The driver of the semi-truck, Michael Calligaro, 55, of Arlington, Texas, had been driving without stopping to rest. He was “drowsy driving” as we like to call it. At first the witnesses were only able to give a vague description of Calligaro and his truck. However, someone finally came forward with the name of the trucking firm that owned the semi, Hawk trucking of Texas. Authorities then contacted the trucking company, and they identified that Calligaro was driving for them the day the collision occurred. Michael Calligaro has been indicted on eight felony counts by a Boyle County Grand Jury: one for leaving the scene of an accident, five counts of first-degree wanton endangerment and two counts of first-degree criminal mischief.
Related: Hour Limits on Truck Drivers
Statistics
- In 2012, there were a total of 10,929 hit-and-run collisions in Kentucky alone.
- Of those collisions, 14 resulted in fatalities, which resulted in 15 people suffering a fatality.
- There were 938 collisions that resulted in injuries, totaling 1,283 people injured from hit-and-run fatalities in 2012.
- Out of the 10,929 hit-and-run accidents, 9,977 caused property damage.
The Law
For the criminal charges, Calligaro faced up to 12 months for leaving the scene of an accident, up to 12 months for each count of criminal mischief and up to five years for each count of wanton endangerment. As for a civil claim, each injured in this truck accident will be able to make a claim against Calligaro and the trucking company he worked for at the time of the truck accident.
Related: Safe Driving Tips with Semi-Trucks On Kentucky Roads
1-800-6-HIT-N-RUN
If you have information on a hit-and-run driver, call 1-800-6-HIT-N-RUN. You are kept anonymous, and you can feel good for doing the right thing. You also get a reward! Without citizens who step forward, those injured by the negligent actions of others would not be able to obtain the compensation they deserve. Likewise, the culprits of these cowardly crimes would not be punished. If you witness an accident, please don’t hesitate to pick up a phone and call this number or call the police. You will be a big help to the accident victim as well as the police.