Tracy Morgan filed a lawsuit against Wal-Mart, the employer of the truck driver who allegedly caused a drowsy driving accident last month.
Last month, Tracy Morgan – the former 30 Rock and Saturday Night Live star – was involved in a serious truck accident, when a Wal-Mart driver collided with the limousine in which he was traveling.
The truck accident resulted in one fatality and numerous people suffered injuries, including Morgan. Reportedly, the actor suffered broken ribs and a broken leg, which required hospital care.
According to reports, the actor has now filed a lawsuit against Wal-Mart, the truck driver’s employer, alleging negligence. Following the collision, information emerged alleging the truck driver had been awake for over 24 hours at the time of the crash. The lawsuit contends Wal-Mart should have been aware of the driver’s lack of sleep and that his 700-mile commute to work was "unreasonable."
A government report also found that the truck driver was traveling 20 mph over the posted speed limit at the time of the collision.
Avoid a serious drowsy driving collision
Unfortunately, drowsy driving accidents are all too common across the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Drowsy drivers are responsible for approximately 5,000 to 6,000 motor vehicle accidents in the U.S. every year. In all, about 2.5 percent of all deadly traffic collisions are caused by fatigued drivers. In addition, fatigued motorists are responsible for about 2 percent of all auto accidents that result in personal injuries, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Motorists should avoid getting behind the wheel when they feel fatigued or have not gotten enough sleep. Based on data from the National Institutes of Health, adults should sleep between seven and eight hours each night to be properly rested. Other factors can also contribute to motorist fatigue, according to the CDC.
For instance, individuals who suffer from sleep disorders – such as sleep apnea – may not get a restful night’s sleep, leaving them fatigued even if they are in bed for the recommended period of time. In addition, certain medications can cause drowsiness, even if taken the night before. Consequently, motorists should be aware of the side effects of any medications they take, particularly those used as a sleep aid.
When a motorist causes a drowsy driving accident, the injuries suffered by those involved can be extensive, resulting in substantial medical expenses. If you or someone you love has been injured in a crash caused by a drowsy driver, talk to a knowledgeable personal injury attorney, who will work with you to obtain the compensation to which you may be entitled.
Keywords: drowsy driving, truck accident