oftheherd
Veteran
Yep,I am still alive, if not completely well. Yesterday morning, I drove to work on one of the worst highways for commuting, I-95 into Washington, DC. No problems. I parked, and began walking towards my office. It was raining quite hard, so I was on the far side of the sidewalk in order to miss getting wet from cars hitting rain water next to the curb. I was walking towards a door into our building on the other side of the street. Most all of us do the same, jay-walking across the street. I had to continue walking as there was oncoming traffic and I couldn't yet jay-walk.
I crossed an alley into a school on my way. In the middle of where the sidewalk crossed that alley, I caught a dark car out of the corner of my eye, just about to strike me. The next second or so are a jumbled blur. I lifted my feet and tried to jump up and back, and felt myself being struck about the legs. I felt myself rolling onto the hood of the car and breakfalling across it. That was both a result of how I was hit and just instinct. I got the impression of being drug along the side of the car with it turning into me, but that wasn't the way it happened. I stayed on or in front of the hood. I think that impression came from first being hit by the left front of his car.
I remember trying to grab the hood to keep from sliding off as the car continued forward, but of course I could not. I then slid off in front of the car with it still moving, and tried to keep on my feet and stay in front of the car so as not ot be run over. I landed on my feet sideways to the car, being pushed in front of it, and tried to move forward of it and was hit again by the car and knocked down onto the wet pavement where I was hit again. Just then, thank God, the car stopped. I jumped up and fell backward to get out of his way, and then scooted back more up on to a curb of the alley to be sure I was out of his way in case he moved again.
A lot of thoughts went through my mind as all that was happening. I felt myself being struck on differing body parts and wondered how much was being broken. I realized I was falling over the hood and noted my falling forward with no way to stop that, and felt myself throw my arm out to break my fall. I felt my feet touch the ground and felt the car moving forward against me and tried to react to that knowing I was being pushed by the car and couldn't stop it. I wondered how much more was being damaged. I fell forward onto the wet pavement and felt myself get hit again just as the car stopped. All the time I was in disbelief that it was happening. I was sure I was hurt badly from feeling myself get hit. I credit God for being there with me, and for martial arts training that keeps me limber and able to fall better than I would otherwise.
As I sat there, wet and stunned, I began checking body parts to see what the damage was. Everything was there, and only my right knee seemed damaged. Of course I have bruised and strained body parts all over, neck, back, left knee with a nice abrasion, my right ankle and thigh, as well as my right groin. The driver got out after a few moments to inquire about my health. He apologized, and mentioned he had never done anything like that before. I told he he couldn't say that anymore. I guess that wasn't kind, but I wasn't too kindly disposed at the moment.
I should have but didn't ask how he managed to pick me out for target practice. I am guessing he was trying to beat the oncoming traffic and make his left turn. That and the rain and wind may have been what kept him from seeing me on the sidewalk.
As I got on that curb, I heard a co-worker exclaim "Oh, my God!" She then peaked around a fence there (I think she was afraid of what she would see) as another co-wordker came up to me to inquire how I was. I allowed as how I was alive and asked that one of them notify our police force. The ambulance arrived unbelievably quickly, and I was transported to a hospital where I was seen rather quickly considering I had no blood and no bones sticking out. The emergency room doctor palpitated my knee, asked me to try and walk, and proclaimed me OK to leave and follow up with my own doctor.
I am not walking very well right now, and I am spending a lot of time sitting or lying down with ice. But I can walk, and I am not in a hospital. And, I am alive!
Sorry for the long post, but it feels good to be able to share the experience. And my morning commutes aren't always so bad. At worst, they are usually just long. Sometimes, there are even pretty scenes. The below shot was with a digital, to check lighting ratios in preparation for shots I intend to get with both my Olympus SP (which is alway in my car) and the Super Press 23. Just as soon and the moon lines up right again. I will be watching traffic when I get it to be sure no one tries to climb the sidewalk while I am taking the photos.
No moral or bottom line to this story other than we never know when we leave the house in the morning what may happen.
