Dangers and risks often exist on the roadways across the nation. These increase when a driver is negligent. An unsuspecting driver could be seriously affected by a negligent driver causing them serious injuries and severe damages.
Residents in California and across the United States may have heard about the serious car accident that left actor Tracy Morgan in critical condition and killed another comedian in his entourage. The actor was traveling in a limousine on a New Jersey turnpike when they ran into construction-related traffic, which forced them to slow to a halt. However, a tractor-trailer driver behind them did not stop in time, and smashed into Morgan’s vehicle. The massive collision killed his friend and fellow comedian. It also seriously injured Morgan and three other people in the vehicle at the time.
After a police investigation, authorities determined that the driver, who was working for Wal-Mart, hadn’t slept for more than 24 priors to the wreck. Authorities believe that the driver’s fatigued state is what kept him from being able to react to the traffic jam in time. The man currently faces serious charges, including death by auto and for operating a vehicle without having slept for such a long period of time.
Wal-Mart claims that their driver was operating properly under federal transportation regulations which limit tractor-trailer drivers from driving more than 11 hours in a single day, and requiring them to have 10 hours off between shifts. However, this crash raises questions as to whether these regulations are stringent enough to keep fatigued drivers from posing a serious danger to others on the road.
The details of the driver’s work history have yet to be proven, but what we do know is that one man is dead and a beloved comedic star is left with life-altering injuries and an arduous and lengthy recovery. The deceased victim’s family may seek to file a wrongful death claim against the driver and his employer for their part in the car accident and the alleged driver fatigue that caused it. In addition, those injured could file a personal injury claim. These civil suits could provide the victims and their loved ones with compensation to cover expenses associated with the crash.
Following a serious automobile collision, those affected should understand their options. Further investigation could provide the injured and loved ones with insight about a cause of action. Understanding the process could help protect their rights and interests. Furthermore, this could allow them to recover and cope from the incident more timely.
Source: CBS 8 “Authorities: Trucker in Morgan crash hadn’t slept,” June 10, 2014