The Motor Accident Claims Tribunal in Margao, South Goa, passed the judgment, awarding Rs 36,84,700 in compensation to the mother of 33 year old Valentine Barretto, who lost his life in a two wheeler accident.
The ruling was delivered at by tribunal member Ram Prabhudesai, who directed the respondents to pay the sum along with 6.80% annual interest calculated from the date the application was filed. The fatal accident took place in Loliem, Canacona. Valentine was riding pillion on a two wheeler driven by Anthony Fernandes (age 22). While trying to overtake a truck coming from the opposite direction, Anthony lost control of the bike and crashed into a roadside stone, throwing both riders into nearby bushes.
Valentine suffered severe injuries and passed away. Based on testimony from Head Constable Deepak Gaonkar, the tribunal found negligent driving on the wrong side of the road to be the primary cause of the crash, noting that criminal level proof is not required in accident claim cases. The compensation amount was calculated based on Valentine’s monthly earnings. He was employed as a fitness trainer at Norbert's Fitness Studio in Canacona on a monthly salary of Rs 25,000.
The tribunal ordered two wheeler rider Anthony Fernandes and ICICI Lombard General Insurance Company to jointly deposit the settlement amount via NEFT directly into the District Court's account at the State Bank of India, Margao branch.
