How to Claim Compensation for a Hit-and-Run Accident in India

One moment you're travelling on the road, the next a vehicle comes out of nowhere, hits you or your loved one, and disappears. No number plate. No driver. Along with the pain and shock comes another worry: "Who will help us now?"

What is the scheme about?

Who can apply (eligibility)

• You are the victim of a hit-and-run accident, or
• You are a legal heir of the victim (spouse, children, parents).

The accident must meet all of:

• Death or grievous injury caused by a motor vehicle
• Driver / vehicle fled the scene
• Vehicle cannot be identified after 3 months of investigation

What you need before applying

• Police records

  FIR from the police station near the accident site.
• Medical proof

  Injury certificate, hospital bills, MLC record, disability certificate (if any) — from government medical boards / hospitals.
• In case of death

  Post-mortem report and death certificate from government hospitals / forensic dept.
• Identity & relationship

  Aadhaar / ID, proof of being a legal heir, dependency certificate.
• Age proof

  Birth certificate, school certificate, or any valid age proof of the victim.
• Bank details

  For direct transfer of the compensation amount.
• Accident evidence

  Photos, videos, witness statements (usually compiled by police).

Step-by-step process

1. File the FIR immediately at the nearest police station.
2. Get all medical records and certificates from government hospitals.
3. Submit the application to the Claims Enquiry Officer (Tehsildar / sub-divisional officer) within 6 months.
4. The Enquiry Officer verifies the case and submits a report within ~1 month.
5. The District Collector reviews and sanctions within ~15 days.
6. The General Insurance Council processes payment in ~15 days.
7. Final amount is transferred directly to the claimant's bank account.

Compensation amounts

• Death: ₹2,00,000
• Grievous injury: ₹50,000

Amounts are revised periodically by MoRTH. The current scheme significantly increased payouts from earlier ₹25,000 / ₹12,500 levels.

Cashless treatment during the golden hour

Under the Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Act 2019, victims of road accidents are entitled to cashless medical treatment up to ₹1.5 lakh during the first 7 days at any empanelled hospital — regardless of whether the offender is traced.

Timeline at a glance

• FIR filing: immediately after the accident.
• Application filing: within 6 months (extendable to 12).
• Enquiry & verification: ~1 month.
• Report submission: ~1 month.
• Review & sanction: ~15 days.
• Payment processing: ~15 days.
• Final disbursement: bank transfer within 15 days.