Motor vehicle act: Compensation for losses in accidents revised

Punjab government raises compensation for those who are injured or disabled during traffic accidents.

LAHORE: The Punjab government on Wednesday raised the compensation for those who are injured or disabled during traffic accidents. For this purpose, the Motor Vehicle Act 1965 has been amended.

According to the amendment, only those accidents will be considered for compensation where the number of injured or dead is six or more. In case of the accidents, the vehicle’s driver, permit holder or the owner of the vehicle is bound to pay compensation to the injured or the family of the deceased. After the amendment, the compensation for some major losses will be as follows: Rs250,000 in case of death, Rs140,000 over loss of both legs, Rs65,000 over loss of speech, Rs140,000 over loss of both eyes, Rs50,000 over permanent scar on face or head, Rs40,000 over broken bone and Rs25,000 over loss of more than one teeth. The Punjab Assembly Standing Committee on Transport approved the new compensation rates on Wednesday.

The Motor Vehicle Amendment Bill 2010 will be presented in the assembly during next assembly proceedings.

Published in The Express Tribune, December 30^th, 2010.