Motor Vehicles Act: Section 160 – Duty to furnish particulars of vehicle involved in accident

A registering authority or the officer in charge of a police station shall, if so required by a person who alleges that he is entitled to claim compensation in respect of an accident arising out of the use of a motor vehicle, or if so required by an insurer against whom a claim has been made in respect of any motor vehicle, furnish to that person or to that insurer, as the case may be, on payment of the prescribed fee, any information at the disposal of the said authority or the said police officer relating to the identification marks and other particulars of the vehicle and the name and address of the person who was using the vehicle at the time of the accident or was injured by it and the property, if any, damaged in such form and within such time as the Central Government may prescribe.

Simplified Explanation

Section 160 of the Motor Vehicles Act in India outlines the duty of the vehicle owner or driver involved in an accident to furnish particulars about the vehicle and the insurance policy to authorities or any person affected by the accident. This section is designed to ensure that essential details are promptly provided, allowing victims or authorities to process claims or conduct investigations.

Overview of Section 160

This section mandates that the driver or owner of a vehicle involved in an accident that results in injury, death, or property damage must provide the necessary details about the vehicle and its insurance policy to the concerned parties. These details are crucial for initiating compensation claims and for the proper investigation of the accident.

Key Elements of Section 160

1. Obligation to Provide Information:
   • The driver or owner of a vehicle involved in an accident must provide certain particulars to:
     • The person affected by the accident (injured person or property owner).
     • A police officer or any authorized official investigating the accident.
     • Any person who reasonably requests these details for insurance or legal purposes, such as for processing claims.
2. Information to be Furnished:
   • The vehicle owner or driver must provide the following details:
     • Vehicle registration number.
     • Name and address of the vehicle owner and driver.
     • Insurance details, including the insurance company and the policy number.
     • Other relevant details as required for accident investigations or insurance claims.
3. Duty to Furnish Information to Insurers:
   • If required, the vehicle owner or driver must also furnish these details to the insurance company to ensure the smooth processing of any third-party insurance claims. This helps the victim or claimant pursue compensation through the insurer without unnecessary delays.
4. Legal Requirement:
   • It is a legal obligation under this section for the involved parties to provide accurate and timely information about the vehicle and the insurance. Failure to comply can lead to penalties and may hinder the legal process.
5. Facilitates Claims and Investigations:
   • This section ensures that victims or affected parties can quickly access the necessary information to file insurance claims or pursue legal action. It also assists the police or authorities in investigating the accident by providing them with vehicle and insurance details.

Practical Implications

• Transparency in Accidents: This section promotes transparency in accident cases by ensuring that all involved parties share the necessary vehicle and insurance information promptly.
• Facilitation of Third-Party Claims: Victims or injured parties can use the information provided to initiate insurance claims under third-party liability, ensuring they receive timely compensation for their losses.
• Accountability: The legal obligation to furnish details adds a layer of accountability for vehicle owners and drivers involved in accidents, ensuring they cooperate with authorities and affected individuals.
• Smooth Legal and Insurance Processes: With access to insurance and vehicle details, the legal and insurance processes for handling accidents become more streamlined and efficient, benefiting all parties involved.

Conclusion

Section 160 of the Motor Vehicles Act plays a critical role in ensuring that all necessary information is provided after a motor vehicle accident, facilitating smooth processing of compensation claims and accident investigations. By requiring drivers or vehicle owners to furnish key details such as vehicle registration and insurance information, the section upholds transparency and accountability, making it easier for victims and authorities to pursue legal and insurance remedies. This provision helps ensure that the interests of affected individuals are protected in the aftermath of road accidents.