Injured in a road accident in Kuwait and unsure who pays for your treatment, your lost salary or your damaged car? Car accident compensation in Kuwait runs on two tracks — the criminal case against the driver at fault and the civil claim against the driver and the insurer — and the steps you take in the first days decide most of the outcome. In this guide, Attorney Meshari Obaid Alenezi explains the process.
The First 48 Hours
- Police report: never settle at the roadside; the police report fixes fault and is the basis of every later claim.
- Medical record: get examined the same day even for minor pain, so the injury is linked to the accident in the file.
- Evidence: photographs, the other driver’s licence and insurance details, and the names of witnesses.
- Repair estimate: obtain an estimate before repairing; the insurer will want to inspect the vehicle.
Who Pays
- Compulsory insurance: every vehicle carries third-party insurance that covers injury and property damage caused to others, within its limits.
- The driver and owner: remain liable for what the policy does not cover, including moral damage and losses above the limit.
- Fatal accidents: the family of the deceased is entitled to the diya (blood money) fixed by law, in addition to any civil compensation.
- Your own insurer: comprehensive cover pays for your car regardless of fault, then recovers from the other side.
What Can Be Claimed
- Treatment and rehabilitation: including future treatment established by a medical report.
- Lost income: salary lost during recovery, and reduced earning capacity in cases of permanent disability.
- Vehicle and property: repair or replacement value, and loss of use.
- Moral damage: pain, disfigurement and the suffering of close relatives in serious cases.
Frequently Asked Questions
The other driver was found at fault but his insurer offers a small amount. Must I accept?
No. The insurer’s first offer is rarely the full entitlement. A lawyer values the claim with the medical and repair evidence and, if the offer stays short, files a civil claim against the driver and the insurer together.
I was a passenger. Can I claim even if the driver was my friend?
Yes. A passenger claims against whichever driver was at fault, or both, and against their insurers; friendship with the driver does not affect the right.
If you have been injured in a road accident, you can book a consultation with the office of Attorney Meshari Obaid Alenezi or call +965 2220 4490.
Disclaimer: this article provides general legal information and is not a substitute for advice on your specific case.
Need Legal Advice?
Contact Attorney Meshari Al-Enezi — over 10 years of experience in Kuwaiti courts