Months after a back-end collision with a Wal-Mart truck killed comedian James McNair and hospitalized actor Tracy Morgan and two other people, the retail giant is claiming in court that the limo passengers were "in whole or in part" at fault for the accident due to a "failure to properly wear an appropriate available seatbelt restraint device."
Morgan, who sued Wal-Mart for negligence in July, had remained silent about the incident until hearing Wal-Mart's counter-claim. "After I heard what Walmart said in court I felt I had to speak out," Morgan said. "I can't believe Walmart is blaming me for an accident that they caused. My friends and I were doing nothing wrong. I want to thank my fans for sticking with me during this difficult time. I love you all. I'm fighting hard every day to get back."
Morgan's lawsuit alleges that the Wal-Mart driver Kevin Roper was overworked, fatigued, and fell asleep at the wheel. A report by the National Transportation Safety Board found that Roper was driving 20 miles over the speed limit at the time of the accident. Roper pleaded not guilty to assault by auto and vehicular homicide.
Morgan sustained traumatic brain injuries and broke his ribs, nose, and leg in the accident. He is reportedly still recovering at home.
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