SAN FRANCISCO (MarketWatch) -- Comedian Tracy Morgan has sued Wal-Mart Stores Inc. [s:wmt]in U.S. District Court in New Jersey for negligence, after one of its truck drivers crashed into Morgan's limousine on June 7, killing one passenger and injuring four, including Morgan, The Wall Street Journal reported. The suit claims the driver of the Wal-Mart truck, Kevin Ropwer, 35, of Jonesboro, Ga., was speeding when he fell asleep at the wheel and crashed into the entertainer's vehicle after being awake for more than 24 hours, according to the report. The suit alleges Wal-Mart should have known the driver's hours violated federal laws aimed at preventing fatigue, The Journal said. Morgan and the other passengers are seeking a jury trial and damages. Wal-Mart said it was cooperating with the investigation and expressed its condolences. "We know it will take some time to resolve all of the remaining issues as a result of the accident, but we're committed to doing the right thing for all involved," the company said. Roper has pleaded not guilty to New Jersey state charges death by auto and assault by auto, according to The Journal
I am glad the public is becoming more aware of the hours truckers are forced to drive. Walmart logs in everything. They have a record of how many stops and pic ups that drive made with in the past six months.
Walmart is responsible for permitting that driver to pick up load after load with in a 24 hour period.