NTSB: Truck Accident that Injured Tracy Morgan a Result of Driver Fatigue

    LOUISVILLE, KY, August 18, 2015 /24-7PressRelease/ -- The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) said Tuesday that driver fatigue was the probable cause of a June 2014 tractor-trailer collision in New Jersey that resulted in one death and injured nine people. Standup comedian and actor Tracy Morgan was among those severely hurt, suffering a brain injury and multiple broken bones when an 18-wheeler struck the limo van in which he was riding.

According to a news release issued by NTSB, the truck driver was nearing the limit of his 14-hour work day when the accident occurred. Before the shift began, he had previously driven for 12 hours to report for work, meaning the operator was awake for an estimated 28 hours straight at the time of the crash.

"This case just illustrates how important it is for truck drivers to follow the rules of the road," said Karl Truman, principal attorney at personal injury law firm The Karl Truman Law Office, in a statement Thursday. "Driver fatigue is a leading cause of truck accidents, and headlines like these show that operating a big rig without getting enough rest can cost lives."

NTSB found that the driver was also exceeding the posted speed limit at the time of the accident. He failed to reduce his speed from 65 mph to 45 mph while driving through a work zone - a federal investigator told CNN that had the driver observed the posted speed limit and braked at the same distance from the limo van, "the crash wouldn't have happened."

The NTSB investigation also determined that the severe injuries sustained by passengers in the limo van were partially the result of the occupants' failure to wear seat belts. Morgan and his fellow comedian James "Jimmy Mack" McNair, who died in the accident, were among those not wearing seat belts.

About Karl Truman

Karl Truman is licensed to practice law in Kentucky and Indiana. He is board-certified as a civil trial specialist by the National Board of Trial Advocacy and also holds board certification in pre-trial procedure. Prior to becoming an attorney, Mr. Truman served in the U.S. military. He retired in 2009 having attained the rank of lieutenant colonel. For more information, visit http://www.trumanlaw.com/

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