A 34-year-old man, Abhijit Pujare, from Nalasopara, has been awarded a compensation of approximately Rs 1 crore, including interest, by the Motor Accident Claims Tribunal. The amount will be paid jointly by the owner of the bus, M/s RN Cabs Pvt Ltd, and the insurance firm United India Insurance Co Ltd. The accident occurred in 2021 when the bus, in which Pujare was a passenger, overturned near Pune due to the driver’s rash and negligent driving.
Pujare, who worked as a manager for a private firm in Delhi at the time, earning a monthly salary of Rs 25,000, suffered severe injuries in the accident, including amputation of his right leg above the knee, injuries to both hands, and a head injury with a frontal laceration. The tribunal stated that the evidence on record establishes that the accident occurred due to the driver’s rash and negligent driving and that Pujare sustained permanent partial disability as a result.
The tribunal considered Pujare’s functional disability to be 100% and awarded the compensation, stating that he cannot work as a manager due to his injuries. Pujare had moved the tribunal in February 2022, seeking compensation of Rs 1.25 crore. The tribunal’s award of Rs 1 crore, including interest, is a significant recognition of the severity of Pujare’s injuries and the impact they have had on his life and career.
The accident occurred on January 21, 2021, when the bus was traveling towards Solapur highway in Indapur taluka of Pune district. The driver’s reckless driving led to the bus dashing into a roadside divider and overturning, resulting in Pujare’s severe injuries. The tribunal’s decision highlights the importance of responsible driving and the need for drivers to exercise caution and care while on the road to prevent such tragic accidents.