The parents of 24-year-old Gautam Shirodkar, who lost his life in an accident at Raia, Salcete, in February 2017, were awarded a compensation of Rs 14.54 lakh by the Motor Accident Claims Tribunal, Margao.
Gautam was riding pillion with his friend Abhishek Shirodkar on a Honda Activa, when they were struck from behind by a truck, which was travelling on the extreme left side of the road.
United India Insurance Company, which had insured the truck, claimed that the accident occurred when the rider of the two-wheeler attempted to overtake the truck. Hence, no compensation should be paid.
This theory was rejected, thanks to a pedestrian, who was not only an eyewitness, but also injured in the accident.
The witness, Kewal Naik, was waiting for a bus at the Raia junction when he saw the scooter enroute to Margao.
The scooter was followed by the truck which was being driven in a rash and negligent manner, which first brushed against him and then struck the scooter from behind.
The Tribunal, on August 8, after considering witness statements, and documents produced concluded that the driver of the truck was responsible for the accident and awarded a compensation of Rs 14.54 lakh to the deceased’s parents.
The parents had demanded a compensation of Rs 20 lakh.
At the time of the accident, Gautam was an MA Economics student at Chowgule College in Margao.
He also worked at Horizon Distributors as a part-time booking clerk in the afternoon with a monthly salary of Rs 10,000.
