After an accident each party is given a fault percentage: 100%, 75%, 50%, 25% or zero. That percentage decides who pays, how much insurance covers, and may affect your next premium. If you think the percentage is unfair, you can object to the fault percentage. Here is when an objection helps, how to file it, and the evidence that changes the outcome.
Who sets the fault percentage?
The body that handles the accident: Najm for most accidents in cities, or the Traffic Police in other cases, such as accidents with injuries or outside Najm's coverage. The assessment is based on inspecting the scene and damage, the parties' statements, and cameras where available.
When does an objection help?
- You have evidence not presented at the inspection, such as dashcam footage or shop cameras.
- The report contradicts the nature and location of the damage.
- The report got key facts wrong, such as the lane, signal or right of way.
- There are neutral witnesses whose statements were not taken.
Steps to object
- Get the accident report and read the reasons for the fault percentage.
- File the objection with the body that issued the report (Najm or the Traffic Police) through its channels within the set period.
- Attach evidence: video, photos of the damage from several angles, and witnesses' names.
- If the objection is rejected or the compensation dispute continues, the matter goes to the judicial body competent for traffic accidents, where an expert can be requested.
Objection periods and methods are set by the competent bodies and may change; check them as soon as you receive the report.
Evidence that changes the outcome
| Evidence | Why it is strong |
|---|---|
| Dashcam | Records the moment, the lane and roughly the speed |
| Shop and road cameras | A neutral source; ask for the footage to be kept quickly before it is erased |
| Location of the damage | Shows the direction of impact and who hit whom |
| Neutral witnesses | Support your account when statements conflict |
Frequently asked questions
How long do I have to object to the fault percentage?
A short period set by the body that issued the report; act immediately and do not wait.
Does objecting delay the compensation?
It may delay it until decided, but it may change who bears the payment.
The insurer refused to pay after the accident. What should I do?
Read disputes with insurance companies, and for damage assessment read car accidents and compensation.
An unfair fault percentage or lost compensation?
The Usus Law Firm team handles accident and compensation cases within general court cases, in Riyadh and Tabuk.
Legal review: the Usus Law Firm team
A select team of lawyers and legal advisers licensed by the Saudi Ministry of Justice, working from Riyadh and Tabuk, with experience before the general, commercial, labor, criminal, personal status and administrative courts. Every article is reviewed before publication and updated when laws or regulations change.
Last reviewed: 12 October 2026
This article is general legal information and is not a substitute for advice on your specific case. Court proceedings in Saudi Arabia are in Arabic; the official Arabic text of each law prevails.
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