FLOWER MOUND — The family of a 14-year-old girl killed in a tragic go-kart accident last year has filed a lawsuit against Texas Motor Speedway and three other entities.
Kierstin Eaddy was behind the wheel of a go-kart in July 2014 when it failed to stop after crossing the finish line at a race in a parking lot at TMS sponsored by the Sports Club Car of America.
Attorney Frank Branson is handling the case for the Eaddys. In a petition filed last week in Dallas County District Court, his firm states that conditions at the venue, including the absence of "...tires, barriers, or other safety devices..." were contributing factors to Kierstin's death.
"There was a wire at the end of where they funneled these kids into, and the wire catches Kierstin in or about the head or neck area and kills her," Branson said.
The suit also directs blame at Dallas Karting Complex, a popular go-kart facility in Caddo Mills.
The suit said staff there lowered Kierstin's seat in the days before the race. They recommended pedal extensions after the seat procedure so she could use the gas and brake pedals more effectively. But the suit states that the pedal extenders were "unreasonably dangerous" because they rotated in a way that prevented Kierstin from being able to apply the brakes on the day she died.
Branson's firm has video which they say shows the extended pedal brake getting stuck on a crash bar, thus preventing the brake from functioning.
"There has been some rough road between this death and where we are today," Branson said about the family's emotional state.
Eaddy was remembered as a vibrant teenager who also excelled at track and field at Shelton School in North Dallas.
The SCCA is also named in the lawsuit. The organization didn't respond to e-mails for comment.
Texas Motor Speedway and Dallas Karting Complex declined to comment on Monday.
