Residents of Pennsylvania know that the open road can be a thrilling and freeing experience. However, there is serious danger involved in venturing out on the pavement and traveling across the country. While thousands safely navigate the complex web of roads each and every day, there are unfortunately those who experience a different side of travel. This other side can end in a car accident which can cause serious injury and, in tragic cases such as a recent crash involving comedian Tracy Morgan, loss of life.
The June 7 crash involving a tractor-trailer and a limousine van, the latter of which was carrying Morgan among several other friends, has been discussed in great detail in recent weeks. The accident claimed the life of 62-year-old James McNair and severely injured Morgan and two others. However, new details are emerging which shows that the driver of the tractor trailer was traveling at a speed which was far above the posted limit for the area in which the vehicles were driving.
According to the truck’s electronic engine-control system, the vehicle was traveling at 65 mph at the time of the crash, 20 mph faster than the posted speed limit of 45 mpg for the stretch of road. The truck was a Wal-Mart vehicle equipped with a speed-limiting system which prevents any speed more than 65 mph, which shows that it was traveling as fast as it possibly could at the time of the accident.
The driver of the Wal-Mart vehicle has pleaded not guilty to death by auto and assault by auto charges.
In any case of a car accident involving injury, proper legal assistance can help ensure that a full investigation into all pertinent factors is completed. In such investigations, it is possible that a negligent driver may be identified, leading to a stronger case for compensation for those injured who were not responsible for the incident. Of course, no amount of compensation can return the life of a loved one. However, it can provide a smoother path to recovery for all involved.
Source: pennlive.com, “Trucker in Tracy Morgan crash was driving 20 miles over speed limit: report,” June 19, 2014