New Delhi: Holding that post-accident conduct as a good samaritan cannot wash away liability, a Delhi court has awarded over Rs 84 lakh in compensation to a 2024 road accident victim who suffered 90% permanent physical impairment due to grievous injuries caused by the respondent’s “rash and negligent driving.“MACT presiding officer Pooja Aggarwal noted that the respondent, Wahabuddin, attempted to distance himself from responsibility by claiming that, being a doctor, he had administered first aid to the injured motorcyclist, Roshan Kumar Sahu (21), at his clinic and later shifted him to Sushruta Trauma Centre at Civil Lines. The court, however, held that such conduct after the incident did not mitigate culpability for causing the accident.The accident occurred in Aug 2024 when the victim was riding towards Burari. At Pushta Road, the offending car, which was travelling ahead, allegedly stopped abruptly and its driver opened the door without any indicator or warning, causing the motorcyclist to collide with it. The impact resulted in head injuries and multiple fractures to both lower limbs, ultimately leaving the victim with 90% permanent disability.Expressing disbelief at the defence raised, the court questioned the respondent’s claim of false implication, observing that “the very act of opening the door of a vehicle by its driver, without any warning or indication, itself indicates the existence of rashness and negligence.”The court further observed that since it had already been established in the detailed accident report and the chargesheet that the accident had occurred, the respondent’s reply disclaiming responsibility held no ground unless it brought forth material disproving his guilt.
