Chennai: The Motor Accident Claims Tribunal, Chennai, directed an insurance firm to pay a compensation of Rs 1.51 crore to the family of five persons who died in a road mishap. They were traveling from Pallikaranai to Tiruvannamalai to worship in a temple, more than a decade ago.
In the petitions, M. Gayathri submitted that she was traveling along with her family members in a Tata Sumo van from Pallikaranai to Tiruvannamalai to worship on December 25, 2006. She was accompanied by family members including her brother Shirvram, Susila, Gomathy, Balamurugan, Shanmughasundari, K. Murugan and Tejaswini.
As they were nearing Acharapakkam, Gandhi Nagar, the driver drove the vehicle in a rash and negligent manner and lost control of the vehicle.
The vanfell into a pit on the left side of the road, and turned upside down, leaving the passengers with grievous injuries. She said the accident took place due to the reckless driving of the van driver.
As a result, Shirvram, Susila, Gomathy, Shanmughasundari and K. Murugan died in the accident. Gayathri and others sustained injuries.
Gayathri said K. Meena, owner of the van and National Insurance Co Ltd., insurer of the vehicle, were liable to pay compensation to the family for death of Shirvram, Susila, Gomathy, Shanmughasundari and K. Murugan, and also injuries sustained by Gayathiri, Tejaswini and Balamurugan. The family members filed eight claim petitions.
Meena had not appeared before the tribunal. The insurance firm denied the averments made in the petition. The firm stated that the accident had not occurred due to rash and negligent driving of the van driver. The insurance company is not liable to pay any compensation, the company had said.
Judge, Small causes court-II, Chennai, S. Umamaheswari, said considering the oral and documentary evidences, the accident took place due to the negligence of the driver.
The insurance firm is liable to pay a compensation of Rs 1,51,50,650 to the petitioners for injuries sustained by them and for the death of Shirvram, Susila, Gomathy, Shanmughasundari and K. Murugan.
