Dubai, UAE – In a landmark case that underscores the life-changing consequences of road safety negligence, an Indian expatriate in Dubai has been awarded Dh1 million in compensation following a devastating road accident that left her partially paralysed. The incident not only highlights the severe personal and financial repercussions of jaywalking but also serves as a critical wake-up call for residents to prioritise pedestrian safety amid increasingly strict federal traffic regulations.
On April 24, 2023, Rehmathbi Mamad Sali, a long-time UAE resident originally from Kerala, India, was struck by a vehicle while attempting to cross a road near the Bangladeshi Consulate in Al Wuheida. The accident resulted in life-altering injuries, including a brain haemorrhage, spinal fracture, and permanent weakness in her right arm and leg. What followed was a complex legal battle that ultimately set a precedent in compensatory justice and highlighted the growing legal consequences of both driver negligence and pedestrian non-compliance.
A Story of Legal Triumph Amid Personal Tragedy
Following the incident, Dubai Police determined that the Emirati driver involved had failed to remain attentive to other road users, imposing a Dh3,000 fine for negligence. However, the legal process also held Rehmathbi partially accountable, issuing her a Dh1,000 fine for crossing at a non-designated area—an action now punishable by even harsher penalties under the UAE’s updated Federal Decree-Law No. 14 of 2024, which enforces fines ranging from Dh5,000 to Dh10,000 and, in severe cases, prison terms.
Determined to secure justice, Rehmathbi’s family enlisted the services of Yab Legal Services, led by CEO Salam Pappinissery, to pursue compensation. The legal team meticulously compiled medical documentation, criminal case verdicts, and insurance details, ultimately naming multiple defendants—including the UAE national driver and the responsible insurance companies. The court ruled decisively in Rehmathbi’s favour, ordering the insurer at the time of the accident to pay Dh1 million. Appeals filed by the defendants to both the Appeals Court and Supreme Court were subsequently dismissed, reinforcing the initial judgment and providing a powerful example of the UAE’s commitment to justice in road accident cases.
Life Forever Changed – and a Message to All Pedestrians
While the compensation offers financial relief, Rehmathbi’s life remains permanently altered. Speaking with visible emotion, she expressed gratitude for the support she received but lamented the enduring impact of the crash.
“I never imagined such an incident would change my life completely. I can no longer work, I struggle to walk or speak properly, and I depend on my children for daily needs,” she said. “This money will help repay my debts, fund my treatment, and support my family. But I would give anything to have my health back.”
Before the accident, Rehmathbi held various jobs, from domestic work to assisting as a school bus conductor. Now, her existence revolves around ongoing medical care, including specialised treatment in Kerala and regular medication prescribed by trauma specialists.
Despite her hardships, she has transformed her pain into a public plea:
“Please, for your own sake and your family’s, always use zebra crossings. Saving a few minutes is never worth risking your life.”
A National Safety Imperative
Rehmathbi’s case resonates deeply within the UAE’s broader road safety narrative. In 2024 alone, authorities recorded over 177,500 jaywalking violations, reflecting a dangerous persistence despite extensive awareness campaigns and enhanced penalties. The government’s stringent measures, including hefty fines and potential imprisonment, aim to reduce pedestrian fatalities, which remain a significant contributor to road-related deaths.
Road safety advocates view Rehmathbi’s story as a critical opportunity to reinforce public education on the importance of pedestrian compliance. Legal experts also emphasise that while drivers bear significant responsibility, pedestrian accountability is equally vital.
“The UAE’s roads are among the safest globally due to strict enforcement, but laws are only as effective as the public’s willingness to follow them,” said Salam Pappinissery of Yab Legal Services. “This case is a sobering reminder that negligence—whether behind the wheel or on foot—can have irreversible consequences.”
Moving Forward – A Call to Action
Rehmathbi’s ordeal transcends individual tragedy; it serves as a powerful catalyst for change. Her story, now widely covered across regional and international media, reinforces that road safety is a shared responsibility. As the UAE continues to invest in cutting-edge infrastructure, smart traffic systems, and pedestrian-friendly urban planning, public adherence to safety protocols remains indispensable.
For residents, the message is clear: cross responsibly, obey traffic laws, and recognise that a momentary lapse in judgment can have lifelong repercussions. For policymakers and legal professionals, the case highlights the critical role of strong legal frameworks in ensuring accountability and providing justice.
Ultimately, this is not just Rehmathbi’s victory—it is a collective wake-up call to every pedestrian and driver in the nation.
