SURPRISE, Ariz. — A Surprise father and small business owner is grateful to be alive after a terrifying hit-and-run crash in his own driveway.
Derek Williams told 12News he was trying to jump-start one of his cars when a red SUV came speeding down his block.
“I should be dead," Williams said. "For me to not to be dead, I’m just lucky.”
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Doorbell camera video shows the moment the red SUV slammed into the rear end of one of Williams' cars, pinning him between the two. The SUV is then seen driving away, pushing the other car further into Williams.
"Ironically, I remember everything," Williams said. “They did not hit the brakes at all."
With two broken legs, Williams said he managed to use his pants as a makeshift tourniquet to slow down the bleeding.
“I knew my left femur was completely detached because my leg was completely backwards," Williams said.
Williams said no one was around to help, and his phone was out of reach.
“I just proceeded to yell, hoping somebody would come out because I didn’t really have any other option," Williams said.
"Help! Somebody help," Williams yelled in a doorbell camera video sent to 12News.
Williams' pleas were just loud enough for his neighbor to hear. His neighbor ran outside and called 911.
“That guy saved my life," Williams said. "He’s the only reason I’m alive.”
Court documents said the driver, identified as 43-year-old Beth Strong, was found and arrested nearby.
Officers said they could smell alcohol coming from Strong. They also found a half-empty bottle of vodka in the glove compartment.
Strong faces several felony charges, including aggravated assault causing disfigurement, leaving the scene of an accident with injury and resisting arrest.
"You never know what type of impact you can cause by just doing one little thing," Williams said.
Williams was convicted of an aggravated DUI in an unrelated incident in 2023.
He told 12News he’s been going through sobriety courses ever since.
“I’m not a perfect person. Everybody makes mistakes,” Williams said.
Williams still has several more surgeries scheduled, followed by months of physical therapy.
The family created a GoFundMe page to help pay for medical expenses and household bills while Williams is out of work. Anyone who wishes to donate can click here.
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