One year ago, Tracy Morgan and five other passengers were heading back from a stand-up comedy gig in New York when their limo-bus was impacted by a Wal-Mart semi-truck traveling down the New Jersey Turnpike. The crash killed Morgan’s long-time friend and fellow comedy writer James McNair and left Morgan with severe injuries and some brain trauma. Morgan has been out of direct contact with the media until this month when he made his first public appearance on the Today Show.
In an interview with Matt Lauer, Morgan explained what the aftermath of the truck accident was like, and became emotional when speaking about his friend who had passed in the crash. Morgan’s lawyer, who was present at the interview, explained that Wal-Mart had taken full responsibility for the accident, which involved one of its truck drivers, and that the company had settled a lawsuit with the victims of the crash.
Recovering from the Trucking Accident
Morgan is still recovering from his injuries, stating that he has good and bad days. Many of his problems are a result of the brain injuries he sustained, which cause him to be forgetful at times. However, Morgan says that he is focused on healing first and foremost, and once he has recovered, he is looking forward to returning to doing what he does best, making people laugh. In his interview, Morgan took extra time to acknowledge the work of the doctors and hospital staff who treated him in the months immediately following his accident.
Traumatic brain injuries resulting from severe car accidents affect thousands of people every year. Morgan’s ordeal echoes that of many others who have learned how to deal with the issues associated with brain injuries.
Virginia Truck Accident Attorney on Tracy Morgan Lawsuit with Wal-Mart
The truck accident that caused Morgan’s injuries was caused by a driver of a Wal-Mart truck who failed to notice slowing traffic ahead. As a result, Morgan filed suit against Wal-Mart and the two reached a settlement in the case last year. Wal-Mart agreed to pay an undisclosed amount to the families of Tracy Morgan and James McNair. When a company fails to enact safe practices, particularly with properly hiring and training truck drivers, the results can be devastating, as was seen in the case of beloved comedian and 30 Rock star Tracy Morgan.
For more information about truck accidents or to talk to a Virginia truck accident attorney about what options are available for victims and their families, check out our truck accident page, submit an online contact form.