MACT awards ₹27.85 lakh in compensation to engineering graduate after truck rammed his motorcycle in 2022

The tribunal held that the accident occurred due to the rash and negligent driving of the truck driver

A Motor Accident Claims Tribunal (MACT) in Pune has awarded ₹27.85 lakh in compensation to a 24-year-old engineering graduate who suffered permanent disability after a truck rammed his motorcycle near Chandani Chowk in 2022. The order was passed by MACT member B D Kulkarni on March 25, 2026 and uploaded on March 28, 2026.

The order was passed by MACT member B D Kulkarni on March 25, 2026 and uploaded on March 28, 2026. (REPRESENTATIVE PIC)

The tribunal held that the accident occurred due to the rash and negligent driving of the truck driver, and directed the insurer to pay the compensation with liberty to recover the amount from the vehicle owner under the ‘pay and recover’ principle.

As per the order, the claimant, Saurabh Rajendra Kobarne, was riding his motorcycle on October 21, 2022 at about 10.30 pm on the Mumbai-Bangalore highway near Rosary School, Chandani Chowk, when the truck hit him from behind. The tribunal noted, “The truck dashed the motorcycle of the applicant from behind. Due to the accident, the applicant sustained grievous fractures with a head injury.” The judgment further noted that the truck driver fled from the spot after the collision while the claimant – who sustained multiple fractures to both his legs and permanent disability affecting mobility – had to undergo prolonged medical treatment. As per the order, “He (claimant) took treatment at Sancheti hospital and got operated. He was in an unconscious stage for 18 days,” and incurred substantial medical expenses, requiring further intensive care unit (ICU) admission.

The tribunal also considered the claimant’s age and educational background while assessing the compensation. “Considering his age and educational degree, we have to assess his monthly income to the extent of ₹15,000,” the order stated. Based on the claimant’s disability and future earning capacity, the tribunal awarded ₹1,328,400 towards disability; ₹1,306,810 for medical expenses; along with specific amounts for pain and suffering, travelling, diet, and miscellaneous expenses. The judgment recorded, “The applicant is entitled to compensation of ₹2,785,210 with interest at 7% pa from the date of the application till realisation of the full amount.”

The tribunal held both the truck owner and insurer jointly liable but directed the insurance company to pay first. “The liability of the insurance company is to pay the compensation and recover it from the truck driver under the ‘pay and recover’ scheme as the applicant should not be harassed due to disputes between the opponents inter-se,” the tribunal stated. The tribunal ordered that the compensation be deposited within two months.

While the insurer argued that the claimant was not wearing a helmet which contributed to his injuries, the tribunal rejected this contention observing that the absence of a helmet did not absolve the truck driver from negligence.