Hit and Run Accidents: Complete Guide to Victim Rights

January 13, 2026

A hit-and-run accident is one of the most frustrating and frightening experiences a driver can have. One moment you're driving peacefully, and the next - a vehicle hits you and flees. You're left with a damaged car, possibly injured, and no driver to claim against.

But don't despair! There are solutions. The state established a special mechanism - Karnit - designed to compensate victims of hit-and-run accidents.

In this comprehensive article, we'll explain:

What is a hit-and-run accident legally
Your rights as a victim
How to file a claim with Karnit
How to find the fleeing driver
Prevention and protection tips

What is a Hit and Run Accident?

Legal Definition

A hit-and-run accident is a traffic accident in which:

A vehicle hit another vehicle or pedestrian
The offending driver fled the scene without leaving details
The victim doesn't know who the offending driver is

Important to note: If the vehicle that hit and ran struck another vehicle that was in motion or standing for travel purposes (not parked with the engine off and passengers just sitting inside) - the passengers of the other vehicle don't need to claim from Karnit but from the insurance of the vehicle they were in.

Examples:

A vehicle hit you at an intersection and fled before you could see the license plate
A pedestrian was hit by a vehicle that continued driving
A vehicle rear-ended you and instead of stopping - accelerated and fled

Why Do Drivers Flee?

The reasons vary:

Fear of legal consequences - especially if they caused injury
Driving without insurance - knowing there will be a heavy fine
Driving under influence of alcohol or drugs - afraid of arrest
Stolen vehicle - the vehicle isn't theirs
Expired license - driving without a valid license
Panic - shock and impulsive flight

Important to know: Fleeing an accident scene is a serious criminal offense!

What to Do Immediately After a Hit and Run Accident?

Step 1: Safety and Immediate Documentation

If the driver fled and the event is happening right now:

1. Safety First

Stop in a safe place
Turn on hazard lights
Check if there are injured

2. Try to Document the Fleeing Vehicle - In Seconds!

License plate - The most important information!
Even part of the number helps (e.g., "something-123-45")
One digit or letter - better than nothing!
Vehicle color - "dark blue", "white", "gray"
Model/type of vehicle - "small private car", "SUV", "truck"
Damage to the fleeing vehicle - "broken front bumper", "missing right side mirror"
Direction of escape - "drove north toward Tel Aviv"

3. Photograph/Video Everything

If you have a dashcam - save the footage!
Photograph the scene
Photograph the damage to your vehicle

4. Witnesses

Ask people nearby if they saw anything
Get witness contact details

5. Security Cameras

Look for cameras nearby (stores, houses, traffic lights)
Document where they are - you'll need the footage!

Step 2: Call the Police - Immediately!

This is critical: In a hit-and-run accident, you must call the police!

📞 Phone: 100

What to say:

"There was a hit-and-run accident"
Where you are (address/intersection/road)
Whether there are injured
Details about the fleeing vehicle (if available)

Why this is important:

A police report is required for a claim with Karnit!
The police will begin searching for the driver
Immediate documentation of the event

Step 3: Documentation at the Scene

Like any accident - document:

Photograph your vehicle from all angles
Photograph the damage
Photograph the surroundings, signs, cameras
Write what happened - date, time, description of the event

Step 4: Medical Attention

If there are injuries - seek medical treatment immediately!

Emergency room
MDA (ambulance)
Family doctor (within 24 hours)

Even if there are no visible injuries - consider a medical examination. Whiplash and other injuries may only appear after hours or days!

Step 5: Report to Your Insurance Company

Call your insurance company within 24-48 hours:

Say:

"There was a hit-and-run accident"
Describe what happened
Say the police arrived/you reported to police

Get a case number.

Important: Even if the driver isn't found - still report to insurance! There are coverage options (depending on policy).

Victim's Rights in a Hit and Run Accident

1. Claim Against Karnit

What is Karnit?

Karnit is a compensation fund established by law to compensate traffic accident victims in cases where:

The offending driver is unknown (hit and run)
The offending driver is not insured
The offending driver's insurance is invalid
The driver's license hasn't been renewed for over a year

Karnit is funded by:

A levy on every compulsory insurance policy
Meaning, we all pay a bit more in insurance to fund Karnit

What Karnit Compensates:

A. Personal Injury:

Pain and suffering
Medical expenses
Loss of income
Disability
Treatment and rehabilitation

Important: Karnit only compensates for personal injury, not vehicle damage!

B. Death:

Compensation to family (spouse, children, parents)

2. Claim with National Insurance

Like any car accident - you're entitled to compensation from National Insurance if you suffered significant serious disability, in which case you may be entitled to general disability benefits.

This doesn't depend on identifying the driver! Even if they're not found - you're entitled.

The Claims Process with Karnit - Step by Step

Step 1: Filing a Claim - Within 7 Years

You have 7 years to file a claim with Karnit (from the day of the accident).

But it's recommended to file as early as possible!

How to file:

Through a lawyer (highly recommended!)
Alternatively - directly to Karnit (not recommended in complex cases)

Step 2: Required Documents

Karnit will request:

1. Police Report

This is the most important document!
Without a police report - Karnit will reject the claim

2. Medical Documentation

Doctor's certificates
Medical files
Test results
Receipts for medications and treatments

3. Proof of Lost Income

Pay slips
Employer confirmation of sick days
(if relevant)

4. Scene Documentation

Photos
Witness testimonies
Any evidence that can support your version

Step 3: Karnit's Investigation

Karnit will check:

Was there really a hit-and-run accident?
Was the fleeing vehicle legally insured? If so, they'll refer you to the insurance company
Do the damages match the version?
Are the injuries related to the accident?

