Arab Man Keeps Promise, Repairs Vehicle He Accidentally Damaged

Dubai Court Rejects Car Accident Claim Due to Lack of Evidence Despite Drunk Driving Allegations

A Dubai civil court has dismissed a 15,000 dirham compensation claim from an Arab national who alleged his car was damaged by a drunk driver, highlighting the critical importance of proper documentation in traffic accident cases. Despite evidence that the defendant was driving under the influence with an expired license and no insurance, the plaintiff's failure to provide a police traffic report or other corroborating evidence led to the case's rejection and left him liable for court costs.

The Incident and Initial Agreement

The case began when the plaintiff's vehicle was allegedly struck by another driver who was operating an unlicensed, uninsured vehicle. According to court documents, both parties initially went to a police station where the at-fault driver tested positive for alcohol and was cited for reckless driving. Recognizing his precarious legal position, the defendant promised to pay for all repair costs in exchange for the plaintiff not filing an official police report.

However, the defendant later reneged on this promise, leaving the plaintiff with repair bills totaling 5,460 dirhams and car rental costs of 2,600 dirhams. The plaintiff also claimed an additional 7,000 dirhams for psychological trauma allegedly suffered by his children who were in the vehicle during the incident.

Legal Proceedings and Evidence Gaps

When the defendant failed to honor his commitment, the plaintiff filed a civil lawsuit seeking 15,000 dirhams in compensation plus 5% annual interest and legal costs. The plaintiff's evidence package included repair shop invoices, car rental receipts, and a police certificate confirming the defendant's drunk driving charge.

The defendant failed to appear in court despite proper legal notification, making the judgment enforceable as if he had been present under Article 55 of the UAE's Civil Procedures Law.

Court's Reasoning and Legal Standards

The Dubai Civil Court applied fundamental legal principles requiring plaintiffs to prove their claims with adequate evidence. While the court acknowledged the police certificate proving the defendant's intoxication, it found critical gaps in the plaintiff's case.

The court specifically noted the absence of:

• An official police traffic report documenting the collision
• Medical reports confirming injuries to the children
• Independent witness testimony
• Any formal documentation linking the defendant's drunk driving to the alleged accident

The court emphasized that repair invoices and rental receipts alone cannot establish that an accident occurred or identify who caused it, particularly without corroborating traffic incident reports.

Implications for UAE Traffic Law and Insurance Claims

This case underscores the UAE's strict evidentiary standards in civil litigation, even when defendants engage in clearly illegal behavior. The ruling demonstrates that criminal violations like drunk driving don't automatically translate to civil liability without proper documentation of the underlying incident.

The decision also highlights risks in informal settlement agreements following traffic accidents. While the defendant's promise to pay damages seemed reasonable given his legal exposure, the lack of official documentation ultimately benefited him when he chose to breach the agreement.

Broader Legal Lessons

For UAE residents, this case reinforces the importance of always filing official police reports for traffic incidents, regardless of informal agreements reached at the scene. The country's legal system prioritizes documented evidence over verbal agreements, particularly in civil damages claims.

The ruling aligns with broader trends in UAE jurisprudence emphasizing procedural compliance and evidence-based decision making. Courts consistently require plaintiffs to meet established legal standards rather than relying on defendants' apparent guilt in related matters.

As the UAE continues developing its legal framework around traffic safety and insurance claims, this case serves as a reminder that proper documentation remains the cornerstone of successful civil litigation, even when the underlying facts seem straightforward.