Motor accident laws in India are primarily governed by the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, which ensures compulsory third-party insurance, no-fault liability, and compensation for hit-and-run cases. The law holds vehicle owners and insurers liable for compensation in accidents, and it provides for compensation even if fault is not proven.
Claims under the Act include no-fault liability, fault-based liability (where negligence is proven), and third-party insurance claims. Victims can file claims in Motor Accident Claims Tribunals (MACT) against drivers, vehicle owners, and insurers.
Recent amendments in the Motor Vehicles Amendment Act, 2019 have increased penalties for violations, enhanced compensation for victims, and introduced cashless treatment for road accident victims. Violations like rash driving, causing death by negligence, and drunk driving attract strict penalties.
