Relief of Rs 3.35 Cr granted for dad of pilot who died in car crash

National Lok Adalat held in an accident claims case, an insurance company will pay a compensation of Rs 3.35 crore to the 70-year-old father of a pilot who died in a car crash in 2015. The victim's father who was a former aviation industry employee mentioned that originally the claim submitted by him and his wife before the Motor Accident Claims Tribunal in June 2015 was for Rs 10 crore. Their son, who was 28 year old, was their only child earning quite well. The father suspected foul play in the accident, but the police concluded it was an accident and the driver was booked under Indian Penal Code sections 279 and 304 (A) for rash driving and negligence. The matter will come up for hearing in June. On April 5, 2015, the driver picked up the pilot, who was employed with private airlines, from his residence and was taking him to the airport. While driving, the driver lost control of the car and rammed into the barrier. The pilot, who was in the backseat, a haemorrhage and excessive bleeding and the driver sustained minor injuries. A passing motorist alerted the traffic police, who rushed the pilot and driver to the nearest hospital. The doctors at the hospital pronounced the pilot dead on arrival. The 30-year-old driver was granted bail soon after the incident. The police claimed that the driver was 'overworked' and had possibly worked double shifts.

Compensation that is awarded to the family of the victim should be decided on fair and legitimate grounds. If victim is the only earning member of the family, it becomes very important for the courts to ascertain the amount that will fulfil the living expenses of the family members. Although loss of life can never be equated with money, but some compensation in terms of money will help the family in number of other ways.