A WOMAN was given the maximum fines on Tuesday over a fatal accident three years ago and for failing to render assistance.

Esther Huang Peijun, 33 had pleaded guilty to causing the death of a pillion rider when she suddenly switched lanes along Pan-Island Expressway on May 9, 2005.

While swerving from the extreme right lane to the centre lane, her car hit a motorcycle.

The motorcycle then veered to the left and hit a lorry, resulting in Ms Connie Almoguera Basiana falling from the machine onto the path of the lorry which ran over her.

The 39-year-old unemployed Filipina died on the spot of multiple injuries.

A district court heard that there was a collision involving three vehicles in front of Huang at the time.

As the car in front of her had suddenly jam-braked to a halt, Huang swerved out to the left without signalling to avoid hitting the vehicles.

She did not stop nor render help but drove away.

District Judge Hamidah Ibrahim fined her $10,000 for causing the death of Ms Basiana through her negligence, and another $3,000 for not rendering help.

Huang, who is expecting her second child, will be banned from driving for five years.

A third charge of failing to stop was taken into consideration.

Her lawyers Subhas Anandan and Sunil Sudheesan said Huang and her husband did try and lodge a report at Bishan Neighbourhood Police Post after the accident but were told it was not needed.

They were advised to make a report at an Independent Damage Assessment Centre instead.