7 years after accident, amputee gets Rs 1.18 crore compensation

CHENNAI: A 27-year-old biker, who had to undergo an amputation due to a road accident seven years ago caused by a mini-truck handled in a rash and negligent manner, has been awarded a compensation of 1.18 crore by a motor accidents claims tribunal.

In his petition, the victime, Revanth said he was riding his motorcycle on Velachery-Alandur Road on June 19, 2013 when a mini-truck coming in the opposite direction hit him near the MRTS overbridge.

The mini-truck driver was driving in a rash and negligent manner when the accident happened, he said. Grievously injured, he underwent multiple surgeries and one leg amputated, he said.

He added that the accident had occurred only due to the rash and negligent act of the driver of the mini-truck. He sought a compensation of 2.35 crore under the Motor Vehicles Act.

Opposing the claim, the insurance firm submitted that the accident occurred solely due to the negligence on the part of the petitioner who drove the vehicle without observing any traffic regulations. The firm further contended that the injury and the disability was being exaggerated to claim an exorbitant compensation sum.

The insurance company also submitted that the petitioner had filed a similar claim application before a sub-court in Poonamallee for the same accident. Recording the submissions, judge S Umamaheswari said: "Considering the injuries sustained by Revanth, the tribunal is inclined to fix the disability as 70% permanent and holds that he is entitled to get compensation accordingly."

Taking into account medical expenses incurred by Revanth along with his loss of income, his age, disability, future expenses and pain and suffering, the tribunal directed the insurance firm to pay 1.18 crore with further interest from the date of filing the application.

Source: The Times of India