JUDGMENT

This appeal is filed by the claimants in O.P (MV) No.694 of 2010 on the file of the Motor Accidents Claims Tribunal-I, Thodupuzha, dissatisfied with the quantum of compensation awarded by the tribunal. The respondents herein are the respondents before the tribunal.

2. According to the claimants, on 12.05.2007 at about 05.55 pm, while the deceased was riding the motorcycle bearing registration No.KL-6C-5692, a bus bearing registration No.KL-7-AL-1513 driven by the 1^st respondent in a rash and negligent manner hit the bike. As a result of the accident, the deceased sustained serious injuries and later succumbed to the injuries. The claimants, being the legal heirs of the deceased, approached the tribunal claiming a total compensation of ₹5,00,000/-.

3. The 1st respondent/driver and the 2nd respondent/owner of the offending vehicle remained ex parte before the tribunal. The 3^rd respondent/insurer filed a written statement admitting the validity of the policy but disputing the quantum of compensation claimed. Before the tribunal, Pws 1 and 2 were examined and Exts.A1 to A17 were marked. The tribunal, after analysing the pleadings and materials on record, awarded a sum of ₹5,03,