In 2014, a crash involving six vehicles — including a big-rig and a limousine carrying comedian Tracy Morgan and his friends — was reported across the country. The accident involved at least one fatality and left Morgan with reported brain damage and an ongoing struggle to regain mobility. According to reports, the actor still experiences some issues with memory due to brain injuries suffered during the accident.
Recently, the story resurfaced across the nation because the National Transportation Safety Board issued findings from an investigation into the accident. According to the Board chairman, the driver of the big-rig involved in the accident had been awake for over 28 hours at the time of the accident.
Records indicate that the driver of the truck had driven overnight to reach a Wal-Mart distribution center. He then began the run that would end in the fatal accident on June 1, 2014.
The chairman also testified at a hearing regarding other factors related to the accident. For example, he stated that the passengers in the limousine should have been given a safety briefing before embarking on their journey. He also noted that the limousine passengers who were injured during the incident were not wearing seatbelts at the time of the crash.
Wal-Mart previously settled a lawsuit with Morgan in this matter, and the driver is facing charges that he pleaded not guilty to. Terms of Morgan’s settlement were not reported.
While this case involves a celebrity, anyone can be hurt in an automobile accident. When facing a struggle to return to health after a major accident, understanding your legal rights and how to seek compensation for your injuries can be a first step toward the future.
Source: Los Angeles Times, “As Tracy Morgan heals, NTSB says driver in fatal crash was awake 28 hours,” James Queally, Aug. 11, 2015
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