According to the Associated Press, a New Jersey grand jury has indicted the truck driver responsible for the accident that severely injured comedian Tracy Morgan and killed another man in 2014. 
The grand jury handed down the indictment last week, charging Kevin Roper with first-degree aggravated manslaughter, second-degree vehicular homicide and third-degree aggravated assault.
Roper was driving a Wal-Mart truck when the accident took place on the New Jersey Turnpike. His truck struck a limo van carrying Morgan and his friends, leading to severe injuries for many people aboard and the death of another comedian.
Earlier this year it was announced that Morgan settled a lawsuit with Wal-Mart for its role in the accident. A National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) investigation concluded that Roper had not slept in the 28 hours prior to the accident. He also allegedly failed to slow down before hitting the limo van, despite multiple signs on the roadway warning about speeds.
Morgan’s recovery was slow following the accident, as he did not appear in the media for several months. He recently came back to television after the lawsuit settlement, guest hosting his former show Saturday Night Live.
Terms of Morgan’s settlement with Wal-Mart were not announced publicly.
Holding a Negligent Trucking Company Liable for an Accident
As we reported in our blog last week, tractor-trailers must be operated with care, as they weigh more and are larger than other vehicles on the road. When a driver operates a truck recklessly, it can lead to violent collisions.
This is why lawsuits are common following truck crashes, as many victims are left with catastrophic and often fatal injuries. Truck driver error can include not following instructions regarding break and rest periods, leading to fatigue. Additionally, drivers should be following all posted speed signs.
Our New Jersey truck accident attorneys represent victims in Middlesex County and have offices in Iselin, New Brunswick and Teaneck.