I crossed an alley into a school on my way. In the middle of where the sidewalk crossed that alley, I caught a dark car out of the corner of my eye, just about to strike me. The next second or so are a jumbled blur. I lifted my feet and tried to jump up and back, and felt myself being struck about the legs. I felt myself rolling onto the hood of the car and breakfalling across it. That was both a result of how I was hit and just instinct. I got the impression of being drug along the side of the car with it turning into me, but that wasn't the way it happened. I stayed on or in front of the hood. I think that impression came from first being hit by the left front of his car.
I remember trying to grab the hood to keep from sliding off as the car continued forward, but of course I could not. I then slid off in front of the car with it still moving, and tried to keep on my feet and stay in front of the car so as not ot be run over. I landed on my feet sideways to the car, being pushed in front of it, and tried to move forward of it and was hit again by the car and knocked down onto the wet pavement where I was hit again. Just then, thank God, the car stopped. I jumped up and fell backward to get out of his way, and then scooted back more up on to a curb of the alley to be sure I was out of his way in case he moved again.
A lot of thoughts went through my mind as all that was happening. I felt myself being struck on differing body parts and wondered how much was being broken. I realized I was falling over the hood and noted my falling forward with no way to stop that, and felt myself throw my arm out to break my fall. I felt my feet touch the ground and felt the car moving forward against me and tried to react to that knowing I was being pushed by the car and couldn't stop it. I wondered how much more was being damaged. I fell forward onto the wet pavement and felt myself get hit again just as the car stopped. All the time I was in disbelief that it was happening. I was sure I was hurt badly from feeling myself get hit. I credit God for being there with me, and for martial arts training that keeps me limber and able to fall better than I would otherwise.
As I sat there, wet and stunned, I began checking body parts to see what the damage was. Everything was there, and only my right knee seemed damaged. Of course I have bruised and strained body parts all over, neck, back, left knee with a nice abrasion, my right ankle and thigh, as well as my right groin. The driver got out after a few moments to inquire about my health. He apologized, and mentioned he had never done anything like that before. I told he he couldn't say that anymore. I guess that wasn't kind, but I wasn't too kindly disposed at the moment.
I should have but didn't ask how he managed to pick me out for target practice. I am guessing he was trying to beat the oncoming traffic and make his left turn. That and the rain and wind may have been what kept him from seeing me on the sidewalk.
As I got on that curb, I heard a co-worker exclaim "Oh, my God!" She then peaked around a fence there (I think she was afraid of what she would see) as another co-wordker came up to me to inquire how I was. I allowed as how I was alive and asked that one of them notify our police force. The ambulance arrived unbelievably quickly, and I was transported to a hospital where I was seen rather quickly considering I had no blood and no bones sticking out. The emergency room doctor palpitated my knee, asked me to try and walk, and proclaimed me OK to leave and follow up with my own doctor.
I am not walking very well right now, and I am spending a lot of time sitting or lying down with ice. But I can walk, and I am not in a hospital. And, I am alive!
Sorry for the long post, but it feels good to be able to share the experience. And my morning commutes aren't always so bad. At worst, they are usually just long. Sometimes, there are even pretty scenes. The below shot was with a digital, to check lighting ratios in preparation for shots I intend to get with both my Olympus SP (which is alway in my car) and the Super Press 23. Just as soon and the moon lines up right again. I will be watching traffic when I get it to be sure no one tries to climb the sidewalk while I am taking the photos.
No moral or bottom line to this story other than we never know when we leave the house in the morning what may happen.
aad
Not so new now.
Good God! Very glad you're ok.
oftheherd
Veteran
Thanks aad and greyhoundman. Ice packs on the knee are helping. The rest will go away with time and excercising. I have neck and back exercises I have used for years. They are helping now. It is the knee that I hope doesn't take too long to heal. I have a pronounced and awkward hobbling limp right now, when I choose to walk at all.
back alley
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so you were on the sidewalk when you got hit?
man o man, no matter, you are lucky to be as well as you are and i think we are all glad for it!
there is nothing like being hit by car. i have been hot twice, both as a kid and i remember them both like it was yesterday.
i'm glad you're ok.
man o man, no matter, you are lucky to be as well as you are and i think we are all glad for it!
there is nothing like being hit by car. i have been hot twice, both as a kid and i remember them both like it was yesterday.
i'm glad you're ok.
