Moment’s lapse, severe impact

A motorcyclist was left fighting for his life after a motorist failed to see him as she turned into a party hire shop.

The pain on Katrina Fovakis’ face in the Palmerston North District Court on Tuesday showed how badly she felt about what she had done, defence lawyer Fergus Steedman said.

Fovakis had just heard the police summary of facts, after pleading guilty to careless driving causing injury.

She was parked in the median strip on Rangitikei St, Palmerston North, on December 13 shortly before the crash.

She wanted to turn right into a party hire shop’s carpark, but there was a car parked in front of her own on the median strip.

She turned, but failed to see the motorcyclist until it was too late.

Fovakis hit the brakes, while the motorcyclist had no option but to run into her car.

His injuries included a fractured sternum, a torn bowel and punctured lungs.

He ended up suffering kidney failure while in hospital, requiring dialysis treatment, and spent three weeks in intensive care.

Steedman said Fovakis had an ‘‘emotional meeting’’ with the victim’s wife three days after the crash, where they spoke for 30 minutes.

‘‘Up until two months ago the defendant thought she was a good driver.

‘‘I’m sure she has learned the lesson that motorists should be cautious every second of every day.’’

Judge Lance Rowe said it was a ‘‘momentary lapse of concentration’’ that led to very serious consequences.

He ordered Fovakis to pay $4555.78 in reparation and disqualified her from driving for six months.