Thanekar given Rs1 lakh compensation for road accident in 2007

A Thane resident, who was dashed by a speeding vehicle in 2005 was recently awarded compensation. The Motor Accident Claims Tribunal directed the vehicle owner, Divakar Singh, and the insurance firm which had provided cover to the vehicle to pay Rs 1 lakh to the complainant, along with 7.5% interest on the amount since 2007. Also, the tribunal held that the complainant had not furnished 'true' documents and thus, the demand of a 'high compensation' could not be granted.

On May 17, 2005, Shailendra Sinha (39) was hit by a motor dumper which was speeding on Chembur-Wadala link road. He was hospitalised when doctors noticed a fracture in his Fibula bone. Sinha filed a complaint against the vehicle owner as well as the insurance company, seeking compensation. The tribunal asked the vehicle owner to file a reply, but received none.

After examining the evidence, the tribunal found the insurance firm as well as the vehicle owner responsible, and penalised them. However, the tribunal also said that the amount claimed by the complainant was 'quite high', and there wasn't enough documentary evidence to support the claim.

There were many medical bills which were not certified by medical stores, and the meal which the complainant was medically advised to consume was of Rs 5000 per month, but Sinha had claimed Rs 10,000 towards the same, with out any proof.