FrankS
Registered User
Happy to hear that you are "okay". Could have been worse. What about the driver's liability for hitting you?
T
Todd.Hanz
Guest
Jeeeeeez!, what a story! I hope all is well. Get that knee checked out by an Ortho to make sure nothings torn. Good luck.
Todd
Todd
C
ch1
Guest
Glad you're in decent shape!
Now, sue the bast-rd!
OOPs sorry, that the lawyer in me coming out!
But seriously. Should that car have been in an alley at all?
Should you, as a pedestrian, have been requireed to stop and look first?
Ordinarily, in an unmarked intersection, the pedestrian has the right of way (sadly forgotten in these days of a surburban-oriented, automobile-dominant society).
Dark and stormy is immaterial - everyone is expected to compensate for that!
Now, sue the bast-rd!
OOPs sorry, that the lawyer in me coming out!
But seriously. Should that car have been in an alley at all?
Should you, as a pedestrian, have been requireed to stop and look first?
Ordinarily, in an unmarked intersection, the pedestrian has the right of way (sadly forgotten in these days of a surburban-oriented, automobile-dominant society).
Dark and stormy is immaterial - everyone is expected to compensate for that!
oftheherd
Veteran
copake_ham said:Glad you're in decent shape!
Now, sue the bast-rd!
OOPs sorry, that the lawyer in me coming out!
But seriously. Should that car have been in an alley at all?
Should you, as a pedestrian, have been requireed to stop and look first?
Ordinarily, in an unmarked intersection, the pedestrian has the right of way (sadly forgotten in these days of a surburban-oriented, automobile-dominant society).
Dark and stormy is immaterial - everyone is expected to compensate for that!
Unfortunately a lawyer may be in my future (nothing against you or other lawyers, I just wish I wasn't in this condition). First I want to be able to get around a little better.
It is an entrance to a school and its two parking areas so I guess there is no problem with him being there as long as no other car or pedestrian is already there.
I don't think there is any requirement for me to stop and look, but it wouldn't have made any difference as he came from my right rear, making a left hand turn into the alleyway. I kind of wish I had already been trying to jay-walk and I might have seen him.
Dark and gloomy sure doesn't seem like an excuse to me (I may be prejudiced under the circumstances). And anyway, there is street lighting in the area. He was just not paying attention to the whole area where he was going.
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C
ch1
Guest
oftheherd said:
I am "quoting" you for a reason.
You need to preserve all of these thoughts, impressions etc.
In the "excitement" of the moment, much can be forgotten. Your are very "lucky" to have this website to "record" your remembrances of what occurred. I am sure Jorge can "archive" it eventually.
Presumably the police report shows the accident scene and placement of vehicle to you etc.
Get some kind of representation quickly who can procure the report.
Also, try to get the names of the witnesses and have a lawyer depose them quickly - before they can "forget" you want them to make a statement (i.e, be deposed) etc.
And above all, do not accept any insurance "adjusters" quickie settlements. Fortunately, you are both alive and aware. Unfortunately (in a way) you are vulnerable to being approached by an adjuster looking for a cheap liability release!
Over all, get well - but also, GET UGLY! Really, you have been harmed through no fault of your own and there are many who will now try to take advantage of you.
Sorry to sound so REAL - but life isn't fair in these circumstances.
DougK
This space left blank
Glad you're alive and relatively undamaged. Make sure you get your knee checked out by an ortho to rule out serious damage.
GeneW
Veteran
It's a relief to hear how little damage you took, considering. I hope the mending is as fast as can be.
Gene
Gene
bobofish
Two-fisted Atom Smasher
At least in Oregon, the pedestrian has right of way nearly everwhere, under every circumstance. The only notable exceptions are Freeways and walk-way-less bridges, where pedestrians are not allowed in the first place. Sturm und Drang in the weather is not an excuse for whacking somebody with your car, and especially in what seems in your case to have been at some speed higher than that which should be used in an alley.
I certainly hope you'll be allright, but I also think you will need to pursue legal action. If you believe that the gent just made a genuine mistake, you may only want to pursue medical expenses...otherwise you may actually want to teach him a lesson to pay attention on the road in the future.
