After almost a year of rehab and hospital time, Tracy Morgan and Walmart finally reach an undisclosed settlement.
“I am glad to hear that Walmart and Morgan worked things out. …I just hope that Walmart really tries to make up for the accident through the settlement, ” said junior Olivia Cacio.
In June 2014, Morgan and his friends were traveling back on the New Jersey Turnpike from a show in a Mercedes limousine bus. A Walmart tractor trailer was driving beside Morgan and his friends and swerved into their lane, causing an accident that involved six other vehicles.
The truck driver, Kevin Roper, was not only driving 20 miles per hour over the speed limit, but he also fell asleep behind the wheel as he had already been awake for 24 hours. Roper was arrested and charged with one count of death by auto and four counts of assault by auto, but he plead not guilty.
The other victims in the vehicle included comedian Ardie Fuqua, Brookyln-based comedian Harrison Stanton, and Morgan’s personal assistant Jefferey Millea. They were all injured, but not as badly as Morgan, who suffered from broken ribs, a broken nose and a broken leg in the crash.
However, the family of James McNair suffered more than anyone as the comedian died in the crash. McNair’s family also settled with Walmart for an undisclosed amount earlier this year.
“While we know there is nothing that can change what happened, Walmart has been committed to doing what’s right to help ensure the well-being of all of those who were impacted by the accident,” said Walmart’s U.S. president Greg Foran.
Walmart has not openly accepted responsibility for the accident, but the theory of vicarious liability and respondent superior says they are. The document states that an employer can be held vicariously liable for an employee’s negligent acts while on duty and during their course of employment. Therefore, the victims of the crash believe Walmart not only pushes its drivers to work excessive hours, but was well aware that Roper would have been exhausted from driving for too long.
“I was not even involved in the accident, but I can tell you Walmart knew how long Roper was working that day and whether or not he stopped to recharge himself,” said senior Danielle Albaciete.
Even though it took sometime to come to an agreement, Morgan and Walmart finally came to a conclusion.
Unfortunately, the amount that Walmart is providing to Morgan has not been revealed. However, Morgan had this to say about it: “Walmart did right by me and my family, and for my associates and their families. I am grateful that the case was resolved amicably.”
Do you feel Walmart should openly accept responsibility for the accident and the victims injuries? Or should Roper solely accept responsibility for staying awake over a 24 hour period and not resting?