Tracy Morgan: Lawyer Says ’30 Rock’ Star Is Struggling, But ‘He’s Fighting Hard’
Tracy Morgan’s lawyer says that the 30 Rock star is still struggling in his recovery after the brutal June car accident on the New Jersey Turnpike that left him seriously injured. Morgan’s attorney, Benedict P. Morelli, talked with Matt Lauer on the Today show to share some updates about both Tracy’s recovery and the lawsuit they have filed.
The incident happened on June 7 when a Wal-Mart tractor-trailor driven by Kevin Roper smashed into the back of Morgan’s limo van. Jimmy Mack McNair died in the accident, and several others were seriously injured. Tracy Morgan’s lawyer says that the comic is a fighter and adds, “He’s had issues before that he’s fought through, and he’s fighting hard.” Morgan himself has laid pretty low since the accident, but fans are happy to have an update about how he is doing now.
Kevin Roper has pleaded not guilty to charges of assault and vehicular homicide. Morgan and others from the crash have filed a lawsuit against Wal-Mart, alleging that Kevin Roper had been awake for far too long when the accident occurred. The suit is seeking both punitive and compensatory damages.
As Entertainment Tonight notes, during the interview Tracy Morgan’s lawyer said that there have been a lot of rumors swirling regarding the 30 Rock star’s condition, but that those things are not true. Tracy was seen briefly not long ago walking to his car, and he was using a walker. It is clear that his injuries were quite significant and that his road to recovery is going to be a long one.
Matt Lauer did question Morelli about why they are going after Wal-Mart rather than Roper himself. Tracy Morgan’s lawyer maintains that it is because Roper was working for the retail giant, and he intends to show that it is the store’s negligence that led to the accident. There are allegations that Roper fell asleep at the wheel and that it was unreasonable that he had been driving so many miles that day.
While fans want to see Morgan and the others in the crash see justice done, many do think they are going after Wal-Mart over Roper because of the deeper pockets available with the mega retailer. Regardless, it was a serious accident and Morgan isn’t the only one facing substantial challenges in terms of recovery. Is Tracy Morgan’s lawyer taking the right path in trying to find justice for the comedian and those who were with him that day?
[Image via Entertainment Weekly]
