
Anoushka Pinto
Road accidents in India represent a significant public health concern, with motorcycle incidents being a particularly critical issue. According to the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH), in 2022, the country experienced a staggering 461,312 road accidents, resulting in 168,491 fatalities and injuring 443,366 individuals. This alarming toll, the highest in the world, emphasises the urgent need for effective interventions.
A considerable number of these accidents are attributed to motorcycles. A Statista report reveals that bikes account for 32.93% of all yearly road accidents in India, leading to nearly 75,000 road traffic deaths in 2022 alone. Specific regions, such as Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, and Uttar Pradesh, reported the highest numbers of two-wheeler occupant deaths – with Tamil Nadu leading at 11,140 fatalities, followed by Mahrashtra at 7,733 and Uttar Pradesh at 6,959 (Source: Ministry of Road Transport and Highways).
Recognising the severe impact of bike accidents, the Indian government has initiated several schemes aimed at mitigating these incidents and providing aid to victims and their families. These programs strive to enhance road safety, provide immediate financial relief, and offer medical assistance and rehabilitation for those affected by bike accidents.
Need help covering accident treatment costs?
The Government of India has implemented various schemes aimed at supporting victims of bike accidents across the country. These initiatives are designed to provide financial assistance, medical care, and rehabilitation services to individuals affected by such incidents. Through these schemes, the government aims to alleviate the burdens faced by accident victims and their families, promoting road safety and well-being for all citizens.
Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana (PMSBY) provides accidental death and disability insurance coverage. It’s available to all Indian citizens between 18 and 70 years of age with a bank account, and is renewable annually.
To register for PMSBY:
Step 1: Take the first step towards enrolling in the Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana (PMSBY) by filling out the application form and visiting any of the participating banks or health insurance companies in your area.
Step 2: If you prefer convenience, several reputed banks offer assistance to subscribers through their internet banking services.
Step 3: Simply log into your internet banking account and follow the easy enrollment process to access the scheme seamlessly.
Step 4: For those who prefer mobile options, you can also enroll by sending a message from your registered mobile number to the toll-free numbers provided by the banks and insurance companies.
To claim compensation:
To know more about the scheme and enrollment process, check:
Website: Department of Financial Services, Government of India
Read more: Acko Health Insurance
The Universal Health Insurance Scheme was launched nationwide in July 2003 with the goal of providing healthcare to the poorest sections of society. It is available to both Below Poverty Line (BPL) and Above Poverty Line (APL) families. The scheme aims to reduce the financial burden of medical expenses and includes various benefits tailored to different family sizes and economic conditions.
Premium:
Personal accident and disablement benefit
Hospitalization benefits
Medical and surgical costs
Overall expense limits
Special provisions for BPL families
To apply for the Universal Health Insurance Scheme, visit your nearest branch office. They will provide you with complete details and assist you in the application process. Ensure you have all necessary documentation, including proof of income to determine eligibility for BPL benefits.
For more detailed information about the scheme, its exclusions, and comprehensive coverage details, please contact your nearest branch office. They can provide you with personalized assistance and answer any specific queries you may have.
Branch Office: Visit your nearest branch for in-person assistance.
Website: Universal Health Insurance Scheme
Need help covering accident treatment costs?
The ‘Scheme for Good Samaritan’ aims to recognize and reward individuals who save lives in the event of a motor vehicle accident, which also includes serious bike collisions. The scheme encourages immediate assistance to accident victims, ensuring they receive timely medical care within the critical ‘golden hour.’
Reward system
The applicant must have saved a victim by providing immediate assistance and ensuring they reach a hospital or trauma care center within the ‘golden hour’.
Incident reporting
Acknowledgment submission
The acknowledgment is sent by the police to the District Level Appraisal Committee chaired by the District Magistrate, with a copy to the Good Samaritan.
Review and approval
The District Level Appraisal Committee reviews and approves the proposals monthly.
Payment processing
Approved lists are sent to the State/UT Transport Department, which makes the payment directly to the Good Samaritan’s bank account.
