Road Traffic Accident Claims Singapore: 2026 Guide

Last updated: September 2026

Road traffic accidents are stressful and disorienting for everyone involved. You may be dealing with physical injuries, vehicle damage, and uncertainty about your legal rights — all at once. This guide covers what you must do at the scene, your rights and options when making a claim, the types of compensation you may recover, and how the claims process works in Singapore.

Immediate Steps at the Accident Scene

What You Must Do

• Check for injuries and call 995 (ambulance) if anyone requires medical attention. Do not move injured persons unless they are in immediate danger.
• Call the police at 999 if the accident involves: serious injuries or fatalities; damage to public property; a pedestrian or cyclist; a foreign-registered vehicle; a hit-and-run; or any situation requiring an official record.
• Exchange particulars with all other drivers and riders: full name, NRIC/FIN number, contact number, address, vehicle registration number, and insurer’s details. Under Section 84 of the Road Traffic Act, you are legally required to provide your particulars. Failure to do so — or leaving the scene — can constitute a hit-and-run offence.
• Photograph everything: the accident scene (positions of all vehicles, road markings, traffic signals), all vehicle damage (close-up, with registration plates visible), any visible injuries, and tyre marks or debris on the road.
• Take down witness particulars. Independent witnesses can be decisive in disputed liability cases.

What You Must Not Do

• Do not admit fault or apologise. Even a casual “I’m sorry” can be treated as an admission of liability, which may prejudice your claim or strengthen a claim against you.
• Do not agree to a private cash settlement at the scene without first understanding the full extent of your injuries and losses — some injuries are not immediately apparent.
• Do not move your vehicle before photographing the scene, unless it is creating a safety hazard or the police instruct otherwise.

Reporting Requirements

Report to Your Insurer: 24-Hour Deadline

You must notify your insurer within 24 hours of the accident, or by the next working day, even if you were not at fault and do not intend to make a claim on your own policy. Failing to report in time can result in claim rejection and loss of your No-Claims Discount (NCD). Bring your vehicle to the insurer’s approved reporting centre or authorised workshop within the same timeframe.

When a Police Report Is Required

A police report must be made (and a police report number obtained) when the accident involves:

• Injuries requiring hospitalisation or three or more days of medical leave
• A fatality
• A pedestrian or cyclist
• A foreign-registered vehicle
• Damage to government or public property
• A hit-and-run or unidentified vehicle

File your police report as accurately and completely as possible — it is an official record that insurers, lawyers, and the courts will rely on.

Types of Road Traffic Accident Claims

Third-Party Personal Injury Claim

If another party’s negligence caused the accident, you may claim against that party’s insurer for your losses. This is the most common type of road traffic accident claim.

Own-Damage Insurance Claim

You may claim against your own comprehensive motor insurance policy for vehicle repair costs, subject to your policy excess. Note that making an own-damage claim typically reduces your No-Claims Discount (NCD).

Hit-and-Run or Uninsured Driver: MIB Claims

If the vehicle that caused your accident was untraced (hit-and-run) or uninsured, you may apply to the Motor Insurers’ Bureau of Singapore (MIB) for compensation of bodily injury and death only — vehicle damage is not covered. The MIB was established in 1975 and is funded by all motor insurers in Singapore.

Key requirements for an MIB claim:

• You must have made reasonable efforts to identify the driver or establish insurance coverage
• Your claim must be filed within 3 years of the accident
• A police report is required

Contact the MIB at 6220 8607 or visit their office at 180 Cecil Street, Bangkok Bank Building, #14-04, Singapore 069546.

Passenger and Pillion Rider Claims

Passengers (in a car) and pillion riders (on a motorcycle) can generally claim against the driver or rider of the vehicle they were in, as they are typically not considered contributorily negligent in the accident itself. These claims are often more straightforward than driver-versus-driver disputes.

Work-Related Accidents Involving a Vehicle

If you were injured in a road traffic accident while travelling in an employer-provided vehicle for work purposes, you may have a choice between a Work Injury Compensation Act (WICA) claim and a common law personal injury claim. The better option depends on the severity of your injuries and likely quantum of compensation. A lawyer can help you assess which route maximises your recovery.

What Compensation Can You Claim?

An injured party in a road traffic accident may be entitled to claim the following heads of loss from the at-fault party’s insurer:

General Damages

• Pain and suffering: Compensation for the physical pain, discomfort, and mental distress caused by your injuries
• Loss of amenities: Compensation for the loss of ability to enjoy activities or quality of life as you did before the accident
• Loss of earning capacity: If your injuries have reduced your ability to earn in the future, even if you have returned to work
• Future medical expenses: Ongoing treatment, rehabilitation, assistive devices, or surgery reasonably expected to be needed

Special Damages (Quantifiable Past Losses)

• Medical and hospitalisation expenses: Keep all bills, receipts, and discharge summaries
• Loss of income: Wages or income lost from the date of the accident to the date of trial (or settlement)
• Transport expenses: Costs of getting to and from medical appointments
• Vehicle repair or replacement costs
• Miscellaneous out-of-pocket expenses directly attributable to the accident

Fatal Accident Claims

Where the accident causes a fatality, the family or dependants of the deceased may make claims under the Civil Law Act for:

• Bereavement award
• Funeral expenses
• Pre-death medical expenses
• Dependency claims (loss of financial support)

The Claims Process: Step by Step

Step 1 — Seek Medical Treatment

Visit a hospital or clinic as soon as possible after the accident. Do not wait, even if your injuries seem minor — some injuries (such as whiplash or internal trauma) may not be immediately apparent. Keep all medical documentation: consultation notes, diagnosis records, and receipts.

