Tracy Morgan’s 2014 truck accident with a Wal-Mart truck left him critically injured. Learn about the crash, lawsuit, and its impact.
Before diving into the tragic accident, let’s take a quick look at Tracy Morgan’s biography:
| Full Name | Tracy Jamal Morgan |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | November 10, 1968 |
| Occupation | Comedian, Actor |
| Notable Works | 30 Rock, Saturday Night Live |
| Major Setback | 2014 Truck Accident |
| Lawsuit Settlement | $90 Million |
The Fatal Crash and Its Causes
On June 7, 2014, Tracy Morgan’s life changed forever when a Wal-Mart truck collided with his limousine bus on the New Jersey Turnpike. The crash claimed the life of his close friend, James “Jimmy Mack” McNair, and left Morgan critically injured.
Investigations revealed that the Wal-Mart truck driver, Kevin Roper, had been awake for over 24 hours before the crash. He was speeding and failed to notice the slowing traffic ahead. The impact was devastating, leading to multiple injuries for Morgan and his fellow passengers.
Morgan’s Injuries and Recovery
The accident left Morgan with:
- A shattered femur
- Multiple broken ribs
- Facial fractures
- Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
Morgan was in a coma for eight days and temporarily lost his eyesight. His road to recovery was long and painful, requiring months in a wheelchair and extensive rehabilitation.
The Lawsuit Against Wal-Mart
Morgan’s legal team filed a lawsuit against Wal-Mart, arguing that the company’s negligence led to the crash. The lawsuit focused on:
- Driver Fatigue: Roper had exceeded the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s (FMCSA) driving hour limits.
- Speeding: The truck was traveling above the speed limit before impact.
- Corporate Negligence: Wal-Mart failed to enforce rest regulations for its drivers.
After legal battles, Wal-Mart settled the case for $90 million, allowing Morgan to focus on his recovery and return to entertainment.
Truck Driver Fatigue and Safety Regulations
The accident exposed deeper issues in the trucking industry, particularly the dangers of driver fatigue.
FMCSA’s 2013 Trucking Regulations
The FMCSA introduced new rules in 2013 to combat fatigue, including:
- Limiting truck drivers to 70-hour work weeks (down from 82 hours)
- Requiring a 34-hour rest period after a full workweek
- Mandating a 30-minute break for every 8 hours of driving
However, in 2014, Congress suspended these regulations, sparking controversy. Many argued that relaxing these rules would increase the risk of fatigue-related crashes.
Tracy Morgan’s Comeback
Despite the tragedy, Morgan made an incredible comeback. In 2015, he returned to Saturday Night Live and continued acting in hit shows like The Last O.G.. His resilience proved his ability to overcome even the toughest challenges.
FAQs
1. How did Tracy Morgan’s accident happen?
A fatigued Wal-Mart truck driver collided with Morgan’s limousine bus, causing serious injuries and one fatality.
2. What injuries did Tracy Morgan suffer?
He sustained a traumatic brain injury, multiple broken bones, and was in a coma for eight days.
3. How much did Tracy Morgan settle for?
Wal-Mart settled the lawsuit for $90 million.
4. Did the truck driver face criminal charges?
Kevin Roper initially faced vehicular homicide charges but later secured a plea deal to avoid prison time.
5. Is Tracy Morgan still performing?
Yes, after a long recovery, Morgan returned to stand-up comedy and acting.
Conclusion
Tracy Morgan’s truck accident was a tragic but eye-opening event. It exposed serious flaws in trucking safety regulations and driver fatigue policies. Despite his severe injuries, Morgan’s resilience and determination helped him reclaim his career and continue making audiences laugh. His story is a powerful reminder of the importance of road safety and corporate responsibility.
