I need to ask your help of what I should be doing right now.

[RaySharpton]

Hello. My name is Ray.

I was just coming home from my Publix grocery store in my wheelchair and I was hit by a car while I was in the crosswalk.

Before crossing I waved at the driver motioning if I could cross. The car stopped. I started crossing and I was almost about to cross in front of the driver and then the driver started moving. I yelled and waved for the driver to stop, but the driver wasn't looking at me.

I think my left arm got caught on part of the car mirror and it pulled me out of my wheelchair just enough as it continued forward. I tried to right myself, but I was already too far out of my wheelchair and I was pulled out and fell to the ground on my left side.

I guess I was in a daze after hitting the asphalt.

I tried to sit up, but I was on a slight incline and I couldn't sit up by myself.

Another driver asked if he could help me get up and he tried to sit me up, but I couldn't stand up by myself. He actually stayed and called 911 even after asking me if I wanted him to call 911. I told him I didn't know.

The driver that hit me parked their car and came to me and apologized and said that she didn't see me.

After a while, two Georgia Power men came by and actually lifted me up into my wheelchair after turning the wheelchair around. I couldn't believe that they lifted me up completely into my chair.

The Grady ambulance staff checked me out and I thought that I feeling better and after a discussion, I thought I was okay not to go to the hospital.

The police came and wrote out a report and issued the driver for hitting me in the crosswalk.

We exchanged information with the driver that hit me and the Atlanta policeman gave me a card with information.

I think that I am okay now. My back and left leg are just a little sore right now compared to the time earlier.

I just called my physician and left a message to call me back so that I could ask his advice of whether I should come in to see him to be checked out, especially if I feel different in another day or two.

I actually Googled what to do after being hit by a car.

https://www.citylab.com/life/2015/05/what-to-do-when-youre-hit-by-a-car/393809/

https://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/pedestrian-hit-by-car-legal-options.html

I always worry about falling down and the difficulty I would have trying to get up by myself.

I am retired, I live alone, and I have no family.

I need to ask your help of what I should be doing right now.

 

[Disneylover99]

Hello. My name is Ray.

I was just coming home from my Publix grocery store in my wheelchair and I was hit by a car while I was in the crosswalk.

Before crossing I waved at the driver motioning if I could cross. The car stopped. I started crossing and I was almost about to cross in front of the driver and then the driver started moving. I yelled and waved for the driver to stop, but the driver wasn't looking at me.

I think my left arm got caught on part of the car mirror and it pulled me out of my wheelchair just enough as it continued forward. I tried to right myself, but I was already too far out of my wheelchair and I was pulled out and fell to the ground on my left side.

I guess I was in a daze after hitting the asphalt.

I tried to sit up, but I was on a slight incline and I couldn't sit up by myself.

Another driver asked if he could help me get up and he tried to sit me up, but I couldn't stand up by myself. He actually stayed and called 911 even after asking me if I wanted him to call 911. I told him I didn't know.

The driver that hit me parked their car and came to me and apologized and said that she didn't see me.

After a while, two Georgia Power men came by and actually lifted me up into my wheelchair after turning the wheelchair around. I couldn't believe that they lifted me up completely into my chair.


The Grady ambulance staff checked me out and I thought that I feeling better and after a discussion, I thought I was okay not to go to the hospital.

The police came and wrote out a report and issued the driver for hitting me in the crosswalk.

We exchanged information with the driver that hit me and the Atlanta policeman gave me a card with information.

I think that I am okay now. My back and left leg are just a little sore right now compared to the time earlier.

I just called my physician and left a message to call me back so that I could ask his advice of whether I should come in to see him to be checked out, especially if I feel different in another day or two.

I actually Googled what to do after being hit by a car.

https://www.citylab.com/life/2015/05/what-to-do-when-youre-hit-by-a-car/393809/

I always worry about falling down and the difficulty I would have trying to get up by myself.

I am retired, I live alone, and I have no family.

I need to ask your help of what I should be doing right now.

So Sorry Ray!

I have no advice, but I just wanted to say, I’m glad you’re okay.

 

[clm10308]

I would strongly suggest that you go to the doctor to get checked out. You may have injuries that you are not aware of right now.
The other thing to do is to call the other person’s insurance company right away to start a claim. There could be damage to your wheelchair as well.

 

[RaySharpton]

Thank you. I am waiting for a call back from my physician.

So Sorry Ray!

I have no advice, but I just wanted to say, I’m glad you’re okay.

I would strongly suggest that you go to the doctor to get checked out. You may have injuries that you are not aware of right now.
The other thing to do is to call the other person’s insurance company right away to start a claim. There could be damage to your wheelchair as well.

 

[Tiggerish]

Do you have a service provider for your chair that you could call to come and check out your chair for potential damage? The other driver's insurance should cover any costs to inspect, any repairs and your doctor visit. You can also ask for money for your pain and suffering. If the driver's insurance company calls be careful what you say, Do not say anything about being partly at fault or trying to make excuses for the driver. And, if you are thinking of getting a lawyer, it is best to say nothing and let the lawyer call them back.

I live in the downtown of a medium sized city (200,000 people) and use a power chair. Crossing streets isa big challenge and as busy as downtown can be, getting from my van into the grocery store is by far more dangerous.

