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California residents may recall that in June 2014, a Wal-Mart truck driver caused a crash that led to the death of comedian James McNair and severely injured fellow comedian Tracy Morgan. The driver has since been charged with aggravated manslaughter, vehicular homicide, and aggravated assault and is facing substantial prison time if convicted.
Wal-Mart was also sued by Morgan over the crash on the basis that the driver had not slept in over 28 hours while making deliveries for the company. The retailer settled the civil case for an undisclosed amount.
According to a report by the National Transportation Safety Board, the driver’s lack of sleep and failure to follow traffic signs contributed to the accident. The Wal-Mart delivery truck slammed into a limo bus carrying Morgan and other passengers causing it to flip. The passengers in the limo bus were not wearing seat belts, which may have contributed to the severity of their injuries.
As a result of the crash, Morgan suffered a brain injury, broken ribs, and a broken leg. He was in a coma for several weeks. After undergoing intensive physical therapy, he is now able to walk with assistance.
A person who has been injured in a commercial vehicle accident caused by a truck driver’s negligence may often face permanent disability that will require lengthy hospitalization and rehabilitation. The financial consequences can include high medical expenses and in some cases lost wages due to an inability to return to work. Such a victim might want to meet with a personal injury attorney to discuss the advisability of seeking compensation through a lawsuit filed against the negligent driver as well as the trucking company itself.
