The actor hit by the Walmart truck was Tracy Morgan.
Tracy Morgan, a renowned comedian and actor, was involved in a severe traffic accident in 2014 when a Walmart truck struck his limousine. The incident led to a lengthy legal battle and significant injuries for Morgan and others in his vehicle.
Details of the Incident
The devastating crash occurred on the New Jersey Turnpike. The accident involved a Walmart truck driver who had reportedly been awake for more than 24 hours. The impact caused a multi-vehicle pileup, tragically killing Morgan's fellow comedian and friend, James McNair, and severely injuring Morgan and two other passengers.
The accident left Tracy Morgan with critical injuries, including a traumatic brain injury, a broken leg, and broken ribs. His recovery was extensive and challenging, requiring intensive rehabilitation and leading to a temporary hiatus from his career.
The Settlement with Walmart
Following the accident, Tracy Morgan filed a lawsuit against Walmart, alleging negligence on the part of the company and its driver. The case garnered significant public attention due to Morgan's celebrity status and the severity of the crash.
After a protracted legal process, Walmart insurers ultimately settled with Tracy Morgan. The settlement, which was confidential at the time, was later estimated to be around $90 million. This substantial amount aimed to compensate Morgan for his extensive injuries, medical expenses, pain and suffering, and loss of earnings. The settlement highlighted the serious implications of driver fatigue and corporate responsibility.
Here's a summary of key facts related to the incident:
| Detail | Description |
|---|---|
| Actor Involved | Tracy Morgan |
| Year of Accident | 2014 |
| Opposing Party | Walmart (via its truck driver) |
| Nature of Incident | Multi-vehicle collision caused by a fatigued Walmart truck driver |
| Key Outcome | Tracy Morgan sustained severe injuries; fellow comedian James McNair was killed |
| Legal Resolution | Walmart insurers settled with Tracy Morgan for an estimated $90 million |
Impact and Legacy
The case involving Tracy Morgan and Walmart brought increased scrutiny to commercial trucking regulations, especially regarding driver hours and fatigue. It underscored the critical importance of safety protocols in the logistics industry to prevent similar tragedies. Tracy Morgan's recovery and eventual return to comedy and acting served as an inspiration, demonstrating resilience in the face of immense adversity.
