I was crossing a crosswalk early this morning on my way to the bus stop for work, while the walk sign was on, and the driver turned left onto a main road from a stop light and smashed into my left side. I was later told that I "flew up into the air".
It was all very much a blur and I was pretty dizzy and out of it at first, but no head trauma. Some kind lady who said she was a nurse ran to help me up and to the side of the road, and the cops and ambulance came pretty fast (I think, at least).
I was taken to the hospital and was told that I fractured my humerus head (left shoulder). They told me I may not need surgery, but we'll see what the orthopedic surgeon says during my follow-up appointment in a few days. Other than that, I just have a bunch of scrapes and bruises.
Overall, while I'm in quite a bit of pain, I'm grateful because it could've been way worse. My SO and parents are pushing to sue for pain/suffering, which I was hesitant to do until I read (online) that I wouldn't be suing the person who hit me, but their insurance company), so I guess that'll probably happen. They already found me a lawyer.
I truly have no ill-will toward that person because shit happens, it was dark, and they got out of the car immediately to call 911, so it's not like they didn't do what was right when it came down to it. I'm sure they're traumatized, and that their insurance payment will go way up... which I feel a little bad about given the state of the US rn. But I guess I don't have any control over that.
Honestly, while the whole thing was obviously pretty traumatic for me, too—and I keep replaying that moment in my head—I think I'd rather get hit by a car than hit someone with my car.
You're absolutely right. They're 100% at fault, and should've taken their position as a driver more seriously and diligently. But still, I find it hard to be angry with them, at least currently. 🤷♀️
I doubt that they were intentionally reckless... probably just stupid and careless, which we all are at some point or another, in various ways. It just so happens that the consequences of that carelessness in this situation are a lot higher than they are in most other circumstances.
Now, if I found out that they were drunk or texting at the time, that would likely change. Or, perhaps, if I end up having chronic issues that cause me to become resentful.
You sound like a very sweet and understanding person. A lot of people could stand to learn from your views on other people. Hope you have a speedy recovery!
OP sounds like a pushover, who’s in severe danger of having part of her life turn to hell as a result of insufficient funds for medical treatment.
I didn't make it clear in my post, but I do plan on suing now that I've thought it through; I certainly can't afford the kinds of medical bills we get in the states.
The empathetic feelings I've expressed regarding the driver are just on a personal level, and unrelated to my decision to sue. It sucks, but they made their bed and now must lie in it.
Being stupid and careless while manning heavy machinery (car) is about at reckless as it gets.
If you don't sue, you are teaching them that what happened is okay and to keep doing it.
What if they hit a child next? A puppy?
Oh, I plan on suing, to be clear. My mind is made up. I need to protect myself, especially because I have no idea if this will have long-term effects.
But I still feel the same way about them... just on a more personal level.
You need to protect yourself and you need to protect all the other pedestrians in your city.
Americans in a nutshell
Stop making excuses please. If you drive a several ton heavy vehicle that goes ridiculous speeds, then you're in a special position of responsibility towards others, especially weaker road users such as bike riders (both motorcycles as well as bicycles) and pedestrians.
This internalized fetishism towards cars needs to stop.