What to Do After a Car Accident in Saudi Arabia: A Guide to Najm and Traffic Police

 Being involved in a car accident, even a minor one, can be stressful and confusing, especially if it is your first time dealing with such a situation. During the first few minutes, it is easy to lose focus or forget important steps. Knowing what to do can help you stay calm and make the process smoother and easier.

Make Sure Everyone Is Safe First

If anyone is injured, call emergency services immediately by dialing 997 and follow the instructions provided by emergency responders and the relevant authorities.

In emergency situations, the safety of injured people and everyone at the scene should always come first.

If there are no injuries and the accident is minor, you can proceed with the following steps.

Turn On Your Hazard Lights

After an accident, it is recommended to turn on your hazard lights immediately to alert other drivers that there has been an accident or an unexpected stop ahead.

This applies whether the accident happened on a highway, inside the city, during the day, or at night.

Hazard lights help improve safety and reduce the risk of additional accidents caused by stopped vehicles or slow traffic.

Take Photos Before Moving the Vehicles

In many accidents, photographs can be more valuable than any discussion between the parties involved.

Try to take pictures of:

* The accident scene from different angles.

* The position and direction of the vehicles.

* The damage to all vehicles involved.

* Vehicle license plates.

* Road markings and lanes.

* Nearby traffic signs and signals.

Sometimes a single clear photo can make a significant difference when determining liability.

After taking photos, and if the vehicles are drivable, there are no injuries, and local authorities or responders have not instructed otherwise, it is generally safer to move the vehicles to the side of the road or another safe location that does not obstruct traffic.

?When Should You Contact Najm

For most minor traffic accidents in Saudi Arabia, contacting Najm is often a good first step to begin the reporting process and receive guidance on how to proceed.

You can contact Najm through:

* 199033

* 920000560

You can also use the official Najm application to report the accident and follow up on the case.

Depending on the circumstances of the accident and the applicable procedures, Najm may advise you to continue the process through the Saudi Traffic Police or another relevant authority if the case falls outside Najm’s scope of service.

If you are unsure which authority to contact, starting with Najm is often a good option, and they can guide you to the appropriate authority based on your situation.

?When Should You Contact the Traffic Police 

You can contact the Saudi Traffic Police by calling:

* 993

In some regions, the unified emergency number may also be available:

* 911

Situations that may require contacting the Traffic Police include:

* Injuries or fatalities.

* A driver leaving the accident scene.

* One of the parties refusing to cooperate or complete the required procedures.

* The accident causing a traffic hazard or road blockage.

* Being referred to the Traffic Police by Najm.

Emergency numbers and procedures may vary depending on your location within Saudi Arabia and the nature of the incident.

Avoid Arguing About Who Is at Fault

One of the most common mistakes after an accident is for both parties to start arguing about who caused the accident.

It is usually better to explain what happened as clearly as possible and leave the responsibility assessment to the relevant authorities based on the available evidence.

Keep Important Information Related to the Accident

It is recommended to record or photograph important information such as:

* Vehicle license plate numbers.

* Phone numbers.

* Vehicle make and model.

* Any reference numbers related to the report or accident case.

Having this information available can make communication and follow-up procedures easier later on.

If You Are Driving a Rental Car  

If you are driving a rental vehicle, it is advisable to inform the rental company as soon as possible after the accident.

Some rental companies may have their own procedures, such as:

* Requesting a copy of the accident report.

* Asking for the case or report number.

* Requesting documents related to insurance claims.

* Asking you not to repair the vehicle before obtaining their approval.

These procedures vary between companies, so contacting the rental company directly is always recommended.

Keep All Accident-Related Documents

Examples include:

* The accident report.

* Vehicle damage assessment reports.

* Insurance-related correspondence.

* Repair invoices and supporting documents.

Keeping these documents organized can save time and effort later.

Conclusion

Traffic accidents are never pleasant, but taking the right steps during the first few minutes can save you a great deal of time and stress later on.

Staying calm, documenting the scene properly, and following official procedures can make the entire process faster and easier for everyone involved.

Please note that procedures may vary depending on the nature of the accident and the regulations in force at the time of the incident. Official authorities and their instructions should always be considered the final reference in every case. 🚗🇸🇦

Disclaimer: This article is intended for general informational purposes only and should not be considered legal, medical, or professional advice. Official authorities and their instructions remain the final reference in every case.