Thane tribunal awards ₹1.39 crore for accident victim

A Thane tribunal has awarded ₹1.39 crore to a sales manager who lost his left arm in a bus accident in 2019. The Motor Accident Claims Tribunal (MACT) ruled that United India Insurance Company Ltd, which insured the bus, must pay this amount, including 7.5% annual interest. The insurer can recover this from the bus owner. The accident occurred on December 15, 2019, while Mahesh Lalchand Makhija was traveling on a Humsafar luxury bus. The bus lost control and crashed near Hotel Omkar in Murbad around 1:30 am. As a result of severe injuries, Makhija's left arm was amputated. He was taken to Bombay Hospital for extensive treatment. At the time of the accident, Makhija was a sales manager at Diageo India and earned ₹1 lakh monthly. His disability has severely affected his health and ended his career. He sought compensation for medical expenses, pain, and loss of income. Makhija filed a petition against the bus owner and the insurance company. The insurance company disputed the claim, arguing that the bus driver lacked a valid heavy vehicle license. However, MACT chairman SB Agrawal ruled that the insurer must compensate Makhija first, regardless of the driver's credentials. The tribunal considered police reports, medical records, and Makhija's employment details before deciding on the compensation amount. The awarded compensation includes ₹3.98 lakh for medical costs, ₹3 lakh for pain and suffering, ₹50,000 for miscellaneous expenses, and ₹1.32 crore for lost income due to reduced earning capacity. Legal experts believe this decision will impact future cases and emphasize the importance of insurers fulfilling their obligations.