National Award Nomination
By September 30th each year, State/UT committees nominate the top three proposals for national awards to the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH).
For more information or to apply for the award, you can contact the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways through their official website or reach out to local transport offices for guidance. Further details and updates on the scheme can be accessed via the official ministry portals and helplines.
The Compensation to Victims of Hit and Run Motor Accident Scheme is a financial assistance initiative by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, aimed at providing monetary support to victims of hit-and-run motor accidents, which includes bike accidents as well. This scheme was launched in 2022, superseding the previous Solatium Scheme of 1989.
Through a designated application form – Form I.
Application submission: The victim or their legal representative must submit a duly filled Form I, along with necessary documents like the claim raised by the hospital and an undertaking in Form IV.
Verification: The Claim Enquiry Officer verifies the claim and forwards it to the Claims Settlement Commissioner.
Sanctioning: If verified, the Claims Settlement Commissioner sanctions the claim and sends the order to the General Insurance Council for disbursal.
Payment: The General Insurance Council transfers the compensation directly to the beneficiary’s bank account.
For more details and to access the necessary forms, victims or their representatives can contact the Claim Enquiry Officer in the sub-division or taluka where the accident occurred.
The Motor Vehicle Accident Fund is a government initiative designed to support victims of road accidents (including bike accidents) in India. It was created to offer financial assistance and ensure that all victims, including those involved in accidents with uninsured vehicles or hit-and-run cases, receive compensation. This fund is a part of the broader efforts under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, to enhance road safety and provide timely help to accident victims.
Accounts within the Fund
Legal basis: Established under sections 164B and 164C of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, the fund operates based on rules formulated by the Central Government.
The Motor Vehicle Accident Fund provides the following types of aid:
Victims or their families can apply for compensation by:
For further information or to apply for compensation, individuals can contact the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways or visit their official website. Specific contact details and application forms may be available online or at regional transport offices.
Contact: +91-11-2371 7411
Email: info-morth@gov.in
Need help covering accident treatment costs?
Many state governments across the nation have also implemented schemes aimed at providing assistance to victims of bike accidents. These initiatives encompass a range of measures designed to alleviate the financial, physical, and emotional burdens faced by those affected by such incidents, ensuring that they receive the care and support they need to rebuild their lives.
The Mukhyamantrigala Santwana – ‘HARISH’ Scheme (MSHS) is a humanitarian initiative by the Government of Karnataka aimed at providing immediate medical relief to victims of road accidents, including bike collisions, during the critical ‘golden hour.’ It ensures that road accident victims receive prompt trauma care, thereby reducing fatalities and complications arising from delayed treatment. This scheme is implemented through the Suvarna Arogya Suraksha Trust, an autonomous body under the Health and Family Welfare Department of Karnataka.
MSHS was launched in 2016 in honor of Harish Nanjappa who in his final moments pledged to donate his eyes. In 2018, this initiative was integrated into the broader Ayushman Bharat Arogya Karnataka (AB-ArK) program. This integration combined MSHS with six other schemes, enhancing the scope and reach of healthcare services for the people of Karnataka.
Victims receive cashless treatment up to ₹25,000 per episode.
Website: Suvarna Arogya Suraksha Trust, Health and Family Welfare Department, Government of Karnataka
Helpline Numbers: 108 or 104 for ambulance services
The Karnataka state government offers the ‘Accident Victims Scheme’ designed to provide immediate, cashless and cost-free medical treatment to road accident victims, which encompasses bike accident victims. This initiative ensures that all victims, regardless of their financial status, receive necessary medical care during the critical ‘golden hour’ following an accident.
The scheme covers:
For more information about the scheme or to find the nearest empaneled hospital, you can contact
Website: Suvarna Arogya Suraksha Trust, Health and Family Welfare Department, Government of Karnataka
Read more: Acko Health Insurance
The Farishtey Dilli Ke Scheme is an initiative by the Delhi government designed to provide free, cashless treatment to road accident (including bike accident) victims within the jurisdiction of Delhi. This scheme is inclusive, offering aid to all individuals regardless of their nationality, caste, or socioeconomic status.