 

[gap2368]

Someone in my town got hit by a car they sued for 2 million although they did not get everything they were asking they got some money after a two year battle. Ray I am glade your ok but I would see a dr to make sure you do not have any long lasting injuries ( like the person in my town needs back surgery) also get your chair looked at to see if there is damage. I hope you do not need to sue and your be fine in a few days and your chair is fine. Rest up and glade it was not worst

One thing and I am not saying you were at fault but do you think she thought your wave was you saying go ahead. I have waved driver on when I was wait for someone/ something before

 

[geek+nerd]

Oh, Ray! I’m so sorry this happened to you. I would definitely get checked out by your doctor today. Right now, adrenaline is flowing and you may not be feeling the results of an injury yet.

I realize I’m just reiterating what others have said, but definitely have your chair looked over, too.

I have nothing new to add, but please know that you are in my thoughts. Please update us when you can.

 

[Tigger in a kilt]

I’m so sorry that this happened to you, Ray. I don’t have any advice that hasn’t already been given.

Given that you have pain, and you will still be feeling adrenaline, I think your doctor is likely to want you to get seen, especially as you live on your own.

If you start to have any symptoms that worry you while you wait to hear from your doctor, please call an ambulance.

Look after yourself, and I’m sending you my best wishes.

 

[lanejudy]

Ray, so sorry to read this! I’m very glad you are feeling ok, but I agree with others that you should be seen by a medical provider as soon as possible. Some aches may not appear until tomorrow or later, and you can always go back for a follow-up if needed.

I suggest you keep a cordless phone or cell phone within reach for a few days. Keep it in your pocket, on your lap, etc. That way you can call for help if you do fall when home alone.

And I’d have the chair checked, too.

Take care and keep us posted!

 

[SimplyTink]

Ray - you have been such a huge help to me on these boards and I agree with all that you should definitely get checked out and also have your chair given the once over.

Thinking of you and hoping you are feeling better soon!

xoxo Tink

 

[Bjkandma]

I'm sorry to hear this happened to you. Please go and get yourself checked out, as well as your wheelchair. Sending you thoughts and prayers.

 

[Lewisc]

You might consider consulting an attorney before you sign anything or accept compensation.

 

[Groot]

Oh my god, that’s terrible. Yesterday I watched a video explaining what to do when you’re in parking lots while you’re in your chair.

Were you in your Fold and Go, or was it another chair? If it was, I’d contact them immediately and tell them what happened.

I would also look into a visibility flag that extends from the back of your chair so that it’s easier (especially for people driving those gigantic SUV’s/trucks) to see you.

 

[anonymousegirl]

Dear Ray,
I hope you feel better soon, but I urge you, as others have done, to get checked out right away. I hope you collected names and contact info of anyone who saw the incident, or helped you. It is not about being litigious, it is about pro-active in case of a serious development.

Years ago, my sister had a huge display of apple juice (in those heavy glass jugs) crash down on her at a local supermarket. She was 19 and naive, the manager was devious, and he got her to sign away her rights for compensation. She ended up with a broken leg, torn ligaments in the other leg, a broken thumb, and other serious injuries.

Ever since then, I report issues just in case. I slipped in some unmarked water at Pop Century All about Pop shop, going down hard on my knees. Even though I thought I was okay, I reported it, just in case I woke up the next day with injuries that did not manifest themselves at the time. It turned out I was fine, but there was no harm in reporting the incident.

 

[jo-jo]

I wonder if the driver was looking at their phone.

I'm glad you're ok, but please do what everyone has said.

 

[LilyWDW]

1) Go get checked out. You want to start the documentation trail NOW. If you wait to long to get checked out, the insurance company will fight it since any injuries could be a result of "something else".
2) Do not... I repeat, DO NOT agree to or sign anything that the insurance company sends you at this time. Injuries can take a bit to show up or to show just how bad they are. I have seen to many people sign a settlement early, only to find they signed away their rights to any money for future injuries or problems.
3) Have your chair looked over. Any damage to it should be repairs at the drivers expense just like if it was a car or a bike.
4) If the insurance company decides to try and play hardball, speak to a personal injury attorney (especially if there are injuries). They may or may not take any case and it will depend on what they think they can get you since PI is usually done on contingency. However, the initial consultations are normally free so it never hurts.

 

[jo-jo]

Ray, please chime in when you have a moment and let us know how you're doing. I don't want to be a pest, just concerned.

 

[DLgal]

Definitely go see a doctor soon, tomorrow if possible. Very sorry this happened to you. At least the police made a report and cited the driver. I don't know about Georgia laws, but in my state (CA) pedestrians always have the right of way and drivers must yield, whether they see you or not, whether there was eye contact or waves or nothing. The pedestrian is never at fault, legally. I suspect since the police cited the driver, the law is similarly solid on that point over there.

 

[Allison Joy]

I'm so sorry, Ray! That's terrible. I'll echo what everyone else has said and add that if you don't hear from your doctor, I'd strongly suggest going to urgent care. You may not need the ER since the paramedics checked you out, but at least go to urgent care tomorrow, if you can't get in to see your doctor or if you don't get a response from your doctor.

 

[Selket]

Hi Ray - I'm just now reading the board and see this - I'm SO sorry to hear this happened to you today - that's terrifying. I agree with everyone - get yourself checked out and the chair. Any chance you hit your head and don't remember? I had a bike accident a few years ago and it didn't look like I was very injured but I had some severe brain bleeds and was in the hospital, etc. It's concerning that you haven't posted back so I hope you will follow up with how you're doing.