Authorities say a 20-year-old pedestrian from Ellenville was seriously injured when he was struck by a southbound Freightliner semi-truck along Route 209 on the night of March 12. The driver of the truck allegedly left the scene. Deputies later identified and arrested the 72-year-old truck driver on felony charges, including leaving the scene of a crash involving serious injury and tampering with evidence. The victim was transported to Garnet Health Medical Center and is expected to recover.
Whenever I hear about a crash like this, I think about how important it is to determine not just what happened, but why the driver allegedly failed to stop. In my experience, these cases often involve overlooked details that are crucial to understanding the full picture—especially when a commercial vehicle is involved.
Was the Semi-Truck Driver Distracted or Fatigued?
Investigators will likely explore whether the driver was inattentive or fatigued in the moments before the crash. Professional drivers often face long hours behind the wheel, and distraction or sleep deprivation can significantly delay reaction times. Driver logs, phone records, and rest schedules may help determine whether distraction or fatigue contributed to the incident.
What Types of Evidence Should Be Collected?
To get a full understanding of what happened, it's critical that investigators review dash camera footage, Engine Control Module (ECM) data, driver logs, GPS tracking, and any surveillance video from nearby businesses. Statements from witnesses and forensic analysis of the vehicle should also be gathered to help clarify the sequence of events and whether the truck driver was aware that a collision had occurred.
The Importance of Thorough Investigations
When someone is seriously injured and the driver leaves the scene, it’s critical that investigators leave no stone unturned. In my experience, hit-and-run crashes involving commercial vehicles often involve more complex circumstances than initially assumed. A full investigation helps ensure those affected understand what happened and why.