For more information about the ‘Farishtey Dilli Ke’ Scheme, including details on participating hospitals and further assistance, you can contact:
Website: Directorate General of Health Services
Contact: 011-22307738
Need help covering accident treatment costs?
The Government of India has initiated a pilot program to provide cashless treatment to road accident (including bike accident) victims. This program aims to ensure timely medical care for accident victims, particularly during the crucial ‘golden hour’ following an incident. Currently only operating in Chandigarh under the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH), this scheme seeks to establish an efficient ecosystem for emergency medical response.
Managed by the National Health Authority (NHA) in collaboration with local police, hospitals, and the State Health Agency (SHA), the scheme covers accidents involving both insured and uninsured vehicles. Victims of hit-and-run cases also receive full cashless treatment during the ‘golden hour’.
Based on the pilot program’s outcomes, there is a potential for this cashless treatment facility to be expanded nationwide, further enhancing the support system for road accident victims across India.
Financial coverage of up to ₹1.5 lakh per person per accident for medical treatment, ensuring no out-of-pocket expenses for the victims within the specified limits.
For further information and assistance regarding the pilot program for cashless treatment of bike accident victims, individuals can contact:
Website: Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH)
Contact: +91-11-2371 2484
Website: National Health Authority (NHA)
Contact: +91-11-2306 3691
The “Mukhyamantri Ayushman Accident Insurance Scheme” (MCSBY) offers free accident insurance cover to families insured under state government health schemes in event of accidents specified in the scheme.
For more information and assistance, please contact
The “Legal Services to Road Accident Victims (through Legal Services Authorities) Scheme, 2024” is designed to support road accident (including bike accident) victims and their families. It aims to provide legal aid to road accident victims, addressing their needs for medical treatment, prosecution of offenders, and securing compensation. The scheme also emphasizes creating public awareness and encouraging timely assistance from bystanders through various initiatives.
Victims or their families can seek help by approaching the nearest District Legal Services Authority (DLSA). Special units within the 24 DLSAs have been established to provide the necessary legal aid. Detailed information on applying can be found on hoardings or by contacting Legal Services Authorities directly.
For more information, contact your local District Legal Services Authority. Additional support can be accessed through the JHALSA website or their offices.
Contact: 0651-2481520
Email: jhalsaranchi@gmail.com
Website: Jharkhand State Legal Services Authority (JHALSA)
Need help covering accident treatment costs?
The Jammu and Kashmir Road Accident Victims Fund was established to provide immediate financial assistance to the dependents and legal heirs of individuals killed or injured in road accidents (including bike accidents) involving passenger or private vehicles. This includes vehicles owned by the government, corporations, and public sector undertakings.
The fund is dedicated to providing ex-gratia relief to victims of road accidents within the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir. This ensures immediate support for the families of those affected by such tragedies.
Website: Jammu & Kashmir Transport Department
The availability of government schemes providing financial support after a bike accident serves as a crucial safety net for victims, as they not only help ease the financial burden but also provide a sense of security and assistance during the challenging recovery process. By accessing these schemes, bike accident victims can find the support they need to rebuild their lives and move forward with confidence.
Crowdfunding platforms like Milaap can also provide a lifeline for those in need via fundraising for medical expenses, enabling accident victims to access the treatment they require without delay.
In times of need, support means everything, and with Milaap, you need not look any further. Milaap enables you to set up a fundraiser for any medical emergency within minutes, and you can easily raise funds for treatment expenses.
Do you know someone who could benefit from fundraising? Simply refer them to us and we’ll be happy to lend a hand.
Visit www.milaap.org or call us on +91 9916174848 to get started now.
For more information, write to us at cx@milaap.org.
Related posts
Subscribe now to keep reading and get access to the full archive.