The truck driver involved in Tracy Morgan's car crash last year (14) has lost his bid to delay the comedian's federal lawsuit against his employers at U.S. superstore Wal-Mart.

Kevin Roper wanted to halt the suit relating to the accident in New Jersey in June (14), when his Wal-Mart truck collided with the 30 Rock star's limousine, leaving Morgan with severe injuries and killing his friend and fellow passenger James 'Jimmy MACk' MCNair.

Morgan subsequently sued Wal-Mart officials for negligence, amid allegations Roper had been sleep-deprived at the time of the crash, but in November (14), Roper's attorney David Glassman filed a motion to have the lawsuit put on hold until his client's criminal case in New Jersey had concluded.

Glassman argued the lawsuit could hamper Roper's right to a fair trial, even though he is not named as a defendant in the suit, as prosecutors would likely benefit from information divulged in court.

The bid for a delay was denied in December (14) and now U.S. District Judge Michael Shipp has officially shut down the request, insisting Roper failed to give specifics to outline how he would be adversely affected by the suit.

Roper pleaded not guilty to one criminal count of death by auto and four counts of assault by auto last year (14).

Two other passengers in Morgan's car were also left seriously injured in the accident.