Fresno County, CA (August 24, 2024) – On a Saturday morning in Fresno County, 38-year-old Kenneth Owens tragically lost his life in a hit-and-run accident while driving a Go-Kart on Mountain View Avenue near Peach Avenue.
Accident Details and Ongoing Investigation: According to the California Highway Patrol (CHP), the driver responsible for the crash operated a Toyota Tacoma pickup truck. The driver failed to stop and check on Owens after the collision, fleeing the scene instead. Authorities believe the truck likely sustained front-end damage, indicating a strong possibility that the driver was aware of the collision. The CHP responded to the scene after receiving reports of the crash, where they found Owens unresponsive. Unfortunately, he was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver now faces two serious felony charges: vehicular manslaughter and hit-and-run. Owens’ sister, Rachelle Resendez, shared that her brother used the Go-Kart, which was not street-legal, as a means of transportation. Anyone with information about this accident is encouraged to contact the CHP.
Legal Considerations: As a personal injury attorney, I find that several aspects of this case warrant further examination. Investigators must determine whether the Toyota Tacoma was involved in the collision. Identifying the vehicle through witness reports, surveillance footage, or forensic analysis of any debris left at the scene could be crucial in holding the responsible party accountable.
Hit-and-Run: If the Tacoma was involved, the fact that the driver fled the scene after the crash raises significant liability concerns. The driver’s failure to stop could be seen as a clear indication of negligence and a disregard for human life, which strengthens the case for the felony charges being pursued by law enforcement. Once identified, the Owens family may also have a strong case for pursuing civil action against the driver. This action is called a wrongful death claim. Owens’s family may be able to recover compensation for the death of their loved one, including funeral expenses, loss of financial support, and emotional distress.
Comparative Negligence: Note the Go-Kart was not street-legal. Owens’s use of the Go-Kart on the street might amount to negligence for failing to use it appropriately. This negligence would not negate any potential liability of the driver. However, it may implicate California’s comparative negligence laws and reduce the amount of damages recoverable from a wrongful death claim.
My deepest condolences go out to the family of Kenneth Owens during this challenging time. Losing a loved one in such a tragic and unexpected way is devastating, and I hope they find the support and strength they need to navigate through this loss. Owens’s family has set up a GoFundMe account to help with final expenses. Please help if you can.
Source: ABC 30