Lawsuit Filed in Texas Go-Karting Death
Texas Motor Speedway and three other entities have been named in a lawsuit concerning the death of Kierstin Eaddy, WFAA reports.
About the Fatal Go-Kart Accident
The lawsuit was filed in response to a 2014 accident that claimed the teenager’s life.
The 14-year-old was driving a go-kart that failed to stop at the finishing line in a parking lot at Texas Motor Speedway and crashed into a low wire meant to funnel race participants towards the finish line. The impact caused Kiersten’s helmet to be ripped off.
Kiersten was airlifted to Harris Methodist hospital for emergency medical attention but later succumbed to her injuries. The Eaddy’s attorney stated that Kiersten’s fatal injury was caused by the low wire impacting the teenager’s head and neck area.
Family Pursues Wrongful Death Lawsuit
The family’s attorney, who filed a petition in Dallas County District Court, stated that the venue lacked tires, barriers, or any other safety precautions that could have prevented Kierstin’s death.
The family also blames Dallas Karting Complex in Caddo Mills for including “unreasonably dangerous” pedal extenders, put in place so that drivers, like Kierstin, could reach the pedals.
The extenders rotated so that Kierstin was unable to apply the brakes. The suit says staff lowered the seat just days prior to the race so that pedal extensions were required.The firm has produced video that shows the pedal extensions rotating, thus preventing anyone to work the breaks properly.
The Sports Club Car of America, the sponsor of the race, is also named in the lawsuit, but have yet to respond.
