It is being reported that comedian Tracy Morgan and Walmart have reached an undisclosed settlement in the lawsuit Morgan file against the company over an accident that occurred in June 2014. The accident killed fellow comedian Jimmy McNair and severely injured Morgan and two other people.
“Walmart did right by me and my family, and for my associates and their families. I am grateful that the case was resolved amicably,” Morgan said.
“Our thoughts continue to go out to everyone that was involved in the accident. 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 are impacted by the accident. … We are deeply sorry that one of our trucks was involved,” Walmart’s president, Greg Foran, said in a statement.
“Walmart and I worked diligently to reached a settlement for the plaintiffs and their families. Walmart took full responsibility for the accident, which we greatly appreciate,” said Morgan’s attorney, Benedict Morelli.
The accident was caused when a Walmart truck driven by employee Kevin Roper slammed into the back of a limo bus containing Morgan and others on the New Jersey Turnpike. Morgan suffered broken ribs, a broken leg, a broken nose and severe head trauma. According to Morgan’s attorney, the comedian is still “fighting and trying to live his life.”
The lawsuit was filed last year with fellow crash victims who alleged that Walmart allowed Roper to drive after being “awake for more than 24 consecutive hours.” The lawsuit alleges that this caused Roper to fall asleep at the wheel and strike Morgan’s vehicle, which resulted in a six-car accident. Last September Morgan publicly criticized Walmart when the company said in a complaint that the accident “was caused, in whole or in part, by plaintiffs failure to properly wear an appropriate available seat belt restraint device.” In a statement at the time Morgan said, “I can’t believe Walmart is blaming me for an accident that they caused. My friends and I were doing nothing wrong.”
Since the accident Morgan has not made any public appearances and he was unable to attend the “Saturday Night Live 40th Anniversary Special” because of his injuries.