I was actually hit by a car once, when I was 13. The best thing is it was at a stop sign, and the old man saw me at the cross walk, he stopped, and then he decided to hit the throttle as I started to cross the street. A perfect example of old peoples' "losing control of the car."
I've never understood how at any age you can mistake the brake for the gas, and even more importantly how you can't realize your mistake once you've made it, and release your foot from the throttle. But then the world is well populated with idiots, so.... I have every sympathy for old people wanting to live a healthy, independant life, but the recognition of the differences between "stop" and "go" seems to me to be somewhat critical in the use of a 2 ton automobile.
When he hit me, he kept going, but since it was a four way stop, another car who saw him do it chased him down, and blocked his way. When he came back, he got out tentatively, and came to me.
My bike was thrashed, and I was bleeding like a stuck pig from my elbow and knee...he asked me calmly "Can I help you?"
I am pleased to say my sarcasm bone was not broken, and I answered "yes please, a big mac, fries and a coke."
The jackass left without giving me any info, and although I had not broken any bones per se (a small part of my shoulder had been cracked) I had significant cartiledge damage in my shoulder, which bothers me to this day. Being shocked from the event, and rapidly losing coherence due to a steady stream of blood escaping my elbow, I didn't have the presence of mind to tell the witnesses anything other than "I'm ok."
Although I'm not usually a vindictive person, I hope that old man choked on his own vomit.
I didn't particularly realize it at the time, but on the 4 block trek back to the church where my mom was teaching violin lessons, I left a trail of blood and bike tire scrapes that looked like a massacre scene.
I certainly hope you'll be allright, but I also think you will need to pursue legal action. If you believe that the gent just made a genuine mistake, you may only want to pursue medical expenses...otherwise you may actually want to teach him a lesson to pay attention on the road in the future.
I was actually hit by a car once, when I was 13. The best thing is it was at a stop sign, and the old man saw me at the cross walk, he stopped, and then he decided to hit the throttle as I started to cross the street. A perfect example of old peoples' "losing control of the car."
I've never understood how at any age you can mistake the brake for the gas, and even more importantly how you can't realize your mistake once you've made it, and release your foot from the throttle. But then the world is well populated with idiots, so.... I have every sympathy for old people wanting to live a healthy, independant life, but the recognition of the differences between "stop" and "go" seems to me to be somewhat critical in the use of a 2 ton automobile.
When he hit me, he kept going, but since it was a four way stop, another car who saw him do it chased him down, and blocked his way. When he came back, he got out tentatively, and came to me.
My bike was thrashed, and I was bleeding like a stuck pig from my elbow and knee...he asked me calmly "Can I help you?"
I am pleased to say my sarcasm bone was not broken, and I answered "yes please, a big mac, fries and a coke."
The jackass left without giving me any info, and although I had not broken any bones per se (a small part of my shoulder had been cracked) I had significant cartiledge damage in my shoulder, which bothers me to this day. Being shocked from the event, and rapidly losing coherence due to a steady stream of blood escaping my elbow, I didn't have the presence of mind to tell the witnesses anything other than "I'm ok."
Although I'm not usually a vindictive person, I hope that old man choked on his own vomit.
I didn't particularly realize it at the time, but on the 4 block trek back to the church where my mom was teaching violin lessons, I left a trail of blood and bike tire scrapes that looked like a massacre scene.
Gabriel M.A.
My Red Dot Glows For You
Sounds like something that would have shaken me in more ways than one; certainly more than it has you, for you have mustered the will to share this with all of us and reflect on your experience. I can't imagine what I would have done or felt.
I wish the best for you. Take it easy.
I wish the best for you. Take it easy.
Little Prince
Well-known
Glad to hear no major injury occured, but are you sure it didn't? If you haven't I urge you to get yourself examined. Similar to Bobofish (but to a MUCH smaller extent), I suffered a minor injury to my shoulder in a car collision a few years back. At the time, when the police/ambulance arrived at the scene I just waved it away. I thought I only had a bruise. It turned out later that it might have been a torn tendon. Being the indifferent/lazy sort I didn't get it fixed then and it still very much bothers me.
