Road accident death / legal remedies

I would like to seek legal guidance regarding a road accident resulting in the death of my cousin brother in Odisha. The facts, as presently understood, are as follows:

1. Accident:
   • My cousin brother, aged approximately 30 years, was travelling on a motorcycle in the evening.
   • A truck/tanker had broken down and was standing on the road.
   • The tanker allegedly had no proper rear warning lights, hazard lights, reflective markings, or other visible warning indicators to alert approaching vehicles.
   • Due to poor visibility of the stationary tanker, my cousin brother collided with it and fell onto the road.
   • He was immediately taken to the hospital for treatment.
   • Unfortunately, he died on the following day as a result of the injuries sustained in the accident.
2. Police case:
   • The police have now registered/filed a complaint/case regarding the accident.
   • We would like to understand what steps the family should take from this stage onward and what documents/evidence should be collected.
3. Motorcycle-related circumstances:
   • My cousin brother did not have a valid driving licence.
   • The motorcycle was not owned by him; it belonged to his friend.
   • As far as we understand, the motorcycle did not have valid insurance.
   • We would like to know whether these circumstances could affect the family's legal rights or compensation claim.
4. Deceased's family/dependants:
   • His wife is approximately 22 years old.
   • They have a 5-year-old child.
   • His elderly father and mother are also alive and dependent on the family to some extent.
   • The deceased was approximately 30 years old at the time of death.
5. Location/background:
   • We are from a tribal district in Odisha.
   • The family has limited financial resources and limited knowledge of the legal procedures involved.

Questions on which we seek legal advice

1. What is the appropriate legal procedure to follow now after the police have registered the case?
2. Should the family approach the Motor Accident Claims Tribunal (MACT) for compensation, and who should file the claim?
3. Can the deceased's wife, minor child, and parents claim compensation?
4. Does the fact that the deceased did not have a driving licence affect the family's right to claim compensation from the truck/tanker owner or insurer?
5. Since the motorcycle was borrowed and apparently uninsured, does this affect the claim against the truck/tanker and its insurer?
6. If the tanker was stationary on the road without adequate warning lights/reflective markings, what evidence should be collected to establish negligence?
7. What documents should the family obtain from the police, hospital, RTO, truck/tanker owner and insurance company?
8. Should the family immediately appoint a lawyer and send any legal notice to the truck/tanker owner and insurance company?
9. Is there any possibility of obtaining interim compensation or financial assistance while the main case is pending?
10. Are there any special government schemes, legal-aid provisions, or compensation schemes in Odisha that may be available to the family, particularly considering their economic circumstances?
11. Since the deceased belonged to a tribal community/district, are there any additional legal-aid or welfare provisions that the family should investigate?
12. What is the appropriate court/authority and limitation period for filing the compensation claim?

Most importantly

We would like guidance on what the family should do immediately, what evidence should be preserved, and the proper legal route for pursuing compensation for the deceased's wife, minor child and parents.

Any advice from lawyers experienced in MACT/road-accident compensation cases in Odisha would be greatly appreciated.