GIRDHAR BRIJMOHAN MARU Vs. VIMAL LALCHAND MUTHA

JUDGEMENT

(1.) Present appeal has been filed by the original claimant for enhancement of compensation. He had filed Motor Accident Claims Petition No.576/1999 before Motor Accident Claimd Tribunal, Dhule for getting compensation of Rs.3,50,000/- for the injuries suffered by him in vehicular accident.

(2.) The claimant has contended that he along with his family members were proceeding in Tempo Trax No.MH 15/K-150 on 07.02.1999. One Anil Shewale was the driver of the said vehicle. When that vehicle reached near Shani mandir, Purmepada on Mumbai-Agra Highway a truck bearing No.HR 38 A-1442 came from opposite direction in high speed and was overtaking another vehicle which was going ahead of it. In that process due to the negligence of the said truck driver the said truck dashed jeep. As a result of which, the claimant had sustained injuries. Upon the investigation it was found that he had sustained fracture to his right femur. It is stated that the eye sight of his right eye has been totally lost. He has spent huge amount on his medical expenses. He was running a business in cloth and used to earn Rs.6,000/- to Rs.7,000/- per month. Since he has sustained permanent disability due to the negligence on the part of respondent he has claimed compensation.

(3.) The petition proceeded ex parte against respondent No.1-the owner of the truck. Respondent No.2 is the insurance company of the truck. The company had resisted the claim by filing written statement. It had denied age, occupation, income and the fact that truck driver was negligent in driving in which the accident had taken place as pleaded in the petition. Respondent No.3 was the owner of the Tempo Trax from which the claimant and his family members were travelling. Respondent No.4 is the insurance company with whom the tempo trax was insured. Respondent No.3 failed to file written statement but the respondent No.4 by filing written statement denied liability to pay compensation and it was contended that the accident had taken place due to the sole negligent on the part of truck driver.