In case an individual or his immediate family sustains an injury or succumbs to a fatal incident on the road, he/she has the right to seek compensation. In this regard, the country is the one that sets in motion the impartation of Motor Accident Claims Tribunals (MACTs) through the Motor Vehicles Act.
Notably, such tribunals only handle the subject of compensation arising from road accidents and therefore assist people by giving them faster financial relief without going through the regular civil courts.
Who Can Claim?
- You were a pedestrian hit by a vehicle
- You were a passenger in the vehicle
- The accident was a hit-and-run
- The vehicle was uninsured or untraced
You Can Claim For:
- Medical expenses
- Loss of income
- Disability
- Death of a family member
- Pain and suffering
Key Points:
- MACT deals with accident-related compensation cases only.
- You can file at the place of accident, where you live, or where the vehicle is registered.
- You do not need a lawyer, but legal help can make things smoother.
- Compensations are usually paid by the insurance company of the vehicle.
- In cases when the vehicle is uninsured and cannot be traced by police, persons are compensated by the government through special funds.
MACT (Motor Accident Claims Tribunal) – FAQs
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1. What does MACT mean?
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MACT is a special tribunal dealing just with road accident compensation cases.
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2. Who can approach the MACT with a case?
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Any woman injured in a road accident, or relatives of someone dead in an accident.
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3. Do I need to go to a regular court for an accident case?
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No, you can directly approach MACT, which is much easier and faster.
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4. Do I need a lawyer to file a claim in MACT?
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Not always, but having a lawyer can help with paperwork and better compensation.
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5. Where can I file a MACT claim?
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One may file it in the local limits where the accident happened, where the person resides, or where the vehicle is registered.
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6. Can I register a claim for the hit-and-run case?
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Sure. Even when the vehicle is unknown, it straightaway gives fixed compensation through a special fund.
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7. Who bears the responsibility to pay the compensation – the driver or the insurance company?
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Generally, the vehicle insurance company pays the amount ordered by the tribunal.
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8. What if the vehicle has no insurance?
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The owner may be liable. In some cases, the government funds for hit-and-run injuries compensate victims.
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9. How much can I claim for compensation?
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It depends on the injury, medical expenses, disabilities, loss of income, or death. There isn't any fixed amount to it; however, MACT endeavours to give a fair amount.
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10. How long does it take the MACT to offer compensation?
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It may take a couple of months to about a year depending on the particular case and evidence.
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11. What if I was partially at fault in the accident?
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You are entitled to compensation; however, the amount will be imputed in relative degree to your neglect.
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12. Can passengers in a vehicle claim?
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Yes, passengers can claim compensation under MACT.
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13. What if I were a pedestrian and got hit by a vehicle?
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Pedestrians who suffer injuries in accidents can also file claims in MACT.
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14. Do I need an FIR or police report for filing an MACT case?
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Yes, an FIR, accident report, or police investigation report is usually needed.
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15. Can I claim for the medical bills and the salary I lost?
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Sure, you can claim medical expenses along with loss of income and even suffering.
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16. Is compensation taxable?
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No compensation received from MACT is taxable under income tax laws.
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17. What documents would I need to file a MACT claim?
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FIR, medical bills, injury proof, vehicle details, ID proof and proof of income loss or expenses incurred.
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18. Can I appeal against an MACT decision which has not satisfied me?
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Yes, you may send an appeal before the High Court, capitalising on the time limit of the order.
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19. What happens if the claimant dies in the accident?
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The claim can be filed by legal heirs such as a wife, children, or parents, as the victim's death is covered by compensation.
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20. Do I have to pay any fee for registering a case in MACT?
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There is generally no court fee, but you may pay a small charge for documents or legal assistance.
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