According to Philly.com, Tracy Morgan has filed a lawsuit against retail giant Wal-Mart over the company's responsibility in the multiple vehicle car crash he and several members of his crew had been involved in at a New Jersey turnpike following his entourage's gig at Delaware's Dover Downs casino. The news came simultaneously to the "30 Rock" star's discharge from a rehab facility he has been admitted in to recover from the leg and rib injuries he sustained from the fatal accident that had left comic and longtime Morgan pal James "Jimmy Mack" McNair dead on the scene. Several members of his crew also received light to serious injuries from the accident.
The truck that Georgia resident Kevin Roper had driven and subsequently hit Morgan's limo-bus that would have sent the actor and his entourage to New York city is owned by Wal-Mart. The lawsuit filed in US District Court in New Jersey detailed that Roper had fallen asleep behind the wheel while traveling at 65 mph in an area where the limit is at 45 mph. The lawsuit also alleged that Roper had commuted 700 miles to get to his truck and started his shirt, insinuating that fatigue had played a major factor. Moreover, Morgan's camp claimed that it was Wal-Mart's responsibility to know that its driver have violated federal regulations, which says drivers are required to have enough rest and sleep to do long-distance shifts.
"As a result of Mr. Roper's fatigue, he fell asleep behind the wheel of his truck while he was driving, failed to slow down for traffic ahead and resultantly collided with the limo," Morgan claimed in the suit.
Wal-Mart has since responded to the suit and said, "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."
Philly.com said Morgan and his crew are looking for a jury trial. The amount Morgan's camp is seeking was not disclosed.
