After a serious car crash on a New Jersey turnpike that killed one person and left several others injured, comedian Tracy Morgan, one of the victims, has filed a lawsuit against Wal-Mart Stores for its alleged role in the accident.

Mr. Morgan filed the suit on July 10, 2014 in U.S. District Court in New Jersey about one month after a Wal-Mart truck crashed into the luxury van carrying Morgan and several associates. Morgan and a number of other passengers were seriously injured in the accident, and comedian James McNair (also known as Jimmy Mack) was killed.

The lawsuit states that Wal-Mart was negligent in both its ownership and operation of the truck. It also charges Kevin Roper, the truck’s driver, with vehicular homicide – a charge to which he pled not guilty. Consider other details of the case:

• At the time of the crash, Roper allegedly had not slept in more than 24 hours.
• The lawsuit claims that Wal-Mart should have been aware that its driver was operating a truck on very little sleep.
• The suit also contends that Wal-Mart allowed Roper to drive an unreasonable distance while sleep-deprived before he began the shift that brought him into New Jersey.

The suit seeks punitive and compensatory damages for Wal-Mart’s “gross, reckless, willful, wanton, and intentional conduct,” and seeks a jury trial. Mr. Morgan spent time in critical condition and has been unable to work since the crash, while the others injured in the accident may also be left with disabilities that prevent them from working.

If you are injured in an auto accident in New Jersey that results from another party’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation that covers your medical bills and lost wages and accounts for your physical and emotional pain and suffering. Consult a personal injury attorney to learn more about your options for taking legal action.