Injured pair sue county

SANDPOINT — A Priest River couple is suing Bonner County after the motorcycle they were on was clipped by a sheriff’s patrol vehicle in 2015.

Counsel for Rodney and Catherine Howard said the collision launched them onto the highway and left them with severe injuries.

The suit, filed on Thursday in 1st District Court, seeks damages in excess of $10,000 for negligence. Deputy Phyllis Jay is also named as a defendant in the suit.

Idaho State Police said the Howards were headed northbound on U.S. Highway 95 on their three-wheeled Honda Gold Wing when Jay pulled onto the highway from Sagle Road. The Chevrolet Tahoe she was driving hit the rear tire of the touring motorcycle, which flung the couple onto the highway.

Jay was cited for inattentive driving in connection with the May 29, 2015, collision. She pleaded guilty to an amended charge of failure to yield, an infraction.

Catherine Howard, who 66 at the time of the collision, suffered a fractured skull and internal bleeding, according to documents. Rodney Howard, then 67, suffered a broken clavicle and ribs. Both riders were wearing helmets and protective leathers.

Jay was charged after an ISP trooper concluded that she had ample sight distance to see the oncoming motorcycle, court records indicate.

The suit seeks damages for health care expenses and diminished earning capacities, in addition to damages for pain and suffering.

“The exact nature and extent will be proven at trial,” Spokane attorney Ronald Van Wert said of the damages in the civil complaint.

Bonner County officials do not comment on pending litigation.

Keith Kinnaird can be reached by email at kkinnaird@bonnercountydailybee.com and follow him on Twitter @KeithDailyBee.