Insurance company told to pay Rs 6.67 lakh to family

Chennai: The motor accident claims tribunal has directed an insurance firm to pay a compensation of Rs 6.67 lakh to the family of an ex-serviceman who died when the autorickshaw in which he was travelling capsized after a car hit the vehicle.

The chief judge, small causes court, B. Gokuldas, directed the insurance firm to pay them the amount in two months. In the petition, S. Gomathi, wife of the deceased, Muthukumar and Akila, son and daughter of the deceased respectively, submitted that on November 1, 2011, K. Shankaramurthy, 58, was proceeding to Tambaram from Mudichur in an auto from Mudichur to Tambaram.

The auto overturned when a car suddenly made a U-turn and hit it. Shankaramurthy, who was thrown out of the auto, died on the spot. Gomathi sought compensation from the owner of the vehicle and Royal Sundaram Insurance Co Ltd, insurer of the vehicle. Denying the statements, the insurance firm stated that the driver of the car was not at fault. The accident occurred due to the negligence of the auto driver.

On completion of the trial, judge Gokuldas said, “The accident could have been averted if the driver of the car had exercised caution. Considering the oral and documentary evidence, it was clear that he was responsible for the accident.” The chief judge directed the insurance firm to pay the compensation of Rs 6.67 lakh to the family.