A Motor Accident Claims Tribunal (MACT) in Pune has directed a truck owner and the vehicle’s insurance company to jointly and severally pay Rs 19.24 lakh in compensation to the family of an 18-year-old accident victim. The amount carries an annual interest rate of 7% from the date the claim petition was filed until full payment is made.
Presiding officer BD Kulkarni issued the directive on Monday, noting that while the victim was “not a great scholar,” he was pursuing an education that could have enabled him to earn a livelihood. The tribunal held the driver of a 12-wheeler cement truck solely responsible for the accident that resulted in the death of Omkar Palekar.
Details of the Accident
The accident occurred on the night of May 5, 2022, on the Solapur-Pune highway near Kadamvakvasti. The truck allegedly rammed into stationary vehicles and people standing nearby. Omkar suffered grievous injuries and was taken to Vishwaraj Hospital, where doctors declared him dead.
The tribunal observed that the deceased and occupants of another vehicle had stepped out after a minor collision between a pickup jeep and a car. The truck then struck the stationary vehicles from behind, which the tribunal deemed as negligence on the part of the truck driver.
Rejection of Insurer’s Argument
The insurance company contended that the stationary vehicles contributed to the accident by remaining on the road without using indicators. However, the tribunal rejected this argument, holding the truck driver solely liable.
Compensation Assessment
In determining the compensation amount, the tribunal reviewed the academic record of the deceased. Omkar had scored 60% in SSC and 49% in HSC examinations. Although not a high achiever academically, the tribunal noted that he was pursuing education that could have helped him earn a livelihood. His notional monthly income was assessed at Rs 12,000, and future prospects and multiplier calculations were applied to arrive at the final compensation.
The tribunal’s order ensures that the family receives financial support, recognizing the potential loss of future earnings.