Step 2 — Gather Your Evidence

Compile: police report number, insurer’s accident report, all medical records and receipts, accident scene photographs, witness contact details, and any in-car camera (dashcam) footage.

Step 3 — Consult a Lawyer

For personal injury claims, engaging a lawyer experienced in road traffic accident matters is strongly advisable. Your lawyer will assess liability, quantify your losses, draft and send a letter of demand to the at-fault party’s insurer, and negotiate on your behalf. For claims exceeding S$5,000, legal fees are regulated by the Public Trustee and, where necessary, the courts. In successful claims, the at-fault party typically bears most legal costs.

Step 4 — Negotiation and Settlement

Most road traffic accident claims in Singapore are resolved through negotiation between lawyers and the insurer, without going to court. The insurer will investigate, admit or dispute liability, and make a settlement offer. Your lawyer will advise whether the offer is reasonable based on the applicable court guidelines on damages.

Step 5 — Court Proceedings (If Required)

If the matter cannot be resolved through negotiation or mediation, court proceedings may be necessary. The forum depends on the quantum of your claim:

• Magistrates’ Court: Claims up to S$60,000
• District Court: Road traffic accident claims up to S$500,000 (higher threshold than most civil claims)
• High Court: Claims exceeding S$500,000

Time Limit: Do Not Wait

Under the Limitation Act 1959 (s 6), you must commence legal proceedings within 3 years from the date of the accident. If you miss this deadline, your claim will ordinarily be time-barred and you will lose the right to sue. While some exceptions exist (for example, if the injured party was a minor or lacked mental capacity at the time), do not rely on these — consult a lawyer promptly.

Case Study 1: Motorist in a Junction Collision

Alan was driving along Dunearn Road when a van turned from a slip road and struck the left side of his car. Both vehicles suffered significant damage; Alan sustained bruising and shoulder pain. In this situation, Alan should:

• Exchange particulars with the van driver and any witnesses
• Photograph the scene and vehicle damage, ensuring registration plates are visible
• Call his insurance hotline and report the accident within 24 hours
• Attend hospital to have his injuries examined, treated, and documented — keeping all invoices
• Make a police report promptly
• Consult a road traffic accident lawyer to assess whether to claim against the van’s insurer

Case Study 2: Pedestrian Hit-and-Run

Rachel was knocked down by a motorcycle on a zebra crossing. The rider fled, but a bystander noted the licence plate. Rachel should:

• Call 999 (police) and 995 (ambulance) immediately
• Get the bystander’s particulars and have them make a police report
• Photograph the scene (or ask someone to do so)
• Attend hospital and document all injuries
• File a police report as soon as able, with as much detail as possible
• Consult a lawyer to assess whether to claim against the motorcycle rider (if traced) or make a personal injury claim via the Motor Insurers’ Bureau of Singapore if the rider remains untraced

常见问题

Do I need a lawyer to make a road traffic accident claim?

You can negotiate directly with an insurer, but having a lawyer ensures your claim is properly valued and that you do not inadvertently accept a low settlement. For serious injuries, legal representation is strongly recommended.

What if the other driver refuses to exchange particulars?

Call the police immediately. Note the vehicle’s registration plate and take a photograph if safe to do so. Under Section 84 of the Road Traffic Act, exchanging particulars is a legal obligation.

Can I claim if I was partly at fault?

Yes. Singapore courts apply contributory negligence — your compensation is reduced in proportion to your degree of fault. You do not lose the right to claim entirely if you were partly responsible.

How long does a road traffic accident claim take?

A straightforward, uncontested claim may settle in a few months. Claims involving serious injuries, disputed liability, or proceedings in court can take one to three years or longer.

What if I was injured by an uninsured or untraced driver?

You may apply to the Motor Insurers’ Bureau of Singapore (MIB) for compensation for bodily injury. Refer to the MIB Claims section above for the requirements and contact details.

Next Steps

If you or a loved one has been injured in a road traffic accident, prompt legal advice can make a significant difference to the outcome of your claim. Our road traffic accident lawyers have extensive experience handling motor accident claims in Singapore.

We also recommend reviewing our Road Traffic Accident Claims FAQ 和 Personal Injury legal services page for further information.

Contact us today for a FREE consultation: call 6557 0215 or email claims@dllclegal.com.

If the accident occurred while you were working, you may also have a work injury claim under WICA alongside or instead of a road traffic accident claim.

The contents and views set out above are those of the author(s) and/or are personal views and for information only. They do not constitute legal advice or representation to the reader even if the facts appear similar to your fact situation. You are strongly encouraged to seek legal advice for your specific circumstances.