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Kochi : Muvattupuzha motor accidents claims tribunal has ordered an insurance company to pay nearly Rs 14 lakh in compensation to the family of a 72-year-old woman killed by an unlicensed minor motorcyclist. Sumathi, a resident of Randaar, was struck by a motorcycle on July 12, 2024, around 9.30am while walking along the Muvattupuzha-Chalikadavu road. Judge K N Harikumar ruled that the insurer must immediately pay the victims and later recover the full amount from the vehicle owner. She died from the severe injuries sustained in the accident.
At the time of the accident, the motorcycle was driven by the 17-year-old boy, who didn’t possess a valid driving licence. The tribunal awarded a base compensation of Rs 11,02,000, which, combined with 8% interest and legal costs, brings the total recovery amount to approximately Rs 14 lakh. You Can Also Check: Gold Rate in Kochi | Silver Rate in Kochi | Bank Holidays in Kochi | Public Holidays in Kochi Stay updated with the latest Kochi news.
The case underscores the critical importance of transferring vehicle ownership documents immediately upon sale, according to legal experts. Under the court order’s “pay and recover” directive, the insurance company will initially disburse the funds to the legal heirs before initiating recovery proceedings against the vehicle’s owner. The registered owner of the motorcycle was identified as Aliyaar, a resident of Koovalloor, Pothanicad. Failure to complete official ownership transfer left the registered owner personally liable for the financial damages in the case. The compensation will be disbursed to Sumathi’s surviving children. Download the TOI App.
the tribunal established civil liability for the accident While the Ernakulam juvenile justice board previously acquitted the minor in the criminal case.