Delhi Family Awarded ₹18.32 Lakh Compensation After Truck Driver's Negligence

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A Motor Accident Claims Tribunal in New Delhi has ordered United India Insurance Co. Ltd to pay ₹18.32 lakh in compensation to the family of Ashif, a 28-year-old man who died in a road accident on October 9, 2023. The incident occurred when Ashif's motorcycle was struck by a negligently driven truck near Pankha Road in Delhi. According to the petition filed by Ashif's family, he was driving his motorcycle when he was hit by the truck. He was rushed to DDU Hospital, Hari Nagar, where doctors declared him 'brought dead'. The cause of death was attributed to the heavy blunt force impact sustained in the accident. During the tribunal hearing, the driver and the vehicle owner failed to refute allegations of negligent driving, prompting the tribunal to draw an adverse inference. The court relied on the presence of an FIR against the driver and the completion of police investigation to conclude that the driver was negligent. Ashif's family members, including his mother, father, and three sisters, sought compensation. While Ashif's father was not considered a dependent due to his independent income, he was still compensated under other heads of apportionment. The tribunal calculated the notional income of the deceased based on the minimum wage of an unskilled worker in Uttar Pradesh, as there was no proof of employment. The insurer, United India Insurance Co. Ltd, was held liable to pay the full amount to the victim's family, as they had no statutory defences to challenge the claim. The tribunal's order dated November 10 has brought relief to Ashif's family, who will now receive the compensation for their loss.