Your Legal Rights in MACT Cases
If you or a loved one has been injured or killed in a road accident, you are entitled to claim compensation through the Motor Accident Claims Tribunal (MACT), as per the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988.
1. Who Can File a MACT Claim?
- Victims of road accidents (injured parties).
- Legal heirs of deceased victims.
- Vehicle owners, in cases of property damage.
2. Important Legal Provisions:
- Section 166: Allows the victim or legal heir to claim compensation by proving fault/negligence of the opposite party.
- Section 163A: Provides for no-fault compensation without proving negligence (limited to income below ₹40,000 per annum).
- Section 140: Interim compensation of ₹50,000 for death and ₹25,000 for injury without waiting for full trial.
- Section 161: Fixed compensation for hit-and-run cases: ₹2 lakh for death and ₹50,000 for injury.
3. Time Limit to File a Claim:
As per the Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Act, 2019, a MACT claim must be filed within 6 months from the date of the accident.
4. What Can Be Claimed?
- Medical expenses (past and future).
- Loss of income and earning capacity.
- Pain, suffering, mental trauma, and loss of amenities.
- Compensation for permanent disability or disfigurement.
- Loss of consortium and funeral expenses (in case of death).
5. Documents Required:
- FIR and accident report (from the police).
- Hospital records and medical bills.
- Death certificate and post-mortem report (if applicable).
- Proof of income (salary slip, certificate, etc.).
- Vehicle documents (RC, insurance, driver’s license).
6. Where to File?
The claim should be filed before the MACT in the area:
- Where the accident occurred, or
- Where the claimant resides, or
- Where the defendant (vehicle owner/insurer) resides or has business.
7. Need Legal Help?
MACT cases often involve technicalities with medical evidence, income calculations, and insurance procedures. Hiring an experienced MACT lawyer significantly improves your chances of receiving fair compensation.