An Abu Dhabi court has ordered a driver to pay Dh150,000 in compensation to a motorist who suffered serious injuries and permanent mobility impairment in a traffic accident.
The ruling was issued by the Abu Dhabi Family, Civil and Administrative Cases Court after the victim pursued a civil compensation claim following an earlier criminal conviction against the driver.
Crash left victim with lasting injuries
According to court documents, the victim was injured when the defendant’s vehicle collided with his car in an accident linked to unsafe driving.
Medical evidence submitted to the court showed that the victim sustained multiple bone fractures and soft-tissue injuries. The injuries also resulted in a permanent partial disability affecting his mobility and his ability to carry out everyday activities independently.
The victim subsequently sought Dh300,000 in compensation, citing medical expenses, lost income during his recovery and the lasting physical and emotional consequences of the accident.
Criminal conviction established driver’s liability
The court noted that the driver had already been found guilty in separate criminal proceedings of violating road-safety requirements and causing an accident that resulted in bodily injuries.
Because that criminal judgment had become final, the civil court treated the finding of fault as established when considering the compensation claim.
The judge then assessed the extent of the victim’s disability, treatment costs, physical suffering and other consequences of the collision before determining the appropriate compensation.
Court awards Dh150,000
After reviewing the medical reports and other evidence, the court awarded the victim Dh150,000.
The compensation was intended to cover both the material consequences of the accident and the moral and physical harm suffered by the victim.
The judgment highlights the potential civil consequences of serious road-safety violations in the UAE, where drivers found responsible for accidents may face compensation claims in addition to criminal penalties.
The case also underscores the importance of complying with traffic regulations, as reckless or unsafe driving can have long-term consequences for both victims and those responsible for causing collisions.
