries (PTSD and Trauma)

Physical injuries are not the only harm caused by car accidents. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, clinical depression, and chronic sleep disorders are well-documented outcomes of traumatic road accidents. Psychological injuries are recognized under the UAE Civil Transactions Law (Federal Law No. 5 of 1985) and can form a significant part of a compensation claim, especially when they impair the victim’s ability to work or function normally.

8. Lacerations, Burns, and Scarring

Broken glass, crushed metal, and airbag deployment can result in serious lacerations and burns. Facial lacerations or scarring can result in plastic surgery and cause lasting psychological trauma. Burns from fire or chemical exposure are particularly dangerous and require extensive and costly treatment.

Common Car Accident Compensation in UAE

Under UAE Federal Decree-Law No. 14 of 2024 on Traffic Regulation and the Civil Transactions Law, accident victims have a legal right to compensation when an accident is caused by another party’s negligence or recklessness. Here is what you can typically claim:

• Medical Expenses -Emergency treatment, hospitalization, surgery, physiotherapy, medications, and all ongoing healthcare costs are fully claimable.
• Loss of Income -If your injuries stopped you from working temporarily or permanently, you can claim for lost wages and reduced future earning capacity.
• Pain and Suffering (Moral Damages) -UAE courts recognize moral damages, which account for the physical pain and psychological trauma suffered as a direct result of the accident.
• Disability Compensation (Diya)-In cases involving permanent disability or fatalities, UAE law provides for Diya (blood money) along with additional civil compensation based on the disability percentage determined by medical authorities.
• Property Damage -The cost of repairing or replacing your vehicle is also recoverable as part of your claim.

How to File a Car Accident Compensation Claim in UAE

The steps you take immediately after an accident directly impact the outcome of your claim. Here is what you should do:

Step 1 — Report the Accident Immediately. Call the police without delay. A police report is mandatory for any legal or insurance claim in the UAE. Do not move the vehicles until an officer arrives unless required for safety.

Step 2 — Seek Medical Attention. Get a thorough medical evaluation even if you feel fine. Injuries like whiplash, internal bleeding, and soft tissue damage often have delayed symptoms. Your medical records are the foundation of your compensation claim.

Step 3 — Document Everything. Photograph the accident scene, vehicle damage, road conditions, and your injuries. Collect the contact details of all parties involved and any witnesses present.

Step 4 — Check the Accident History. If there is any dispute about the incident, checking the official accident history record in Dubai can provide critical supporting evidence for your case.

Step 5 — Consult a Car Accident Lawyer Immediately. Engaging an experienced accident lawyer in Dubai or Sharjah significantly increases your chances of receiving full and fair compensation. A qualified lawyer handles insurance negotiations, files legal claims, and represents you in court when necessary.

Step 6 — File Within the Legal Time Limit. UAE law sets strict time limits for filing compensation claims. Delays can seriously weaken or even invalidate your case. Act quickly.

Why FranGulf’s Accident Lawyers Get Results

Not all accident cases end with fair compensation. This is because insurance companies are known to undervalue claims, deny liability, and even stall on compensation.That is where our accident and injury claim lawyers make all the difference.

We are proud to have set the record for the highest compensation in a motor vehicle accident case in the UAE, at AED 5.6 million, and several other records in accident and workplace injury cases. Our accident lawyers work in Dubai, Sharjah, and all other emirates in the UAE, and are available 24/7 in English, Arabic, Hindi, and Urdu.

Whether you have a soft tissue injury or a spinal cord injury that has changed your life, FranGulf offers comprehensive legal services from the initial consultation to court appearances, with no fees unless we win your case.

Conclusion

Car accidents put victims in a situation where they have to cope with physical agony, emotional shock, and financial troubles all at once. But the key to claiming the compensation you deserve is to understand the most prevalent injuries and your rights as per UAE law. Whether it is whiplash injuries, bone fractures, PTSD, or spinal injuries, each injury has its value in a court of law, but only if you take immediate action and seek the right legal assistance.

FranGulf’s accident lawyers in Dubai and Sharjah are ready to take up your cause. Get in touch with us today at frangulf.ae/services/accident-lawyers/ for a free consultation.