Pune MACT Awards Rs 27.85 Lakh Compensation to Injured B.Tech Student in Truck Accident
A Motor Accident Claims Tribunal (MACT) in Pune has granted a compensation of Rs 27.85 lakh to a B.Tech student who sustained serious injuries in a road accident. The tribunal ruled that the truck driver was solely responsible for the rear-end collision that occurred on October 21, 2022.
Details of the Accident and Legal Proceedings
The case involved a 23-year-old mechanical engineering graduate who filed a petition seeking Rs 50 lakh in compensation. According to the tribunal's findings, the applicant was riding his motorcycle on the Mumbai-Bangalore highway near Chandani Chowk when a truck hit his vehicle from behind. The tribunal relied on police documents and a spot panchanama to establish negligence on the part of the truck driver.
MACT member B D Kulkarni noted the absence of permit and fitness documents for the truck, which further implicated the driver. The truck owner failed to contest the case, leading the tribunal to direct the insurer to pay the compensation to the victim and recover the amount later from the vehicle owner.
Medical Evidence and Compensation Calculation
Medical reports revealed that the student suffered multiple leg fractures, resulting in a 41% permanent physical disability that affects his mobility. In the absence of proof of income, the tribunal assessed a notional monthly income of Rs 15,000 for the victim.
The tribunal rejected the insurer's argument about the victim not wearing a helmet, stating that this did not justify the rear-end collision. It also ruled that mediclaim reimbursement could not be deducted from the compensation amount. The awarded sum includes 7% interest from the date of filing until realization.
Rejection of Additional Claims
The tribunal dismissed the claim that the accident impacted the student's plans to study in the United Kingdom, noting that he had not accepted any offer before the incident. This decision underscores the tribunal's focus on verifiable evidence in awarding compensation.
This ruling highlights the legal recourse available to accident victims and the importance of vehicle documentation in establishing liability in road accident cases.
