The time limit for filing a Motor Accident Claims Tribunal (MACT) case has been reduced to six months from the date of the accident following the amendment to the Motor Vehicles Act in 2019. Section 166(3) of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 provides that no application for compensation shall be entertained unless it is filed within six months of the occurrence of the accident.
For victims and their families, recovering from the emotional, physical and financial consequences of a road accident often takes considerable time. During this difficult period, collecting the necessary documents for filing a compensation claim can become overwhelming. This checklist provides a practical guide to the essential documents generally required for filing a claim before the Motor Accident Claims Tribunal (MACT).
1. Accident-Related Documents
These documents form the foundation of the compensation claim:
- First Information Report (FIR)
- Police Final Report / Charge Sheet
- Mahazar Report / Scene Mahazar
- Site Sketch
- Motor Vehicle Inspector (MVI) Report
- Eyewitness Statements (if available)
- Copy of the Complaint lodged with the Police
2. Medical Documents (In Injury Cases)
These establish the nature of injuries, treatment received and medical expenses:
- Medical records from the first hospital
- Admission and Discharge Summaries
- Doctor's Prescriptions
- Treatment Notes
- Medical Bills
- Pharmacy Bills
- Laboratory Reports
- X-Ray, CT Scan and MRI Reports
- Disability Certificate (where applicable)
- Medical Opinion regarding future treatment
3. Vehicle and Driver Documents
These documents help establish ownership, insurance and liability:
- Registration Certificate (RC) of the offending vehicle
- Insurance Policy valid on the date of the accident
- Driving Licence of the driver
- Permit and Fitness Certificate (for commercial vehicles)
4. Claimant's Personal Documents
- Aadhaar Card
- PAN Card
- Bank Passbook
- Passport-size Photograph
5. Income and Employment Proof
These documents assist the Tribunal in calculating compensation for loss of income and future earning capacity:
- Salary Slips
- Employment Certificate
- Income Tax Returns (ITR)
- Bank Statements
- Business or Professional Income Proof
- Educational Qualification Certificates (where relevant)
6. Additional Documents (In Fatal Accident Cases)
Where compensation is claimed by legal heirs or dependents, the following documents are generally required:
- Death Certificate
- Post-Mortem Report
- Legal Heir Certificate / Succession Certificate
- Marriage Certificate (if spouse is the claimant)
- Dependency Proof
- Funeral or Cremation Expense Bills
- Proof of Relationship of all Dependents
7. Legal Documents
- Claim Petition under Section 166, 163A or 140 of the Motor Vehicles Act
- Vakalatnama (if represented by an Advocate)
- List of Documents
- List of Witnesses
Conclusion
Timely filing of a MACT claim is crucial, especially after the introduction of the six-month limitation period. Preparing the required documents in advance can significantly reduce delays and strengthen the claim before the Tribunal. Victims and their families should ensure that all relevant records are preserved immediately after the accident and seek legal guidance at the earliest opportunity to safeguard their right to compensation.