Tracy Morgan Lawsuit Update, $90M Settlement Resolved—What Happened and Where the Case Stands Now
January 25, 2026 — Tracy Morgan’s landmark personal injury lawsuit against Walmart reached a confidential settlement estimated at $90 million in 2015, and no new litigation involving the comedian has emerged as of January 2026. The case stemmed from a devastating June 7, 2014 truck accident on the New Jersey Turnpike.
What Was the Tracy Morgan Walmart Truck Accident Lawsuit About?
The lawsuit centered on a horrific collision where a Walmart tractor-trailer driver, Kevin Roper, crashed into Morgan’s limousine van. Roper had reportedly been awake for more than 24 hours before the incident and was speeding to meet a delivery deadline, according to court documents.
The crash killed comedian James McNair, Morgan’s close friend known as “Jimmy Mack,” and left Morgan with catastrophic injuries. Morgan suffered multiple broken ribs, a shattered femur, and broke every bone in his face. He spent eight days in a coma and endured months of rehabilitation.
Who Filed the Tracy Morgan Personal Injury Lawsuit and Who Were the Defendants?
Tracy Morgan and his legal team filed the negligence lawsuit against Walmart Inc. in federal court. The lawsuit invoked the legal doctrine of “respondeat superior”—meaning employers are liable for employees’ wrongful acts committed during employment.
Morgan’s attorneys argued Walmart knew or should have known about Roper’s irregular schedule and excessive hours but failed to enforce FMCSA safety regulations. The complaint alleged Walmart maintained a practice of allowing truckers to drive unreasonable periods, prioritizing delivery schedules over driver and public safety.
James McNair’s family filed a separate wrongful death lawsuit. Walmart agreed to pay out a $10 million settlement to the children.
What Legal Claims Did the Truck Accident Lawsuit Involve?
The truck accident lawsuit alleged violations of Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations, specifically the 34-hour restart rule designed to reduce driver fatigue. Investigations revealed Roper had been working consecutive shifts and driving over the speed limit at the time of the crash.
Initially, Walmart attempted to shift blame, claiming Morgan was partially responsible for not wearing a seatbelt. The company later backed away from this defense and accepted full responsibility for the accident.
Current Status of the Tracy Morgan Lawsuit as of January 2026
The case is fully resolved. Morgan and Walmart reached a confidential settlement in May 2015. While exact terms remain sealed, legal experts estimate Morgan received approximately $90 million based on court documents and insurance filings.
Morgan publicly stated: “Walmart did right by me and my family, and for my associates and their families. I am grateful that the case was resolved amicably.”
Kevin Roper, the truck driver, entered a pretrial intervention program in November 2016 after pleading guilty to vehicular homicide. He completed 300 hours of community service over three years and had his record expunged after successful completion.
No new lawsuits involving Tracy Morgan have been filed as of January 2026.
What You Should Know About Truck Accident Settlements and Corporate Liability
The Tracy Morgan case demonstrated that trucking companies cannot escape liability by blaming individual drivers when corporate policies contribute to accidents. The settlement established several important precedents for personal injury litigation.
Federal Trucking Regulations Protect Drivers and the Public
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration requires commercial truck drivers to follow hours-of-service regulations. These rules mandate rest periods to prevent fatigue-related accidents. When companies pressure drivers to violate these regulations, they expose themselves to significant liability.
Electronic logging devices (ELDs) became mandatory in most commercial trucks following cases like Morgan’s. These devices make it harder for drivers to falsify hours-of-service records and help hold trucking companies accountable for safety violations.
Traumatic Brain Injury Settlements Can Be Substantial
Morgan’s injuries included a severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) that affected his cognitive function, mood, and ability to work. In typical personal injury litigation involving TBI, settlement amounts account for current medical expenses, future care needs, lost earning capacity, and pain and suffering.
The settlement amount reflected Morgan’s significant lost earnings as a successful comedian and actor, his extensive medical treatment costs, and the permanent impact on his quality of life.
What Victims of Truck Accidents Should Do Next
If you’ve been injured in a commercial trucking accident, timing matters. Most states have statutes of limitations that restrict how long you have to file a personal injury claim—typically two to three years from the accident date.
Document Everything Immediately After a Truck Accident
Preserve evidence including police reports, medical records, photographs of the accident scene, witness contact information, and any communication with insurance companies. Electronic logging device data from the truck can be critical evidence but may be lost if not preserved quickly.
Understand Your Rights Under Federal Trucking Safety Laws
You may have claims against multiple parties: the truck driver, the trucking company, the cargo owner, and potentially others. An experienced truck accident attorney can identify all responsible parties and sources of compensation.
Consult a Qualified Personal Injury Attorney
Complex truck accident cases require legal expertise in federal regulations, corporate liability, and catastrophic injury damages. Most personal injury attorneys offer free initial consultations and work on contingency fee arrangements—meaning they only get paid if you recover compensation.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Tracy Morgan Lawsuit
What is the Tracy Morgan lawsuit about?
The lawsuit involved a June 7, 2014 truck accident where a fatigued Walmart driver crashed into Morgan’s limousine, killing one passenger and severely injuring Morgan. Morgan sued Walmart for negligence in allowing an overworked driver to operate their truck in violation of federal safety regulations.
Who filed the Tracy Morgan lawsuit and when?
Tracy Morgan and his legal team filed the negligence lawsuit against Walmart Inc. in federal court in July 2014, approximately one month after the accident. James McNair’s family filed a separate wrongful death lawsuit.
What is the current status of the Tracy Morgan lawsuit?
The case is fully resolved. Morgan and Walmart reached a confidential settlement estimated at $90 million in May 2015. No new litigation involving Tracy Morgan has been filed as of January 2026.
Was there a Tracy Morgan settlement with Walmart?
Yes. The parties reached a confidential settlement in May 2015. While exact terms remain sealed, legal experts estimate Morgan received approximately $90 million based on court documents. McNair’s family separately received a $10 million settlement.
What did Tracy Morgan say about the lawsuit settlement?
Morgan expressed satisfaction with the resolution, stating: “Walmart did right by me and my family, and for my associates and their families. I am grateful that the case was resolved amicably.”
How long do truck accident lawsuits typically take?
The Morgan case settled within approximately 11 months. Truck accident cases involving catastrophic injuries can take anywhere from several months to several years depending on case complexity, severity of injuries, and willingness of parties to negotiate.
Who can be held liable in commercial trucking accidents?
Under the legal doctrine of respondeat superior, trucking companies are liable for their drivers’ actions during employment. Companies can also face direct liability for negligent hiring, training, supervision, or safety violations. Multiple parties may share responsibility including the driver, trucking company, cargo owners, and maintenance providers.
Last Updated: January 25, 2026
Disclaimer: This article provides general information only and is not legal advice—individuals affected by truck accidents should consult qualified personal injury attorneys for case-specific guidance.
Stay informed about your legal rights. If you’ve been injured in a truck accident caused by driver fatigue or safety violations, document everything and seek legal representation promptly to protect your rights.
Stay informed, stay protected. — AllAboutLawyer.com
About the Author
Sarah Klein, JD, is a licensed attorney and legal content strategist with over 12 years of experience across civil, criminal, family, and regulatory law. At All About Lawyer, she covers a wide range of legal topics — from high-profile lawsuits and courtroom stories to state traffic laws and everyday legal questions — all with a focus on accuracy, clarity, and public understanding.
Her writing blends real legal insight with plain-English explanations, helping readers stay informed and legally aware.
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