The Motor Accident Claims Tribunal (MACT) in Thane has delivered a significant verdict, ordering a compensation of Rs 36.5 lakh to the grieving family of a young labourer who lost his life in a tragic road accident over three years ago. The tribunal placed the blame squarely on the driver of a speeding truck that caused the fatal collision.
Tribunal Holds Truck Driver Solely Responsible
Presiding over the case, Member Rupali V Mohite found the truck driver completely at fault for the incident that claimed the life of the 20-year-old worker. The tribunal's directive was clear and firm: the owner of the vehicle and the insurance company must pay the compensation amount jointly and severally. They have been given a deadline of one month to make the payment, failing which the amount will attract an annual interest rate of 9%.
Notably, neither the truck owner nor the driver appeared before the tribunal to contest the allegations or present their side of the story, leading to an ex-parte proceeding based on the evidence presented by the claimant's family.
Chronology of the Fatal Accident
The unfortunate event dates back to December 11, 2020. Around 3 pm, the young labourer was on his way home after finishing his day's work, riding his motorcycle on the Mankhurd-Ghatkopar Link Road. As he reached near Jay Ambe Nagar, opposite the Weighing Scale at Chheda Nagar, disaster struck.
A bulker truck, approaching from behind at a high speed, violently rammed into his motorcycle. The force of the impact was so severe that it threw the young man against a road divider where MMRDA construction work was ongoing at the time. He was immediately rushed to Rajawadi Hospital for emergency treatment but, tragically, succumbed to his injuries on the same day.
Following the accident, the Tilak Nagar Police conducted an investigation and subsequently filed a chargesheet against the truck driver, building a legal case that formed the foundation for the family's claim before the MACT.
Breakdown of the Rs 36.5 Lakh Compensation
The tribunal meticulously calculated the final compensation figure of Rs 36.5 lakh by considering various heads of claim, as per legal provisions. The computation included:
- Loss of future income: Projecting the earnings the deceased would have provided to his family over his working life.
- Future prospects: Factoring in potential increments and career growth.
- Consortium: Awarded to his wife and mother for the loss of love, care, and companionship.
- Loss of estate: Compensation for the loss of the deceased's personal possessions and assets.
- Funeral expenses: Costs incurred for the last rites.
This comprehensive assessment aimed to provide financial solace to the family for their immense and irreparable loss. The verdict underscores the legal system's role in ensuring accountability and providing relief to victims of road accidents, which remain a pressing concern across Indian cities.
