In Brief
In a fatal motorcycle accident caused by a rash-driven lorry, the Motor Accidents Tribunal awarded compensation to the deceased's legal heirs and an injured pillion rider. The High Court enhanced the deceased's award by increasing the notional income assumption, but absolved the insurance company, placing liability solely on the vehicle owner. The Supreme Court held that the insurance company must first pay the awarded compensation with liberty to recover from the owner, ensuring claimants have a guaranteed source of payment. The Court rejected further enhancement of compensation, finding the High Court's income assumption to be insufficiently justified. Appeals partly allowed accordingly.
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