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Comedian Tracy Morgan has sued Wal-Mart over the fatal New Jersey Turnpike accident that left one person dead and several people hospitalized.
In a complaint filed in New Jersey federal court on Thursday (July 10), the ’30 Rock’ actor alleges the retailer was negligent in connection to the June 7 crash that left him critically injured and killed his friend, James “Jimmy Mack” McNair.
The suit alleges that Wal-Mart driver Kevin Roper was tired when the accident occurred and that “Wal-Mart knew or should have known” that he had been “awake for more than 24 consecutive hours” before the crash.
As we previously reported, Roper allegedly smashed into the back of the limousine carrying Morgan and other passengers, causing it to overturn. Morgan reportedly suffered several broken ribs, a broken femur and a broken nose in the accident.
“Wal-Mart was careless and negligent in the ownership and operation of its motor vehicle, which caused Mr. Morgan to suffer severe personal injuries,” the lawsuit reads, according to the Hollywood Reporter. “As a direct and proximate result of said collision, Mr. Morgan was caused to sustain severe painful bodily injuries, including but not limited to multiple fractures which required multiple surgeries, extensive medical treatment and will require significant physical rehabilitation.”
Other plaintiffs in the suit include Morgan’s assistant, Jeffrey Millea, his wife Krista Millea and comedian Ardie Fuqua who was also in the vehicle. They are seeking compensatory and statutory damages, punitive damages, legal fees, as well as pre- and post judgment interest, among other things at a trial by jury.
Wal-Mart has issued a statement expressing their condolences to McNair’s family and sadness over the accident.
“This has been a terrible tragedy. We wish Mr. Morgan, Mr. Fuqua Jr., and Mr. Millea full recoveries,” the statement reads. “Our thoughts continue to go out to them, their families and friends, as well as to the families and friends of everyone involved, including Mr. McNair, who lost his life. We are deeply sorry that one of our trucks was involved. As we’ve said, we’re cooperating fully in the ongoing investigation. We know it will take some time to resolve all of the remaining issues as a result of the accident, but we’re committed to doing the right thing for all involved.”
Morgan left the hospital on June 20 and is currently at a rehabilitation center recovering from his injuries.
