Chennai: Insurance firm directed to pay Rs 8 lakh to teacher

In the petition, W. Geetha Diamond, submitted that she was as a teacher in Government higher secondary school, Maduravoyal. On June 25, 2010, at 6.15 am, she was a pillion rider on a bike driven by her husband from Nanganallur to Purasawalkam.

Her counsel, V.S. Suresh, said when the vehicle was nearing Palavanthangal signal near GST Road, a mini lorry, which was proceeding to Guindy from Tambaram rammed against the two-wheeler. She sustained multiple injuries all over her body.

Immediately, she was rushed to hospital. She spent a huge amount towards medical expense and underwent multiple surgeries. She availed leave for nearly a year. She had suffered 45 per cent disability due to the accident.

St. Thomas Mount traffic investigation police registered a case against lorry driver under section 279 and 337 IPC and Motor Vehicles Act. The petitioner sought compensation. In its reply, the insurance company denied that the lorry driver was responsible for causing the accident. The accident was caused by motorcycle rider.

The judge, Special Sub Court-II, J. Chandran held that the accident occurred due to the lorry’s driver’s negligence. Hence, he directed the insurance company to pay a compensation of Rs 8 lakh.