Abilene, TX — September 28, 2025, Natalie Victorino was injured in a hit-and-run accident just before 11 p.m. in the 1500 block of Antilley Road/County Road 314.

A preliminary accident report indicates that an eastbound 2013 Ford Fusion was rear-ended near U.S. Route 83 by an unknown vehicle as it was stopped in traffic. The other vehicle did not stop after the crash.

Natalie Victorino, a 49-year-old passenger in the Ford, was seriously injured in the crash, according to the report. Two backseat passengers, an 18-year-old woman and a 22-year-old man, suffered minor injuries, while the driver was unhurt.

Authorities have not released any additional information about the Taylor County crash at this time.

Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman

Moments that begin as everyday routines can shift in an instant, especially when someone else's recklessness upends everything. In the aftermath of a serious crash, it's easy to focus on what’s visible: twisted metal, flashing lights and initial reports. But the truth often lies in what isn’t immediately obvious.

Did the authorities thoroughly investigate the crash? Hit-and-run collisions present unique investigative challenges. When the other driver flees, there's an even greater need for investigators to reconstruct the sequence with precision. Was the crash site thoroughly documented with laser mapping or high-resolution photography? Did investigators account for the time, location and movement of each vehicle before the crash? And did they canvass the area for security cameras or eyewitnesses who might fill in the gaps? Unfortunately, not every crash receives the same level of scrutiny, especially late at night when staffing may be limited. It's worth asking whether the investigative team had the tools, and the time, to dig as deep as needed.

Has anyone looked into the possibility that a vehicle defect caused the crash? When someone gets rear-ended, we naturally look to the striking vehicle. But not every collision is a simple matter of one driver following too closely. A mechanical failure — like brake lights not functioning on the lead vehicle or a sudden, unexpected deceleration — can turn a routine drive into something far worse. If the Ford Fusion had any history of sensor or brake system issues, that’s information worth examining. Especially in older vehicles, worn parts or delayed maintenance can play a hidden role.

Has all the electronic data relating to the crash been collected? Modern vehicles don’t just carry passengers. They also record data. From speed and braking patterns to GPS tracking, this information can speak volumes. Did the Fusion’s onboard systems log any last-minute changes in speed or steering? If the car had a connected service or dashcam, that footage could be crucial. In a hit-and-run, traffic cameras and nearby surveillance can also be a lifeline in identifying the fleeing driver. But collecting this data requires prompt and diligent effort, something that doesn’t always happen automatically.

When a crash leaves behind unanswered questions, the only way forward is through thorough, methodical review. That means looking beyond surface-level facts and pressing into the gaps others might overlook.

Key Takeaways:

• Not all crash scenes get the deep-dive investigation they deserve, especially at night.
• Mechanical issues in any vehicle involved might have played a role and need checking.
• Vehicle and street-level data could offer key evidence, but it must be collected quickly.