Karnit can employ private investigators!

Why? Because there are people who fake hit-and-run accidents to get compensation.

Step 4: Compensation Offer or Rejection

Karnit will decide:

A. Claim Approval

You'll receive a compensation offer
You can accept or reject and continue negotiating

B. Claim Rejection

Karnit claims there wasn't a hit-and-run accident
Or that the evidence is insufficient

If rejected:

You can appeal to court
A lawyer is highly recommended at this stage

Step 5: Trial (If No Agreement Reached)

If you didn't reach an agreement with Karnit - the claim goes to court.

The process:

Filing a statement of claim
Submitting evidence
Cross-examinations
Verdict

Time: Can take 1-3 years.

Costs: Legal fees, lawyer, experts.

Tip: In many cases, it's worth reaching an agreement - even if the compensation is slightly lower than expected. A trial is long, expensive, and stressful.

How Much Money Can You Get from Karnit?

Karnit compensates exactly like a regular insurance company:

Compensation includes:

Pain and suffering - depends on injury severity
Medical expenses - past and future
Loss of income - past and future
Treatment and rehabilitation

Important: Karnit doesn't compensate for vehicle damage! Only for personal injury.

How to Find the Fleeing Driver?

The Police Will Investigate

When you report to police, they'll open an investigation file.

The police will check:

Security cameras nearby
Traffic cameras (city/police)
Speed cameras (if in the area)
Witness testimonies
Checking garages (if the driver came to repair the vehicle)

Success rates:

If there's a license plate (even partial) - high chance (70-80%)
If there's a good description of the vehicle and cameras - medium chance (40-50%)
If there's nothing - low chance (10-20%)

Prevention and Protection - How to Avoid Hit and Run Accidents

Install a Dashcam

This is the best investment!

A dashcam:

Records every moment of driving
Will help identify the fleeing driver
Will help prove your version

How much does it cost:

Basic camera: 200-500 ₪
Quality camera: 500-1,500 ₪

What to look for in a camera:

High resolution (Full HD or 4K)
Wide angle
Good night vision
Screen for displaying license plates

It's worth it! One time it helps - it's worth 100 times the price.

Drive Carefully

Tips:

Keep distance from the vehicle ahead
Be alert to suspicious vehicles (zigzag driving, unstable speed)
At night - double caution

Park in Lit and Monitored Places

When parking:

Prefer parking lots with security cameras
Park in lit areas
Avoid parking on dark roadsides

Stay Alert After an Accident

If an accident occurred:

Don't assume the other driver will stop
Try to see the license plate immediately - this is the most important thing!
If they flee - don't chase them! It's dangerous. Instead - document and call the police.

Common Mistakes People Make

❌ Mistake 1: Not Calling the Police

"The accident wasn't that serious, don't need police..."

Why this is bad:

Without a police report - no claim to Karnit!
The police won't search for the driver

✅ What to do:

Always call the police in a hit-and-run accident - even if minor!

❌ Mistake 2: Not Documenting

"The police will do it..."

Why this is bad:

The police don't always arrive quickly
The scene changes - vehicles move, witnesses leave

✅ What to do:

Document immediately - photos, video, witnesses

❌ Mistake 3: Chasing the Driver

"I'll catch them!"

Why this is bad:

Very dangerous! Could cause another accident
The driver might be violent or dangerous
It's illegal (don't play judge and police)

✅ What to do:

Document the vehicle (plate, direction) and call police
Let the police handle it

❌ Mistake 4: Assuming Karnit Will Refuse

"I heard Karnit doesn't pay..."

Why this isn't true:

Karnit does pay - in legitimate cases
If there's a police report and evidence - the chances are good

✅ What to do:

File a claim! Don't give up in advance

❌ Mistake 5: Not Consulting a Lawyer

"I'll manage alone..."

Why this is problematic:

Karnit is an insurance company and like any insurance company, its goal is to pay you as little as possible.. and they have experienced lawyers
Without a lawyer - high chance of getting less

✅ What to do:

In cases of injury or physical damage - get a lawyer!

When Should You Get a Lawyer?

Highly recommended to get a lawyer if:

There are injuries (at all)
Karnit rejected the claim
There's a dispute about circumstances

Why a lawyer helps:

Experience in claims against Karnit
Knowledge of laws and rulings
Better negotiation
Pressure on Karnit

How much does it cost:

Claims against Karnit are also regulated by the Compensation for Road Accident Victims Law which set a ceiling on attorney fees at 8 to 13 percent of compensation.
No Win - No Fee (if unsuccessful, you don't pay)

Summary - Hit and Run Accident Checklist

✅ Immediately at the Scene:

Safety - stop in a safe place
Try to see the license plate - this is most important!
Photograph/video everything
Look for witnesses
Call the police (100) - mandatory!
Document cameras nearby

✅ Within Hours:

Get police report
Report to insurance company
Seek medical attention (if there are injuries)

✅ Within Days:

Keep all documents

✅ Within Weeks-Months:

File claim with Karnit (through a lawyer)
File claim with National Insurance
Follow up on police investigation

✅ Remember:

Police report = mandatory for Karnit claim
Document immediately - photos, video, witnesses
Don't chase the fleeing driver
A dashcam is the best investment
Lawyer in cases of injury or high damage

A hit-and-run accident is a frustrating experience, but there are solutions. Karnit exists exactly for this - to ensure you don't remain without compensation.

Act quickly, document everything, and file a claim. Don't give up!

This article provides general information only and does not constitute legal advice. For advice tailored to your case, contact an expert car accident attorney.

Hit and Run Accidents: Complete Guide to Victim Rights