Whanganui woman pays out $2500 after being hit by 'careless driver'

The victim received a deep cut to the elbow which required extensive treatment. Photo / File

Being hit by a "careless driver" was only the beginning for a Whanganui victim who then paid $2500 for ongoing treatment in Palmerston North.

The offender, Tarcia Maria Makatea, pleaded guilty to careless driving when she appeared in the Whanganui District Court on Tuesday. But Makatea was ordered to pay only $1000 to the victim for emotional harm and reparation.

Judge John Macdonald said Makatea was driving on State Highway 3 at about 12.30am on December 1 when she failed to see two stationary cars.

"She ended up swaying into one car then crashing into the other leaving one victim injured.

"The victim received tender swelling to the left side of her face and a deep cut on her elbow for which she received ongoing treatment in Palmerston North costing her $2500," the judge said.

Defence lawyer Anna Brosnahan said Makatea attended restorative justice with the victim and has accepted responsibility.

"She's not currently employed and would need to pay off the reparation ordered."

The judge said he had read the victim impact statement which talked about quite a substantial loss of money for travel to and from Palmerston North Hospital and medical bills.

"The injuries were reasonably severe and it was quite emotionally draining for the victim.

"It all comes down to [Makatea's] ability to pay the money in the end. I'm really just after a figure," the judge said.

The judge then turned to Makatea and asked her how the accident happened, "was it simply a case of not seeing the cars?"

"It was quite late at night and dark," Makatea told the judge.

Makatea was convicted, disqualified from driving for six months and ordered to pay the victim $1000 for emotional harm and reparation.