In the latest big rig accident to make the news, actor/comedian Tracy Morgan suffered serious injuries, including a broken arm, in an accident involving a tractor-trailer in early June. He has been hospitalized ever since in New Jersey. Fortunately, according to news reports, his health continues to improve and his condition has changed to fair.
Truck driver Kevin Roper rear-ended Morgan’s limo-van at a high rate of speed, according to news reports. All windows of Morgan’s vehicle were shattered and the entire back of the vehicle was torn off. Morgan’s friend, James McNair, was killed in the accident.
Warnings signs were posted less than a mile away from the scene of the accident. The first sign warned of lane closure ahead, while a second indicated a decreased speed limit from 55 mph to 45 mph.
A preliminary review by the National Transportation Safety Board indicated the truck was traveling at 65 mph for a full minute preceding the collision.
Road Rules Violations Turn Fatal
The NTSB revealed that Roper was driving more than 20 miles per hour above the posted speed limit on the New Jersey Turnpike when the accident occurred. The accident has been ruled a vehicular homicide. Roper has also been charged with four counts of assault by auto — one for each of the four survivors of the wreck, including Morgan.
Warning signs on the road are put into place for the safety of everyone on the road — drivers and passengers of all vehicles, big and small.
Commercial truck drivers are allotted a maximum of 14 hours consecutive drive time. Roper was charged with a criminal complaint of going 24 hours without sleep before the crash and records showed he logged a 13-hour, 32-minute shift.
Count on Our Experience For Your Claim
Commercial truck drivers are required to adhere to a specific set of rules, including the amount of time they are allowed to be on the road consecutively. When these are violated, the risk of highway accidents and fatalities rises steeply.
As leaders in the trucking accident recovery field, our attorneys will put our experience and resources to work for you. If you or a loved one has lost a family member or has been injured in a tractor-trailer accident, contact The Truck Accident Attorneys today. We can be your voice for justice and fight for maximum compensation. We offer a free case evaluation with no obligation.