Motor Accident Claims directed to pay Rs 6.76 lakhs to mishap victim

Chennai: Motor Accident Claims Tribunal has directed Metropolitan Transport Corporation to pay Rs 6.76 lakh to a medical college student who sustained grievous injuries in an accident involving MTC bus.

The petitioner C. Sibiarasu, 21, Purasawalkam submitted that he was doing third year in Madras Medical College. On February 19, 2014, at 8.30 am he was riding a motorcycle near Nayar Bridge in Egmore.

An MTC bus that came from opposite direction in a rash and negligent manner dashed against the motor cycle. He sustained grievous injuries on his shoulder and leg. Anna square police registered case against the driver. The rash and negligent driving of the MTC bus driver was the cause for the accident and hence MTC was vicariously liable to pay the compensation as an employer of the driver, he said.

Denying the allegation, the managing director, MTC, replied that the bus driver drove the vehicle with due care and caution, observing all traffic rules and regulations. The bus driver was coming at a high speed from the opposite direction and in a zig zag manner. In order to avoid the accident, driver applied the brake and reduced the speed of the bus.

The motorcyclist was unable to control his balance and crossed the center median, yellow line. The bike grazed the front side body of the bus and Sibiarasu fell down and sustained the injuries. On considering documents and oral evidences from both sides, judge of small causes court-III, P.Velmurugan, said rash driving endangered public safety. Therefore, the MTC management, the employer of the driver, is liable to pay compensation of '6.76 lakh to the petitioner.