MACT Awards ₹22.32 Lakh To Civil Engineer Injured In 2019 Accident

A Mumbai court has ordered the owner of an autorickshaw and an insurance company to pay ₹22.32 lakh in compensation to a 25-year-old civil engineer who was injured in a road accident in 2019. The accident occurred on January 27, 2019, when Rakesh Udayraj Prajapati was travelling in an autorickshaw that collided with a stationary mini bus near Kajupada village on the Kashimira side.

The autorickshaw was allegedly being driven at high speed and negligently, causing Prajapati to suffer a fracture of the posterior wall of the left acetabulum and a fracture of the distal end of the radius. He underwent treatment at Orbit Superspeciality Hospital and Jupiter Hospital.

At the time of the accident, Prajapati was working as a civil engineer with Senghani Creators Pvt. Ltd. and was earning ₹19,251 per month. However, he could not resume work for nearly two years following the accident and subsequently had to take up another job at a lower salary.

The Motor Accident Claims Tribunal (MACT), Mumbai, directed the owner of the autorickshaw and Future Generali India Insurance Company Ltd. to jointly and severally pay the compensation. The tribunal rejected the insurer's plea regarding the driving licence of the autorickshaw driver, observing that the RTO records contained overlapping validity periods for the transport category of the driver's licence.

The tribunal also held that the mini bus had contributed to the accident by being stationary on the road. However, it noted that the physical disablement suffered by Prajapati had not much affected his functional ability, as he had been given a promotion at work considering his efficiency and work performance.

The tribunal ordered a compensation of ₹3,00,000 in lump sum for the disablement suffered by Prajapati, in addition to other expenses. Prajapati had sought compensation of ₹10 lakh for his injuries.

The order was passed by MACT Member R.R. Patwari, who considered the overall facts and circumstances of the case. The compensation amount of ₹22.32 lakh is expected to provide some relief to Prajapati, who has been struggling to recover from his injuries and disability.

The case highlights the importance of ensuring that vehicles are driven safely and responsibly on the roads. It also underscores the need for insurance companies to take responsibility for accidents caused by their policyholders.

In Mumbai, road accidents are a common occurrence, and many people suffer injuries and disabilities as a result. The MACT's order in this case is a reminder that victims of road accidents have the right to seek compensation for their injuries and losses.

The compensation amount awarded in this case is significant, and it is expected to have an impact on the lives of Prajapati and his family. It is also a reminder that the legal system is in place to protect the rights of citizens and to ensure that justice is served.

In conclusion, the MACT's order in this case is a welcome move, and it is expected to provide some relief to Prajapati and his family. It also highlights the importance of road safety and the need for insurance companies to take responsibility for accidents caused by their policyholders.

The case is a reminder that the legal system is in place to protect the rights of citizens, and it is expected to have an impact on the lives of many people in Mumbai and beyond.