I Got Hit By A Car Today, While Walking On A Sidewalk!

Yes, that’s right; at about 12:30 this afternoon.

I had a doctor’s appointment this morning for a little procedure. No, it wasn’t botox or anything like that. I wish! After my appointment, I stopped at Whole Foods on Cambridge Street.

 

Here’s what happened.
Charles River Parking Garage - I got hit by a car today!
Oh, my, I lucked out here with this image from Google. See where that woman is walking? I was about two feet in front of where she is in the photo above and about four feet to her right. Wait, no. I was in that position from the exit side. But, at least you can see the situation. I was walking between two cars that were stopped waiting to exit the garage onto Cambridge Street. So far, so good.

But, suddenly, the car to my left BACKED UP INTO ME, not hard, thank God, but hard enough to knock me over, within an inch of the following car waiting to leave.

I screamed because I realized I was about to be run over by the second car. Fortunately, that driver didn’t move.

 

However, please, I don’t want you to worry. The groceries are absolutely fine.

 

Yes, there were plenty of witnesses. It happened during lunch hour in the heart of the Massachusetts General Hospital complex, which sprawls over dozens of acres. If you have to get hurt, this is the best place to be.

 

Mass General Hospital Boston
Okay, this is why there’s no actual post.

 

Laurel, for God’s sake, were you hurt?

 

Oh, sorry. Yes, a little, but it could’ve been a lot worse.  My lower left back took the brunt of the fall and is quite sore. So, I wonked a muscle or ligament. Otherwise, just a little scraped knee and a couple of bruises. Thank God, nothing is broken. Aside from my back and just feeling a little sick, I’m more traumatized than anything.

Okay, I know your next question, and the answer is, no, I didn’t get his license or call the police. I knew if I did the latter, I’d be standing out in the hot sun for at least an hour. That would’ve made everything much worse. I just wanted to get home.

 

Please do not chastise me. I’m feeling bad enough as it is. Despite feeling yucky, I made the best decision for myself.

 

But, for sure, I let that dufus have it, and so did some other people. He claimed he had restarted the car, and that made it roll backward.

IMPOSSIBLE. The ramp slopes down to the street. The only way he could’ve possibly rolled back is to have put the car in reverse. He apologized, but did he get out of his vehicle to make sure I was alright? No, he didn’t. However, a very sweet young woman stayed there the entire time to make sure I was okay. There are Angels amongst us.

 

I walked home, which is just over a mile from there.

 

Of course, my back wasn’t hurting nearly as much as it is now. I’ve been icing it. But, I need to rest, which is why there’s no real blog post.

Hopefully, there will be tomorrow. But, if not, please don’t worry.

In the meantime, Melissa has updated the HOT SALES. I believe the Serena & Lily sale is ending the day after tomorrow.

Love to All!

 

102 Responses

  1. Horrifying experience – so glad you’re ok. Nothing that happened was your fault & I can see why you reacted the way you did. Hope you can take it easy for the next little while.

    Hate to say it, but I did not feel particularly safe as a pedestrian in Boston when I visited this past summer…… the infrastructure goes too far in catering to drivers, and drivers take that for granted. I also biked around quite a bit (from Dorchester to Cambridge) and did not feel particularly safe. Hope the city can take steps to make things safer for pedestrians and cyclists.

    1. Hi Murt,

      Yes, Boston is treacherous all the way around. I never liked driving here. It’s worse than Manhattan. It probably has something to do with how the city is situated. My darling son Cale rode his bike all over when he lived here for ten years. In January 2013, on his bike, he hit a rut in the road, lost control, and was observed flying over the handlebars and landing on his face. He went unconscious, for how long, I don’t know, got a concussion, his two front teeth knocked out, broken nose, and lacerations requiring 80 stitches. He remembers losing control, but nothing after that.

      Thank God he was wearing his helmet. It saved his life! This is why I don’t understand why people ride those blue bikes you can rent. Can’t they rent a G-D helmet too? It’s simple. If they don’t return it, they have to pay for it.

  2. Dear Laurel,

    Welcome to Boston! That must have been a terrifying experience. I’m glad you’re not
    badly injured. Take care of yourself. I’m thinking of you.

    Pam

  3. Wow, I’m sorry! Glad that it wasn’t any worse.
    I know what you mean about not calling the police. Once someone ran lightly into the back of my car while I was stopped and I figured it didn’t do any damage since I have a tow hitch. I didn’t even get out of the car. I was so tired and just wanted to get myself and my kids home.
    Rest up!

