Thane MACT Grants Rs 47.78 Lakh Compensation to Man Disabled in Tempo Crash

A Motor Accident Claims Tribunal (MACT) in Maharashtra’s Thane district has awarded Rs 47.78 lakh compensation to a 42-year-old Mira Road resident who lost his right leg in a road accident on the Mumbai-Ahmedabad Highway in 2020.

The tribunal held the owner of the speeding goods carrier(tempo) solely responsible for the accident and directed him to pay the compensation amount along with 9 per cent annual interest from the date the petition was filed.

According to the order passed by MACT member R V Mohite , the victim, Paresh Baburao Naik , was riding his motorcycle on October 1, 2020, when an autorickshaw travelling from the wrong side brushed against him. The impact caused Naik to fall onto the highway, where a speeding tempo ran over his leg.

Naik underwent multiple surgeries before doctors amputated his right leg below the knee. The tribunal observed that although medical authorities assessed his permanent disability at 50 per cent, the accident had effectively caused 100 per cent functional disability because Naik worked as a driver and could no longer continue in his profession.

“The opponent has not denied involvement of the offending vehicle in the accident. He has not denied his rashness and negligence,” the tribunal noted while ruling that the claimant bore no contributory negligence.

The tempo owner, identified as Somnath Suresh Gole , did not appear before the tribunal despite being served summons, following which the matter proceeded ex parte.

The compensation package included Rs 28.80 lakh towards future loss of income , Rs 11.52 lakh for future prospects , and nearly Rs 4.76 lakh for medical expenses .

The amount may appear unusually high, but such compensation is generally calculated using a structured legal formula under motor accident laws. Courts consider factors including the victim’s age, profession, monthly earnings, future earning potential, medical costs, permanent disability and long-term impact on livelihood. In cases involving loss of limbs or inability to continue one’s profession, tribunals often award substantial compensation to account for lifelong financial and physical hardship.