Tracy Morgan, an actor, was injured in a catastrophic car accident on June 7, 2014. He suffered numerous injuries to his ribs, nose and his leg. The accident was so severe that another comedian in the vehicle was killed and many others were seriously injured.
The driver of the Wal-Mart truck that rear-ended Tracy Morgans vehicle has been arrested and charged in criminal proceedings. At the same time, Tracy Morgan and the families of the other victims have filed a lawsuit alleging that Wal-Mart knew or should have known that one of their drivers had been driving without very much sleep.
Wal-Mart released a statement reiterating their regret over the accident and the injuries. The company stated that investigation is ongoing and that they are doing their best to find out the facts.
Drivers who drive while they are tired are just as compromised as drivers who are intoxicated. In fact, some studies have demonstrated that drivers who drive while sleep deprived may be even worse off than drivers who are drunk.
Though Mr. Morgans accident was tragic, sleep deprived drivers are common the roads. Indeed, more than 40% of drivers report that they have fallen asleep at the wheel at one point or another.
The Tracy Morgan complaint alleges the trucks collision-avoidance system failed and the vehicle did not slow down before the fatal crash. The possibility that Wal-Mart provided a vehicle that was deficient in part is the most compelling part of the complaint thus far.
This case is sure to reveal interesting developments as the criminal and civil cases proceed simultaneously.
Should you or a loved one suffer a serious injury in a car accident that you believe was the result of negligence on behalf of the other driver, you may be eligible for compensation. Contact a car accident lawyer in Knoxville by calling the Greg Coleman Law firm today at (865) 247-0080.