  4. Laurel, sending best thoughts and wishes for a speedy recovery. What a shock that must have been. I’m blown away that you took the time to share your experience with us and hope you took a long nap (and maybe a long soak) afterwards. Boston sidewalks can be treacherous, as you unfortunately discovered. Thinking of you.

  5. Glad you are ok…I would imagine a little achy the last few days..I was thinking about this and I’m wondering if his vehicle was a stick shift. If that was the case, it would roll back some when he went to move. Plus, a lot of new cars automatically turn off when you stop and I am also thinking that the guy behind him was also too close to him as well and could be partly at fault too. I guess that is why they say, never walk between parked cars. He should have gotten out of his car though. But, like you said, he was probably in shock too.

  6. Oh Laurel!! Thanking the stars you are ok, or at least not very seriously!! Ice and rest, wishing you a speedy recovery! hugs!!

  7. So sorry to learn of your latest mishap. Walking in Cambridge is hazardous to your health! Wishing you a complete and speedy recovery.

  8. Hi Laurel,
    I really hope you’re okay. I’m not saying you should pursue identifying the driver, but if you choose to, I am sure someone snapped a pic of the license. Sending all good wishes.

  9. Laurel, wishing you a speedy recovery and a huge bottle or arnica for those painful bruises. Your very wise to let the universe deal with that idiot and focus on healing instead. I hope you told him to ‘keep the change’ in that 30 second blast. You’re a goddess and a legend for dusting off the exhaust fumes and walking home,

  10. Laurel, I have never sent a message to a website before but I so enjoy your posts – both the content and your humor – and am so sorry to hear about your accident! I love how you share not only your expertise but also your life with your readers, and hope that you take some comfort from the outpouring of well-wishes from all of us out here (in blog-land?). Btw, I too have recently downsized from a large house in Westchester to a pre-war apartment with a galley kitchent and am following your kitchen thought process very closely! Happily, I do not share your staircase issues but sadly do not have a garden either. It’s a trade-off I would have happily made, and I’ve no doubt you’ll find a wonderful solution. Hope you’re feeling better and that the Boston drivers are MUCH MORE CAREFUL around you in the future- that was really inexcusable!

  11. Hi Laurel,
    Just now catching up and seeing you’ve had an accident. I am so relieved to read that your pain has lessened. Please do take it easy until you are sure you are past this.
    I also wonder if the driver just received bad news at the hospital and was also possibly physically unable to hop out of the car. He obviously behaved poorly, and might well be feeling dreadful about it now.
    I am glad there was an angel by your side.

  12. This is horrible and terrifying. I sincerely hope you take the wealth of advice already posted. I have to say that the driver did something illegal by leaving the scene. What if he ran because he had other accidents? Not even getting out of the car to check on you is a huge signal. I do understand that fight or flight can take over, but even so. However, I am most concerned that you have yourself thoroughly checked out. This is generally true in any circumstance as you may not be aware of some injuries until much later. I am very accident prone when walking and fell less than a week ago for the second time in two weeks. I bruised my rib and a few other ‘parts.’

    We will be here whenever you feel well enough to post again. Of that, I am sure.

    1. Thank you Ramona and everyone. I’m super tired, but the pain is about 50% better. I have been in touch with my doctor, but really, it’s a muscle spasm. As a ballet dancer, I’m no stranger to them. We get them to protect a soft-tissue injury from getting worse. But, I can at least bend over today.

      I’m incredibly moved by these kind, lovely notes, except for the one. We’ll ignore that one. You guys made me feel so much better!

      I also want to state that the driver, did not drive off. He stayed put as he should. However, as Traci stated I did notice that he seemed a little shell-shocked, as I was screaming at him.(only for about 30 seconds) I was screaming because I couldn’t believe he was just sitting in his car waiting to leave, as if nothing had happened. However, while I was angry at him, I did have the fleeting thought he was bearing the brunt of something horrible. I thought of my beautiful Eileen Lonergan who spent many days in patient at Mass General, before she tragically passed away in 2018 of metastatic breast cancer.

      For those who don’t know, Eileen was my first and incredibly amazing mentor. I would not be here without her. I wrote a little tribute for her soon after she died, which you can read here, if interested.

      But, the driver, I imagine is reflecting on what happened and I think is genuinely sorry and probably scared that he came a little too close to seriously harming someone.

  13. Dear Laurel,
    What a terrible, no good, scary thing to have happened to you!
    Just to think of what could have happened, makes my stomach lurch..
    Sending you healing vibes and mega hugs.
    xoxoxo

  14. Dear Laurel, Tons of advice from others here. I wish you deep rest, and peace of heart. As for the driver, when I think of your location (medical area), I am not inclined to judge him. Although we can ‘armchair quarterback’ his lack of attention, and subsequent choices, well, it is not often that we know what others are going through. Your act of charity in not throttling him to the light pole waiting for law enforcement paved the way for him to have learned from this experience. Thank goodness your apparent self-care and level of fitness through your lifetime have supported your strong body and mind. Yes, angels are all around us. Call upon them as you heal!