Moral being, it's easy to ignore small things because the degree of injury is not apparent at the time.
When you think of this incident in later years, it may even bring a smile to you (to think that you weathered it).
Moral being, it's easy to ignore small things because the degree of injury is not apparent at the time.
When you think of this incident in later years, it may even bring a smile to you (to think that you weathered it).
Bryan Lee
Expat Street Photographer
I wont bother you with the details but I can relate to whats happend to you. Unfortunately what your feeling now may be worse in 6 months. As far as medical treatment on tweaked knees, joints, backs, and necks try to find a doctor that works on pro football players, they are tried, tested, and just the best money can buy. Glad to hear your alive, getting around, and not laid out in some hospital bed pissing through a tube.
SolaresLarrave
My M5s need red dots!
What a story... All in all, I'm glad you can tell it and we don't have to find out about it in the paper.
I hope you recover soon both your health and everything that was shattered today!
I hope you recover soon both your health and everything that was shattered today!
C
ch1
Guest
You see, already, it's happening.
All of these kind folks who were not there "sending" you "best wishes" and "get well" greetings!
But, as Bryan Lee said, you have no idea yet what has happened to your body. Hopefully, no lasting damage.
BUT YOU DO NOT KNOW!
Please, oh please, get those witnesses identified (and preferably, deposed). You can bet my last dollar that the driver's insurance company has been notified and is already seeking to find exculpatory "evidence"!
You are much better off than many accident victims - you are conscious and have your wits about you. Many do not - if they are alive at all - they are bed-ridden in a coma!
All of the nice platitudes here do not mean a damn! You need to get legal represenation fast - it will "shield" you from the "approaches" you are about to get!
Please - get a lawyer - NOW!
All of these kind folks who were not there "sending" you "best wishes" and "get well" greetings!
But, as Bryan Lee said, you have no idea yet what has happened to your body. Hopefully, no lasting damage.
BUT YOU DO NOT KNOW!
Please, oh please, get those witnesses identified (and preferably, deposed). You can bet my last dollar that the driver's insurance company has been notified and is already seeking to find exculpatory "evidence"!
You are much better off than many accident victims - you are conscious and have your wits about you. Many do not - if they are alive at all - they are bed-ridden in a coma!
All of the nice platitudes here do not mean a damn! You need to get legal represenation fast - it will "shield" you from the "approaches" you are about to get!
Please - get a lawyer - NOW!
oftheherd
Veteran
Thanks everyone for your expressions of concern, and especiallly copake_ham for your excellent advice. I have no doubt that is the way I will have to go. I have already taken measures to try and identify the lady who probably witnessed this. I will get a copy of the police report today if possible, which will give me his full identification and insurance. The police officers from my agency I think already got that even though it happened "off" the property, but between our parking lot and our building.
I don't look forward to this but have to agree. My wife was hit from behind about 10 years ago by a person who had the minimum insurance. She developed fibromyalgia and hasn't been the same since. I certainly hope that isn't what I am looking forward to, but agree I need to seek some legal protection.
Thanks again everyone for taking the time to read my first post and send sympathies. I also hope for quick and full recovery. Nobody needs otherwise.
I just encourage everyone to always keep their wits about them and try to stay alert to their surroundings. I don't think I could have anticipated my problem but sometimes one can.
I don't look forward to this but have to agree. My wife was hit from behind about 10 years ago by a person who had the minimum insurance. She developed fibromyalgia and hasn't been the same since. I certainly hope that isn't what I am looking forward to, but agree I need to seek some legal protection.
Thanks again everyone for taking the time to read my first post and send sympathies. I also hope for quick and full recovery. Nobody needs otherwise.
I just encourage everyone to always keep their wits about them and try to stay alert to their surroundings. I don't think I could have anticipated my problem but sometimes one can.
F
Frank Granovski
Guest
Was it a hit and run or did the person stop and offer you assistance?
What kind of martial arts? I do bagua/Shaolin.
What kind of martial arts? I do bagua/Shaolin.
taffer
void
Glad to hear you're still among us, seems the Gods were strong by your side that day.