Legal guide for car accident victims: Exercise of rights and claim full compensation
A car accident is a traumatic event – physically, mentally, and financially. Beyond the immediate injury, car accident victims are forced to deal with a complex legal and medical system, insurance companies, National Insurance, and sometimes also proceedings against employers or other parties.
Israeli law grants victims of road accidents extensive rights to compensation – but their full realization requires knowledge, experience and professional legal support. In Jerusalem, where many accidents occur on urban and intercity roads and in construction areas, in-depth familiarity with the local system is required.
In this guide we will detail:
What is a car accident according to the law?
Who is entitled to compensation?
What damages can be claimed?
How the legal process works
And what is the role of a personal injury lawyer in Jerusalem in assisting the injured party?
1. What is a car accident according to the law??
Definition of a car accident – what is considered an accident?
A defined car accident בחוק פיצויים לנפגעי תאונות דרכים, תשל”ה–1975 As an incident in which bodily harm is caused due to the use of a motor vehicle for transportation purposes.
The ruling expanded the definition to include situations such as:
Injury when entering or exiting a vehicle
Accident while stopping for the road
Impact from a stationary or parked vehicle
The courts have emphasized that the law must be interpreted broadly in favor of the injured party.
(ר’ ע”א 358/83 שולמן נ’ ציון).
2. Who is entitled to compensation for a car accident??
The law establishes a unique principle:
Compensation without proof of guilt In a car accident
There is no need to prove who was at fault for the accident – it is enough to prove that bodily harm was caused by a car accident.
Eligible for compensation:
Drivers
Passengers
Pedestrians
Cyclists (under certain circumstances)
A driver who caused an accident may also be entitled to compensation – with exceptions set forth in the law.
3. From whom are compensation claims being made??
Insurance company
In most cases, the lawsuit is filed against:
The insurance company that insured the vehicle with compulsory insurance
Karnit – Fund for Compensation for Road Accident Victims
when:
The offending vehicle is uninsured.
מדובר בתאונת “פגע וברח”
4. What damages can be claimed in a car accident??
Bodily injuries in car accidents
Pain and suffering
Loss of ability to work
Past and future wage losses
Medical expenses
עזרת צד ג’
Impairment of quality of life
The damage assessment is made based on:
Medical opinions
Medical documents
Occupational data
5. The connection to National Insurance – road accident victims
When the accident occurred:
On the way to or from work
It may also be In a work accident.
In such a case:
A claim must be filed withNational Insurance Institute
The benefits are deducted from the compensation that will be awarded.
Proper management of the concurrent proceedings is critical to maximizing compensation.
6. Steps to Manage a Car Accident Claim
Step 1: Medical documentation and evidence collection for the victim
Seek immediate medical attention.
Documentation of the circumstances of the accident
Saving documents and receipts
Step 2: Contacting the insurance company
Report the accident
Submitting a claim for compensation
Step 3: Appointment of medical experts
The court appoints experts to determine:
Medical disability
Causal relationship to the accident
Step 4: Managing the legal process and filing a claim
negotiation
Evidence (if necessary)
Judgment or settlement agreement
7. Guiding case law in the field of traffic accidents
Over the years, the courts have strengthened the protection of traffic accident victims, determining, among other things:
פרשנות מרחיבה למונח “שימוש ברכב”
Fair compensation even for injuries that are not apparently serious
(See for example: ע”א 6000/93 עיזבון המנוח נ’ עיריית ירושלים).
8. Statute of limitations in car accident claims – the statute of limitations period
7 years From the date of the accident
For minors – up to age 25
Delay in filing the claim may negate the right to compensation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to receive compensation??
Usually 2–6 months, depending on the complexity of the case.Can I apply on my own without a lawyer??
Legally yes, but dangerous and reduces the chance of full compensation.When to contact a lawyer?
Immediately after the accident or receipt of a medical/police report.
9. Why choose Halevi Law Firm in Jerusalem??
office Halevi Lawyers Accompanying victims of traffic accidents in Jerusalem and the surrounding area:
✔ Experience in managing complex claims
✔ Support with insurance companies and National Insurance
✔ Working with medical experts
✔ Striving for maximum rights and compensation
10. Summary – Car accidents require proper legal assistance.
Were you injured in a car accident? Don't wait – every day that passes may affect the compensation you are entitled to.
Contact us or leave details now To receive free, professional advice from a lawyer specializing in traffic accident victims.
Every inquiry is kept discreet and without obligation.
👉 For more information and full support, we recommend that you visit the page: עו”ד נזיקין בירושלים – משרד עThe Levites
Hebrew 
English