Thane MACT Awards ₹10.25 Lakh Compensation to Woman Injured in 2018 Bus Accident

Tribunal Holds Bus Operator and Insurer Liable for Negligent Driving Incident​

Thane, April 5 — The Motor Accident Claims Tribunal (MACT) in Thane has awarded ₹10.25 lakh as compensation to a 45-year-old woman who sustained grievous injuries in a bus accident that occurred on January 1, 2018.

The order, passed by MACT member S N Shah on March 18, held Ameya Travels—the bus operator—and its insurer, Bajaj Allianz General Insurance Co. Ltd., jointly liable for the damages. The ruling was made public on Saturday.

Woman Sustained Serious Injuries After Bus Rammed into Gate​

According to advocate Baldev B Rajput, who represented the claimant, the accident took place late at night on Pedder Road in Mumbai, when a bus operated by Ameya Travels crashed into the gate of a residential building. The bus was reportedly being driven negligently at the time.

The claimant, Amee Dharmendra Bhuta, was returning from New Year celebrations with friends when the crash occurred. She suffered multiple fractures and severe injuries that resulted in 35% permanent partial disability.

Claim and Tribunal Findings​

Advocate Rajput informed the tribunal that Bhuta was self-employed and earned approximately ₹25,000 per month. She filed a claim seeking ₹26.95 lakh under various compensation heads, including loss of income, medical expenses, and pain and suffering.

After reviewing the evidence and testimonies, the tribunal concluded that the accident was a direct result of the bus driver's negligence. A police case had also been filed against the driver.

Breakdown of Compensation​

The ₹10.25 lakh compensation was granted under several heads:

• Future loss of income
• Future prospects
• Medical expenses
• Special diet and conveyance
• Pain and suffering
• Loss of amenities and enjoyment of life

The tribunal also instructed Bajaj Allianz General Insurance Co. Ltd. to deposit the compensation amount within one month, along with 8% annual interest from the date of the petition filing.

Additionally, the insurance company has been given the right to recover the awarded amount from Ameya Travels. A portion of the compensation is to be disbursed to the injured party, while the remaining will be placed in a fixed deposit.