FRESNO COUNTY, CALIFORNIA – A Southern California man pleaded no contest to felony accessory to hit-and-run charges on Wednesday. The man, Thomas Kirby, also pleaded no contest to a misdemeanor charge of failing to report the accident. Kirby will be sentenced on July 23 for those pleas.

On September 2, 2006, Dallen McEntire was on a knee board being towed by a boat driven by his father, Jeff. Kirby was a passenger in a speedboat driven by his friend, Roger Guzman. Guzman ran over McEntire with the boat. According to Guzman’s attorneys, he was unaware he had run over the boy. However, a later examination of the engine shaft of his boat proved that he had run over McEntire. McEntire suffered severe injuries, including a fractured skull and deep lacerations on his face and chest.

Guzman was convicted on the hit-and-run charges by a jury earlier this month and was sentenced to two years in prison.

Hit-and-run accidents can cause very serious injuries, as in this case, or even death. Although a criminal hit-and-run conviction may give your family some emotional relief, it may not be enough to help repair the harm caused. If you have been injured by the reckless acts of a third party, you may be able to win a civil judgment as well. Berman & Riedel, LLP has an outstanding record of obtaining the best possible results for our clients. Contact the firm for your free initial consultation to discuss your possible case.