I was injured in a bus accident. Can I claim from the bus company?

What the Law Says

Indian law holds bus operators strictly liable for passenger injuries arising from accidents involving their vehicles. The Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 provides two main pathways for claiming compensation: no-fault liability and fault-based claims before the Motor Accidents Claims Tribunal.

Under Section 163A of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, the owner of a motor vehicle is liable to pay compensation even without proof of negligence — this is called 'no-fault liability'. It applies when death or permanent disablement results from a motor vehicle accident.

For all other injury claims (including temporary disability or medical expenses), Section 166 allows filing a claim before the Motor Accidents Claims Tribunal (MACT) by proving negligence, breach of duty, or defective maintenance by the bus company or driver.

The claim must be filed within 2 years from the date of the accident. Delayed filings require sufficient cause to be accepted by the Tribunal.

Statutory Text

Where any person is injured or dies on account of accident arising out of the use of motor vehicle, the owner of the vehicle shall be liable to pay compensation… without pleading or establishing absence of negligence…

— Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, s. 163A — Compensation in certain cases of accidents without proof of negligence

Statutory Text

Any person who has sustained damage… may make an application for compensation… to the Claims Tribunal having jurisdiction.

— Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, s. 166 — Application for compensation

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