How to Claim Traffic Accident Compensation in Saudi Arabia

Claiming compensation for a traffic accident: the actual steps

How you claim compensation for a traffic accident in Saudi Arabia depends on whether valid insurance exists, the severity of the damage (material or bodily), and determining which party was at fault.

Step one: documenting the accident immediately

Traffic authorities should be notified immediately to document an official report identifying the parties and damage, except in minor accidents both parties agree to settle via the "Najm" app without a patrol attending. This report or Najm assessment is the foundation for any later claim, whether with an insurer or in court.

Claiming through insurance (Najm)

If the at-fault party has valid mandatory or comprehensive insurance, the claim is submitted through the "Najm" platform for vehicle damage settlement, where the insurer assesses the material damage and pays the affected party directly, usually without needing to file a lawsuit for straightforward cases.

When do you need to file a lawsuit?

• When the insurer refuses to cover the accident or undervalues the damage
• When bodily injuries require compensation beyond the basic insurance coverage
• When there's a dispute over who was actually at fault
• In fatality cases, where diyah (blood money) provisions apply as assessed by the court

Types of compensation you can claim

Compensation typically covers: the cost of repairing or replacing the vehicle, actual medical treatment costs, compensation for time off work due to injury, and in cases of serious injury or death, additional compensation assessed by a forensic doctor and the relevant court based on the nature of the harm.

Key documents for any claim

The traffic accident report or Najm assessment, a documented medical report if injuries exist, repair or damage invoices, and both parties' insurance details if available.

This information is general, and the specifics of each accident (like fault percentage and insurance type) determine the right path for your claim. To review your case in Jeddah, reach out to us on WhatsApp.

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