It's a well-known fact that fleeing intentionally from the scene of an accident, or a ‘hit and run’ as most of us know it, can result in serious repercussions and also criminal charges. Furthermore, leaving the scene of an accident is considered a consequential offense and is punishable by law.

In Qatar, there are specific procedures to follow when mishaps occur and laws governing if, for example, a person intentionally runs away after being involved in an accident. In a report by The Peninsula in 2017, a young man was punished by the court for committing a traffic accident, causing injury to a person, and running away from the scene. The court sentenced the young man in absentia with a fine of QR 3,000 for causing wrongful injury and a fine of QR 5,000 for the charge of escaping from the scene.

Prior that year, in 2106, Doha News reported that a man was convicted when he hit and killed a 4-year-old girl while driving recklessly. He was sentenced to jail for six months and was ordered to pay QR 40,000 in fines for reckless driving and fleeing the scene. Both he and his insurance company also paid blood money of QR 200,000 to the child’s family.

To further understand the laws and penalties on 'hit and run' accidents, the ILQ team went to the Traffic Department Headquarters in Khalifa street and asked around. Unfortunately, we were not able to get information from the Traffic Awareness and Traffic Investigations department. Both departments couldn't tell what exact laws and penalties exist in Qatar. We also emailed the Ministry of Interior regarding the matter, but they instructed us to go straight to the Traffic Department Headquarters to get the information.

The following is what we were able to find out about 'hit' and run' incidents from various sources:

Procedures for 'hit and run' accidents

In case of a hit and run accident, a longer procedure needs to be followed. This may take a while because of possible investigations and a lot of verifications of footages from CCTV cameras in the area of the accident.

• Go directly to the police station and report the accident as soon as possible. You also have the option to relay the incident to the Metrash 2 website or mobile app service and fill up the information needed for a police report.
• If you decide to report the collision on Metrash 2, you need to do the following:
• Take not more than four photos of each vehicle with one of them showing the plate number clearly.
• Sign in to Metrash 2 and select 'Traffic Services' and open 'Road Accident Report' option.
• Enter details of both vehicles: The plate number, QID number, and mobile number.
  
• Attach photos of both vehicles and click on your agreement on the validity of the data.
• Submit the report for a traffic investigation.
• If in case you opted to go to the police station, you have to consider the following procedures:
• Prepare the following documents, driving license and car ownership, an original copy of ID and a valid letter from the company (if it's a company-owned car) indicating the date, place, damages, name of the driver, a copy of the company's business registration.
• A file folder will be created for you at the station for record purposes and you will need to wait one week just in case someone claims responsibility for the accident.
• If the area of the accident has CCTV cameras, the police will then secure and check the footage from the owner of the establishment and conduct their investigation.
• After the investigation is finished, you'll receive a police report stating that you can now repair your vehicle.
• A notification SMS (text message) will also be sent to you telling you to call your insurance company.
• The insurance company will then inform you where you need to bring the car for repair.

Note: If the culprit is caught based on the CCTV footage, he or she needs to pay all the damages incurred in the accident through their insurance. If in case there is no CCTV footage available in the area to help in identifying the offender, the traffic investigation service decides on the matter and submits the complete report.

Documents required for filing a complaint in 'hit and run' accidents

Although there is no clear law and penalty for those people who intentionally flee during accidents, victims can still file a complaint with the Traffic Department by producing the following:

• Driving license and car ownership.
• An original copy of ID.
• A valid letter from the company (if it's a company-owned car) indicating the date, place, damages, name of the driver, a copy of the company's business registration.

Procedures for hitting immobile objects

Accidents can happen anywhere even in unexpected places well-lighted areas and empty side streets. For example, a branch of a tree falling on your windshield and damaging your bumper could be one. Another is when you're parked in a certain area, and your car suffers a dent because of falling debris or rocks, especially if you're near a construction site. If something like this happens to you, what do you do? Follow these simple steps and know exactly what to do.

1. Sign in to Metrash 2 and select 'Traffic Services' and open the 'Road Accident Report' option.
2. Enter the license plate number, QID number, and mobile number where needed.
   
3. Attach photos of your vehicles and click on the agreement on the validity of the data.
4. Submit the report for traffic investigation.
5. The police will send you a notification when your car is ready for repair.
6. Once you have the police report, claim your insurance to start repairing your car.
7. The insurance company will then inform you where you need to bring the car for repair.

Procedures for other minor traffic accidents

In case of minor accidents between two vehicles, the parties involved should report it through Metrash2 website or mobile app service. To register the accident and to get the approval for vehicle repair, follow the steps below. Take not more than four photos of each vehicle with one of them showing the plate number clearly.

• Move your vehicle from the accident scene and park away from the road.
• Ensure the location service of your mobile is enabled.
• Sign in to Metrash 2 and select 'Traffic Services' and open 'Road Accident Report' option.

• Enter details of both vehicles: The plate number, QID number, and mobile number.
  
• Attach photos of both vehicles and click on your agreement on the validity of the data.
• Submit the report for a traffic investigation.
• A notification SMS (text message) will be sent to you asking to wait for another message to complete the procedure.
• After reviewing the accident photos by traffic investigators, text messages will be sent for both parties with instructions to go to the insurance company or approval for vehicle repair.

Note: If you are not at fault, then the insurance of the other driver you got in an accident with, will take care of repairing the vehicle. Find out which insurance company the car is insured by going to their office or call your own insurance company to see if they are willing to file the claim instead.

Source: General Directorate of Traffic, Ministry of Interior, The Peninsula, Doha News

Emergency numbers in Qatar

Police: 999, (+974) 4489-0699 / (+974) 4489-0670
Ambulance: 999

Have you ever been involved in a car accident in Qatar? How did you deal with it and what further tips would you suggest? Let us know in the comments below, and don't forget to like and share this article -- it keeps us going!

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Arvin Garcia

Content Writer

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