Representational photo of a court ruling
Pune: Motor Accident Claims Tribunal (MACT) on Friday awarded Rs85.98 lakh with 7% annual interest to the husband and two minor children of a tuition teacher, who died at the age of 38 after a truck hit a two-wheeler on which she was a pillion on Jan 31, 2023. The police investigation had also resulted in a chargesheet against the truck driver.
For calculating compensation, the tribunal assessed Meena’s monthly income at Rs30,000, instead of the Rs 35,000-Rs 38,000 claimed by her husband. The tribunal awarded Rs50.4 lakh towards loss of dependency, after adding 40% for future prospects, deducting one-third towards personal expenses and applying a multiplier of 15. A significant component was Rs33.77 lakh towards medical and hospitalisation expenses. Of this, Rs20 lakh was paid under the medical insurance policy of the deceased and Rs 13.77 lakh by her family.
Truck Driver’s Negligence Cited in Accident Liability
The accident has been attributed to the reckless driving of the truck driver, according to SR Agarwal, a member of the Motor Accident Claims Tribunal (MACT). As a result, both the truck owner and the insurer have been deemed jointly and severally liable for the compensation claims arising from the incident.