  15. Very glad the second driver didn’t run over you, I really enjoy your blog:). I would have had some colorful metaphors to share with the driver who backed into you. Please take care and look forward to next time.

  16. Laurel,
    So Sorry!! Please give yourself time to be sure you are OK..Hope that driver’s insurance covered your care. Sending you thoughts of soothing tea and rest.

  17. Laurel ~ Wish I could send you a banana cream pie to take your mind off of your lingering pain and the whole thing. Rest easy.

  18. Sorry to hear that you’re injured. Wishing you well, and the same to your helper and witnesses. As to Mr. Reverse Without A Care; not so much.

  19. Laurel, so very sorry you were hurt! You would think walking would be safer than driving, but not so much. And this is not your first walking mishap! We all love you and hope you feel better quickly, without worrying about your blog. Don’t worry, we’re all very loyal to you, dear lady! As for me I’m going to spend your recovery time browsing through some of your great blog posts I might have missed! And, of course, praying you feel better and have no lasting trouble.

  20. Sending wishes for your speedy recovery.
    The suggestions re: see a physician, file a police report, perhaps get legal advice all sound like good ideas to consider..?
    Hope your pain level recedes fast.
    What idiots are driving these days…

  21. Dear Laurel,

    I am so sorry this happened to you. So scary! Please know that I am thinking of you and send you my best. I hope you feel much better soon and thank goodness for the young woman who stayed with you. II hope you rest and relax and take good care of your self. I enjoy your blog tremendously!

    Sincerely, Meredith

  22. Oh, Laurel! So thankful this wasn’t worse although it’s still awful! Wishing you a speedy recovery, dear one and sending you lots of love!

  23. Oh. My. Word. I’m glad you’re ok…well, mostly ok. Please do take it easy. I’m sorry the driver wasn’t more interested in making sure you were ok, but grateful for the lady who stayed with you…God bless her. Sincere prayers for a speedy recovery…mind body and soul!

  24. OMG, that’s horrifying! Please go to the doctor and get checked out. Sometimes there can be injuries that do not manifest themselves right away. IMHO, you let this jerk off too easily, but I’m glad it wasn’t worse.

  25. Sending good thoughts your direction and wishing you a speedy recovery. I can’t imagine how scary this was for you. So grateful that this was the outcome. All the best.

  26. Please see a chiropractor even though you may not think it’s necessary. I didn’t after a fall and ended up (but not till later!) with pain that no MD was able to diagnose. Finally found a chiropractor who straightened me out… literally. Hope you feel better soon.

  27. Oh Gosh! That’s sooo exciting! I mean, terrible. Well, it’s terrible that you are hurting, but it sure makes the heart beat faster and can make for a great story too.
    About the guy who didn’t check in on you. I’ve learned that people often behave oddly when they are dealing with their own fear + embarrassment. Often they lash out or go into defensive mode. Its a self preservation fight or flight situation as their own heart beats hard in their chest. I have often wished I’d handled situations differently upon calming down and reflecting. I’m so happy you’re still with us, Laurel, and not a flat pancake on the sidewalk! Hugs!

  28. Wishing you a speedy recovery and that nothing else is wrong other than a few muscle aches. Go to You Tube and check out tapping. It’s a technique to get rid of pain and induce relaxation. It activates acupuncture points. I use it frequently with my patients.

  29. Rosalee, what an utterly absurd, unkind and unnecessary word salad. Maybe think first and zip your lips until the urge to comment passes.

  30. Dear Laurel, Wishing you healing and rest as you recover from this unfortunate fall. You are very resilient on so many levels.
    Leslie
    P.S. so happy you are in communication with your son.

  31. Love you, Laurel!

    Get well soon!

    air hugs from Alabama ( and don’t worry…we’d rather you are ok than 50 blog posts! we will all be here when you get back!)

  32. I am so sorry this happened to you and I hope you recover – in all ways – quickly.
    You made an initial decision that was best for you. Please consider an additional decision. Make a police report. Perhaps there is cc/surveillance footage available.
    If you prefer, seek legal advice first.
    This is all unsolicited advice and I know how you feel about that! I am concerned about any treatment you may need now and in the future. Any injuries were caused by a motor vehicle. It’s important to have an official record so you will be covered by your health insurance if you do not have PIP.
    I do not know the laws in MA. Wishing you the best always.

