Daijiworld Media Network - Thane

Thane, May 18: In a significant ruling, the Motor Accident Claims Tribunal (MACT) in Thane has awarded compensation of Rs 41.8 lakh to a 28-year-old graphic designer who sustained severe injuries and permanent disability in a road accident that took place in 2021.

According to the tribunal’s order dated May 7, tribunal member R.V. Mohite directed the owner of the offending vehicle, Mahesh Dhamanse, along with the insurance company, to jointly compensate the victim, Swapnil Ganpat Salvi. The compensation amount will also carry an annual interest of 9% from the date the petition was filed.

The accident occurred on May 16, 2021, when Salvi was travelling on the Mumbai-Goa Highway with his parents on a motorcycle. Near Dovli Bridge in Raigad district, a car approaching from the opposite direction allegedly swerved into the wrong lane at high speed and collided head-on with the motorcycle, leaving Salvi critically injured.

Following the crash, Salvi underwent prolonged medical treatment and multiple hospital admissions in Mumbai. Medical records presented before the tribunal confirmed that he suffered 60% permanent disability due to the injuries.

At the time of the incident, Salvi was employed at a digital company in Andheri with a monthly salary of Rs 25,000. However, his extended recovery period and inability to resume work reportedly resulted in the loss of his job.

During the proceedings, both the car owner and the insurer argued that the motorcyclist was partly responsible for the accident. The tribunal, however, rejected these claims, observing that there was no evidence to establish contributory negligence on the part of the claimant.

After examining the evidence and circumstances of the case, the tribunal ordered the respondents to pay a total compensation of Rs 41,81,354 to Salvi.