Chennai: Insurance co directed to pay Rs 32 lakh to kin of mishap victim

Chennai: Motor Accidents Claims Tribunal, Chennai, has directed a public sector insurance firm to pay a compensation of Rs 32 lakh to family members of a 19-year-old worker for his death in a road accident that took place four years ago.

In the petition, N.S. Indrica of Madhavaram submitted that her son, Victor, 19, was working in a private industry as a lathe worker. He was receiving a salary of 
Rs 20,000 per month. On April 23, 2014, at 8.45 pm he was traveling pillion on a two-wheeler. His friend Vimal was riding the bike on Madhavaram-Red Hills Road.

When they were nearing Adeswar Metal Godown, a lorry, which was driven in a rash and reckless manner by its driver, dashed against the two-wheeler. At the impact, her son sustained head injuries and was rushed immediately to hospital. Later, he died in the hospital. Grand Northern Trunk Road Traffic Investigation police, Madhavaram, registered case against lorry driver. Victor, bachelor, is survived by his parents and sister.

She sought compensation from owner of the lorry, Vijayakumar, Manjambakkam, Tiruvallur district, and insurer of the vehicle, United India Insurance Co. Ltd. On perusal of oral and documentary evidences the small causes court - IV, judge A. Ramesh, said the insurance firm did not adduce any evidence neither to disprove the version of the petitioners nor to rebut the contents of the documents filed by the petitioners. 

This tribunal is of the opinion that the accident took place only due to the negligence of the driver of lorry. He said his mother and father lost their only son and sister lost her brother due to the accident and family lost its only breadwinner.

They might have suffered a lot and this cannot be compensated in terms of money. The judge directed the insurance firm to pay a compensation of Rs 32.04 lakh to family members.