AUSTIN, TX (03/26/2016) — Adrianna Vidal and another female are recovering after a drunk driver caused a chain reaction accident that left them both seriously injured on Saturday night.
Police have identified Adrianna Vidal as one of the victims who was seriously injured by a drunk driver in the 500 block of W. 7th Street, near Neuces Street, in Austin, Texas.
Authorities and witnesses reported that at around 1:18 a.m., an intoxicated driver—identified as Philip Tombe—was traveling at a high rate speed in a Lexus when he struck a parked car that was located in front of two women (one of whom was Vidal) loading items into their adjacent vehicle.
The impact caused the parked car to collide with the vehicle Vidal and her female friend were utilizing—leaving both women injured. Vidal was pinned underneath their car, and her friend was struck.
“I just remember standing in the back of my friend’s car and a car ramming us,” Vidal said.
Officials stated that Vidal underwent surgery at the University Medical Center at Brackenridge over the weekend to repair fractured bones in her knee. Her friend also had surgery on her legs due to large abrasions and other injuries suffered in the accident.
Tombe fled the scene after the accident, but was caught after his vehicle was pursued by police and crashed at the intersection of Highway 290 and Interstate 35. He admitted to drinking “two beers” earlier that night, and was immediately arrested and charged with intoxication assault, two counts of failure to stop and render aid, and evading arrest in a vehicle.
Commentary
The driver who caused this accident is facing major charges for not only a drunk driving-related accident, but also for leaving the scene after the collision. In Texas, hit-and-run offenses can be treated as felonies depending upon the severity of the incident. It the responsibility of the driver to ensure all injured parties receive proper medical attention after an accident. It is very possible that this driver may be face additional charges due to his negligent actions.
