Picture for illustrative purposes only. ARCHIVE

An Al Ain resident has been ordered by the Al Ain Court of First Instance to pay Dh30,000 to the owner of a car that he borrowed and later crashed, rendering the vehicle unfit for use. The verdict follows a legal battle in which the car owner sought compensation for the significant damages caused by the accident. The court heard that the man borrowed the car for two days, during which he caused a traffic accident. The owner filed a lawsuit demanding Dh30,000 for damages and either the return of the car or its value of Dh35,000. The plaintiff also requested that the defendant cover legal fees and expenses. As evidence, the car owner presented the vehicle’s ownership papers and an accident report. An engineering expert specialized in automotive mechanics was appointed to assess the damages. According to the expert's findings, the car, which had a market value of Dh25,000 before the accident, was worth only Dh3,000 afterward due to severe damage. “The defendant borrowed the vehicle under good faith, but his negligence resulted in significant losses for the owner,” the court ruled. Based on the findings, the court ordered the defendant to pay Dh22,000 for the car’s value and Dh8,000 in additional damages. The defendant did not contest the findings but has the right to appeal the ruling. Legal experts highlighted that the case underscores the importance of ensuring mutual responsibility when borrowing high-value items like cars. Lawyer Ahmed Al Kaabi commented, “This case sets a precedent for individuals to exercise caution and accountability when using borrowed property, particularly vehicles.” ICA/Expat Media
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