If you’ve been in an accident with a big rig truck, it is important to know your rights. Contact our office today for a free consultation.
On the night of June 7th, 2014, actor/comedian Tracy Morgan was in a Mercedes Sprinter limo bus, which was struck from behind by a man driving a tractor-trailer for Wal-Mart.
Morgan suffered severe injuries in the accident – a broken leg and femur, a broken nose, several broken ribs and most critically a severe brain injury - but at least he survived.
His friend, James McNair, was killed in the accident.
Fully loaded, a big rig can weigh up to 80,000 lbs. and at 55 mph requires about 100 yards to stop.
A Sprinter by comparison weighs around 5,600 pounds without passengers.
A more typical passenger car like a Honda Accord weighs about 4,000 lbs.
Pretty clearly, any vehicle, which has an accident with a big rig, is going to be in serious trouble, as are the occupants of said vehicle. There’s no way to win that fight
But if you do have an accident with a big rig, what do you do?
There are many things to consider starting with whose fault it is.
An experienced attorney will look at the condition of the truck, the condition of the driver, and any possible negligent or criminal behavior.
In Morgan’s case, the truck driver had been on the road from 11:20 AM until 1:00 AM and apparently fell asleep at the wheel prior to colliding with the Sprinter. He had driven from his home in Jonesboro, Georgia, to a Wal-mart distribution center in Smyrna, Delaware to pick up his load.
In this case, the driver, Kevin Roper was charged with vehicular homicide. Wal-Mart settled out of court.
Morgan was fortunate in one sense: as a prominent entertainer he was wealthy and his accident drew considerable public sympathy and attention.
Most people will not have this advantage. But you can change the odds significantly by seeking proper legal advice and representation.
If you had an accident with a big rig, or if you have been injured in any sort of accident, call our office for a free consultation.
We have dealt extensively with insurance companies and know what to expect from them. We can advise you on the best legal strategy and on your chances of being justly compensated for your injuries and losses.
We are local, experienced personal injury attorneys and we will give you frank and honest advice about your case and we will work tirelessly to see that you receive justice. Our attorneys are ready to help. Visit our page on truck accidents or contact us today.
If you’ve been in an accident with a big rig truck, it is important to know your rights. Contact our office today for a free consultation.