Who is liable if I'm injured as a pedestrian in the UAE?

Liability depends on the traffic-accident report issued by UAE police under Federal Law 21 of 1995 (Traffic Law, as amended) and Federal Decree-Law 42 of 2022 (Civil Transactions Law).The police report typically assigns fault percentages—full, partial, or shared—based on witness statements, CCTV, and road markings. If the driver violated traffic rules (speeding, running a red light, failing to yield at a crossing), they bear primary or sole liability. If you jaywalked, crossed against signals, or were intoxicated, the report may assign you contributory negligence, reducing your recoverable damages proportionally under Article 318 of the Civil Transactions Law. Immediate steps: Obtain the official traffic report from the police station or RTA (Roads and Transport Authority) portal; it forms the evidentiary foundation for any claim. If you disagree with the fault allocation, you may challenge it through the Public Prosecution or file a civil claim in the competent court (Dubai Courts, Abu Dhabi Courts, or DIFC Courts if the incident falls within DIFC jurisdiction). Gather medical records, witness contacts, and photographic evidence of the scene. If the driver was insured, notify their insurer promptly; UAE motor third-party liability insurance is mandatory and covers pedestrian injuries. Consult a personal-injury lawyer to quantify damages—medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering—and negotiate or litigate the claim within the applicable limitation period.