Cops: Texting While Driving Causes Tragedy In Bklyn

NEW YORK (CBS 2) -- It was just Tuesday that the Department of Transportation held hearings describing texting while driving as "an epidemic."

But in our area the proof is personal.

On Tuesday night a Brooklyn father was lying in a coma, fighting for his life. He was hit by a woman, who police said who was texting while driving.

CBS 2's Pablo Guzman spoke with his emotional daughter.

Anna Lin said in the hospital she tries to put on a brave face.

"So probably you think I'm not as sad. But in here, I could feel myself …," Lin said before breaking down.

Anna's father, Tiang Sheng Lin, was about to make a left turn on a motorized scooter when police said he was hit from behind by a Toyota Camry. The impact sent him over the scooter and he hit his head on the ground. Police said that the driver, a 19-year-old, was texting and distracted.

Guzman visited the home of driver, Nechama Rothberger, who is now out on bail. On the other side of the door, a female voice said, "Sorry. I have nothing to say." In the driveway was a Toyota Camry.

Anna Lin then asked what would happen if she had hit the driver's father.

"If I say 'sorry' to her, is she going to forgive me?" Anna asked.

David Sobiloff is the lawyer for the Lin family.

"His condition is very grave. He's in a coma. He has massive brain injuries. He's had multiple fractures," Sobiloff said.

"He cannot talk. He cannot move," Anna added.

And the oldest child of three remembers how her father used to playfully scare her from behind with a loud noise in her ear.

"He used to make a loud noise in my ear," Anna said through tears. "Now it's quiet! Whole family is quiet! My house is quiet."

They don't know if he will ever come out of the coma.

The Brooklyn District Attorney's office is monitoring Lin's condition in the event charges against the 19-year-old driver have to be upgraded to a felony.