Hell On Wheels: The Tracy Morgan Accident & Dangers Posed By Sleep-Deprived Truck Drivers

The recent tragic accident which severely injured comedian Tracy Morgan and killed his friend James McNair has already resulted in the bringing of a major lawsuit. The defendant, Walmart, is being sued for the conduct of its driver, Kevin Roper, who was allegedly sleep deprived and inattentive when the accident occurred. The case has shed light on the issue of how dangerous these tractor trailers can be when driven by truckers who are sleep deprived or who may be under the influence of stimulants to keep them alert.

Misconceptions About Frivolous Lawsuits And The McDonald’s “Hot Coffee” Case

Most Americans have become familiar with the McDonald’s “hot coffee” case which caused a national stir 20 years ago. The results of the case caused many to call for tort reform to crack down on all the “frivolous” lawsuits being filed.

In 1992, a 79-year old woman named Stella Liebeck purchased a cup of coffee from a McDonald’s drive through window in Albuquerque, New Mexico. While attempting to add cream and sugar to her coffee, the cup spilled in her lap, resulting in burns to her thighs, buttocks and groin. After a trial, a civil jury awarded Liebeck a total of $2.86 million.