Drivers of commercial vehicles need to be alert at all times. Because of the immense size and weight of their vehicles, commercial truck drivers pose a threat to everyone they share the road with. Accidents involving semi-trucks can have devastating results. Victims are lucky to walk away from such accidents with their lives. If they can prove that a truck driver violated one of the many federal trucking regulations or acted negligently in another way, victims may be able to obtain monetary compensation from a trucker or trucking company.
According to reports, actor and comedian Tracy Morgan was recently involved in a car accident with a commercial truck while on the way to New York City. The truck driver, 25, was transporting goods for Wal-Mart. Prosecutors are accusing the driver of not sleeping for more than 24 hours before the crash.
As a result of the crash, one of the passengers riding in the car with Morgan was tragically killed. He was identified as comedian James McNair. Tracy Morgan was also critically injured in the crash. Prosecutors have charged the truck driver with one count of death by auto and several counts of assault by auto as a result of the crash. A police investigation discovered that the truck driver had failed to stop in time to avoid colliding with slow-moving traffic. A chain-reaction crash ensued.
Tracy Morgan suffered several injuries as a result. Among these were a broken nose, a broken leg and a number of broken ribs. He was airlifted to a nearby hospital and treated.
The costs of car accidents can be debilitating. Not only is treatment expensive, there are often many costs that victims often do not anticipate. For example, victims are often forced to shoulder the high costs of being transported to a hospital via medical helicopter. Thankfully, by proving that another driver involved acted negligently, victims may be able to obtain monetary relief in the form of compensation. Those injured could file a personal injury claim. This could result in compensation being awarded and could cover expenses such as medical bills, rehabilitation, lost wages and damages.
Those injured by a negligent or distracted driving should understand their options. This often means seeking guidance and advice about their situation so they can take appropriate action. Understanding the procedure and steps required for a cause of action can ensure their rights and interests are protected.
Source: The New York Times, “Driver Charged in Crash Involving Tracy Morgan Had Not Slept in 24 Hours, Prosecutors Say,” J. David Goodman, June 9, 2014
