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What to Do Immediately After a Road Accident in Saudi Arabia

Being involved in a road accident in Saudi Arabia can be stressful — especially if you are unsure of the correct procedure. The steps you take in the first few minutes matter greatly. This guide gives you the exact sequence to follow, whether the accident is minor or serious.

Who Is This For?

Anyone who has been involved in a road accident in Saudi Arabia and needs to know what to do immediately.

What You Need Before Starting

Step-by-Step Process

  1. 1Stay calm and check for injuries — your safety and the safety of others is the first priority.
  2. 2If anyone is injured or there is a fire: call 911 immediately. Do NOT move the vehicles. Wait for emergency services to arrive.
  3. 3If there are no injuries and the accident is minor: turn on your hazard lights and move your vehicle to the side of the road if it is safe to do so.
  4. 4Do NOT engage in arguments or physical confrontations with the other driver — this can escalate legally and personally.
  5. 5Photograph everything before moving vehicles: the positions of both cars, the damage to each vehicle, the road conditions, and any relevant signs or signals.
  6. 6Exchange information with the other driver: name, Iqama number, driving license number, vehicle plate number, and insurance company name.
  7. 7Determine whether to use Najm self-service or call Muroor: if both drivers agree on what happened, use the Najm self-service report. If there is a dispute or injuries, call Muroor (traffic police) on 993 or 911.
  8. 8File the Najm accident report — this is the most important step. Without it, no insurance claim can be processed.
  9. 9Contact your insurance company within 24 hours to notify them of the accident, even before repairs begin.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • ✗Driving away from the scene — this is a criminal offence in Saudi Arabia regardless of fault
  • ✗Agreeing verbally and settling in cash without a Najm report — you may discover hidden damage later with no legal recourse
  • ✗Moving vehicles before photographing the scene — you lose critical evidence
  • ✗Not calling 911 when someone is injured — delayed emergency response can worsen outcomes and creates legal liability
  • ✗Shouting or arguing at the scene — remain calm and let the Najm system determine fault

Timing & Fees

Emergency calls (911, 993) are free. Najm accident report filing is free. The entire process from accident to report should be completed at the scene — do not leave before the report is filed.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if the other driver refuses to file a Najm report?

Call Muroor traffic police on 993. They will attend the scene and document the accident officially. Do not leave the scene without an official report.

What if I hit a parked car with no driver present?

Do not drive away. Call Najm on 920000560 and report the incident. Leave your contact details on the other vehicle. Driving away from a hit-and-run incident — even with a parked car — is a traffic offence.

Can I use dashcam footage in a dispute?

Yes. Dashcam footage is accepted as supporting evidence when filing a Najm objection or in traffic court. Save the footage immediately after the accident before it is overwritten.

What if the accident happens on a highway far from the city?

Call 993 (Muroor) or 911. For Najm self-service, you can file a remote report through the app even if both drivers agree. In remote areas, it is safer to call for police assistance.