Compensation For Death In Hit-And-Run Accident To Increase 8-Fold To Rs. 2 Lakh

The Government of India has decided to increase the compensation given to victims of a hit-and-run accident from April 2022. According to the latest notification from the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH), if the victim involved in the hit-and-run case dies, the revised compensation given to the family will be Rs. 2 lakh, an eight-fold increase compared to the existing Rs. 25,000 solatium. Whereas the compensation for grievous injuries will see a four-fold increase, from Rs. 12,500 to Rs. 50,000. The new compensations will be effective from April 1, 2022, and will apply to all roads and highways across India.

MoRTH has decided to enhance compensation to victims of Hit & Run motor accidents - from Rs 12,500 to Rs 50,000 for grievous hurt and from Rs 25,000 to Rs 2,00,000 for death. This will be effective from 1 April 2022 and applicable for all roads and highways across India. pic.twitter.com/ocWGOYab8f

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The notification released by the Ministry said, "The process of application for compensation and the releases of payment to victim has also been made time-bound. This scheme will supersede the Solatium Scheme, 1989 from 1st April, 2022, onwards."

In addition to this, the Ministry has said that it will also create a 'Motor Vehicle Accident Fund' which will be used for providing the appropriate compensations to the victims of a Hit-and-Run case. The notifications said, "This fund will be used for providing compensation in case of Hit & Run Accident, treatment for accident victims and any other purpose, as may be specified by the Central Government."

According to the latest government data, a total of 3,66,138 road accidents occurred in India during 2020, causing 1,31,714 deaths

Under the scheme, the ministry has come up with the procedure for detailed investigations of road accidents, Detailed Accident Report (DAR) and its reporting along with timelines for different stakeholders for quick settlements of claims.

According to the latest government data, a total of 3,66,138 road accidents occurred in India during 2020, causing 1,31,714 deaths.