NTSB determines truck driver in Tracy Morgan crash was speeding

The dangers of semi-trucks on the highway were brought to light by a recent accident on the East Coast involving comedian Tracy Morgan. The wreck occurred earlier this month when a Wal-Mart truck rear-ended Morgan’s limo-van on the New Jersey turnpike. Morgan’s friend and fellow comedian, James McNair, was killed while Morgan and three others were critically injured. Morgan suffered a broken leg and other injuries, but his condition seems to be improving.

The truck driver has since been charged with vehicular homicide. The National Transportation Safety Board found that the driver was traveling 65 miles per hour in a 45 mile per hour zone just before the accident occurred. The preliminary report indicates that there were two road signs in the area. One sign warned of a lane closure while the other warned of a drop in the speed limit from 55 mph to 45 mph.

According to the criminal complaint, the truck driver had gone 24 hours without sleep before the crash. The NTSB found that he had logged a 13-hour, 32-minute shift.

As in this case, driver fatigue is a common cause of truck accidents in Pittsburgh and all across the country. Many trucking companies encourage drivers to hurry to meet delivery expectations. This often requires drivers to adhere to unrealistic schedules and drive without getting a proper amount of rest.

Those who are injured in a truck accident are likely to face a long, painful, and exhausting road to recovery. In addition to pain and suffering, victims often suffer severe financial loss as a result of accumulating medical expenses and missed work. Fortunately, an attorney may be able to help these individuals recoup their losses while holding accountable negligent truck drivers.

Source: New York Daily News, “Truck driver in Tracy Morgan crash was driving 65 in 45 mph zone: NTSB,” Larry McShane, June 19, 2014