THANE: Seven years after a transport manager was mowed down in an accident, the Motor Accident Claims Tribunal (MACT) awarded Rs 28 lakh compensation to his kin.
The victim's dependents, including his wife, three children, and aged parents, will receive financial support following a detailed compensation assessment.
According to the claim, the fatal incident occurred on July 10, 2018, on the Thane-Nashik national highway. The 49-year-old victim, who worked as a manager at Mahanagar Transport in Purna, was riding his scooter when a dumper truck struck him, causing fatal injuries. Despite immediate medical attention, he was pronounced dead at the hospital.
The tribunal delivered an order, emphasising the need for accountability in road safety. The compensation was meticulously calculated based on the victim's monthly income of Rs 17,500, applying a multiplier of 13 and making standard deductions for personal expenses.
The compensation package includes Rs 27.3 lakh for loss of income, Rs 15,000 for loss of estate, Rs 40,000 for loss of consortium, and Rs 15,000 for funeral expenses. The tribunal ordered a specific distribution of funds, with Rs 15 lakh placed in a fixed deposit for the widow and additional Rs 2 lakh fixed deposits for each child and parent.
The judge highlighted several critical observations that influenced the compensation decision. Key among these was the clear demonstration of negligent driving by the dumper truck operator, which directly contributed to the fatal accident. The tribunal specifically noted the absence of evidence supporting the insurance company's attempts to deny liability, thereby rejecting their arguments about invalid driving credentials.
The tribunal mandated that these deposits be maintained for five years, with provisions for quarterly interest payments. An interest rate of 7.5% per annum will be applied from the date of the petition, ensuring comprehensive financial support for the victim's family.