Personal Injury — Road Accidents
Hit and Run Accidents in Israel
Claiming from the Karnit Fund
When a driver flees after hitting you, you are not left without recourse. The Karnit Fund was created precisely for this situation. Adv. Liron Elmaliach will guide you through every step of the claim process.
What is the Karnit Fund and Who Can Claim
The Karnit Fund (קרנית) is Israel's statutory compensation fund for road accident victims where the responsible driver cannot be held to account in the usual way — because the vehicle was uninsured, was stolen, or because the driver fled the scene without being identified. It was established under the Motor Vehicle Accident Victims Compensation Law and is funded by levies on every vehicle insurance policy in Israel.
Any person injured in a hit-and-run accident is eligible to claim — regardless of whether they were a pedestrian, cyclist, passenger, or motorcyclist. Eligibility is not conditional on fault: Israeli road accident law is broadly no-fault in nature, meaning victims are compensated even if they contributed to the accident.
The fund covers the full range of road accident damages: medical treatment, rehabilitation, loss of income, permanent disability, and pain and suffering. There is no fixed upper limit — serious injuries can result in substantial compensation awards. The critical first step is reporting to the police immediately and beginning to document your injuries.
How to File a Karnit Claim — Step by Step
Step 1 — Police report (essential): Report the accident to the police as soon as possible. This is the foundation of your claim. Provide as much detail as you can about the vehicle — colour, partial plate number, direction of travel — even partial information may help identify the driver later.
Step 2 — Gather evidence: Collect any available evidence from the scene. CCTV footage from nearby businesses or traffic cameras must be secured quickly before it is overwritten. Identify witnesses and record their contact details. Photograph the scene, your injuries, and any property damage.
Step 3 — Medical documentation: Seek medical attention immediately and ensure all treatment is documented. Emergency room records, specialist reports, imaging results, and prescriptions all form part of the evidentiary basis for your claim. Do not delay treatment and do not minimise symptoms to medical staff.
Step 4 — Formal claim to Karnit: A formal claim is submitted to the Karnit Fund with full documentation. The limitation period is 7 years from the date of the accident. An attorney prepares the claim package, handles correspondence with the fund, and ensures the submission is complete and strategically sound.
Step 5 — Assessment and payment: Karnit will assess the claim, which may involve medical examinations and review of financial records. Your attorney manages this process, challenges any under-assessment, and negotiates a fair settlement — or proceeds to litigation if necessary.
Frequently Asked Questions — Karnit Fund Claims
Everything you need to know about claiming after a hit-and-run in Israel
Injured in a Hit-and-Run?
Karnit Fund Claims — Free Initial Consultation
Do not wait — evidence disappears quickly