A landmark ruling by the Dubai Civil Court has mandated a restaurant and its valet driver to jointly compensate Dh85,000 to a person of determination after damaging her specially modified vehicle.
Case Background
The incident unfolded when the plaintiff, who relies on a modified vehicle for mobility and work, visited a Dubai restaurant. Despite informing the valet about the car’s special modifications, including relocated accelerator and brake pedals, the driver proceeded to park the vehicle. Subsequently, the valet lost control, causing substantial damage by colliding with a sidewalk.
Financial Impact
The collision resulted in:
- Vehicle damage deemed economically irreparable
- Market value depreciation exceeding 50%
- Insurance company’s refusal to cover damages
- Additional expenses for alternative transportation
Expert Assessment
A court-appointed technical expert conducted a thorough evaluation, revealing:
- Estimated repair costs: Dh80,000
- Vehicle market value: Dh75,000
- Special modifications essential for the owner’s mobility
- Standard driver confusion risk due to modifications
Legal Proceedings
The Traffic Court found the valet driver guilty of:
- Property damage
- Careless driving
- Negligent vehicle handling
Compensation Breakdown
The court awarded:
- Dh75,000 for vehicle market value
- Dh10,000 for moral damages
- Total compensation: Dh85,000
Restaurant’s Defence
The establishment contested the claim by:
- Requesting detailed damage documentation
- Seeking insurance policy clarification
- Suggesting shared responsibility
- Requesting technical expert evaluation
Verdict Implications
This ruling reinforces:
- Service provider accountability
- Rights protection for people of determination
- Importance of specialized staff training
- Legal support for disability accommodation
The verdict marks a significant step in protecting the rights of people of determination in Dubai, particularly regarding their specially equipped vehicles and the responsibility of service providers.
Published: December 21, 2024
JobXDubai 
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