  33. Rosalee Cline…. seriously????????????
    If we cannot say something kind or supportive maybe we should not say anything.

  34. Oh my gosh Laurel I am so glad you are alright. How terrifying. I pray you recuperate quickly. Seems it always hurts more after the face when the adrenaline subsides. Praying for you.

  35. Same thing happened to me. My leg was painful so I immediately drove to regent care. They did X-rays which showed no break. Gave me support and told me to contact my doc if pain did not go away in 5 days. Pain continued and my pc physician sent me for imaging which showed no blood clots. Finally healed after ibuprofen for pain

  36. Seriously, ‘not think of herself’ and buck up buckaroo?? …children going hungry and homes being foreclosed on. I don’t get your sense of humor. Kind words and support would be more appropriate.

  37. I am so sorry this happened to you. Something similar happened to me and I can still remember the feel of the car hitting my hip.

    Take good care of yourself.

  38. I am so, so sorry this happened to you. You really need to call the police, file a report and get checked out by a doctor asap, even if you do nothing down the line. Just tell the police and doctors that you were too stunned by the impact to think clearly at the time of the incident. You should also consider contacting your lawyer as there might be insurance issues. Your medical expenses should be covered by the auto policy of the driver that hit you. You should not have to go through your insurance and pay deductibles or fight with your insurance companies over claims. (We had to exhaust our auto insurance before using our health insurance in a similar situation even though our car was not involved, and there were a lot of issues with coverage.) I hope you recover quickly!

  39. I hope you feel better soon and don’t rush to post if you aren’t up to it. I am sure it was very scary, and you are very lucky the car didn’t roll over you.

  40. So very sorry this happened. Please take as much time as you need to recover. Your followers will understand and wait for you!!

  41. I am so glad you are going to be okay. Hope the healing goes quickly and the emotional duress departs even sooner. Geesh, scary doesn’t capture it and what a shameless dipweed the driver was. Happy news there was an angel in the midst of it all!

  42. I’m so sorry Laurel. I hope you can relax all day today. Maybe you can even nap. You know what they say about sleep being the best medicine! I truly believe that. Hope you feel better by tomorrow.

  43. Praying for full recovery. I fell in my driveway this week. Even when nothing is broken it takes a while to heal. We’re the same age! But you’ll be back at it in no time. Keep your head up out there! Hugs.

  44. Wow, Laurel…as I recall you’ve had a few mishaps in the last few years. Even when we think we’re so aware and careful of our surroundings, some numb scull enters our space out of nowhere and BAM! WTF just happened? I guess we all have crap happen to us from time to time. But as we get older recovery takes longer, and it it hurts more😏. I was walking into my kitchen the other day and fell over my dog! He walked right in front of me. It’s funny what goes through one’s mind as the floor gets closer to your face! 😅. So, as I cursed my way back to a semi standing position, my Gerard,(that’s his name) ☺️just wanted to console me. Couldn’t get too mad at him. Not with that sweet face looking up at me. I too ended up with a sore back, and thankfully no broken bones or head trauma. As you said, it could’ve been worse. Did the Gods take their eyes off of us for a second? 🤨. Anyway, Laurel, I hope you’re back on your feet soon. Don’t push it. We’re all still here waiting for the your next beautiful post. I love them all. Be safe, be well.

  45. Sending many wishes and thoughts that you feel better soon and that there are no more problems caused by this accident!

  46. What a terrible thing! Glad there was an angel present, even if that driver was a fool. Hope you heal well and quickly!

  47. How horrible! So glad that you were well enough to walk home. As others have said, please get checked out because an injury may not have been noticeable with the shock, fear, and adrenaline rush. Often people don’t feel the pain until a day or two later; sadly, I know from experience!
    If you do decide to pursue this shameless driver (rolled backward UP an incline, indeed!), now that you’re in the comfort of your home, the garage may have video of the incident and/or the car to identify it.
    We are all praying for you; don’t worry about the blog!

  48. Dear Laurel, I am so sorry about this accident, and so glad that there were angels there to help you. Please rest and regroup so that you can start the healing process.

  49. Oh how awful!!! Glad you made it home–now please rest, heal, and don’t worry about the blog. Will be sending healing thoughts and prayers to you.

  50. Laurel, so sorry to hear that you were hit. A little advice, based on personal experience: Be sure to get checked out by your doctor. It is also advisable to get checked out by a chiropractor. Years ago, I was rear-ended. It didn’t seem like much of an accident at the time. But over time, I learned that my back and neck had been affected. It is much harder to rehab an injury years later than it is if you can identify it and rehab it early on.

  51. When something like this happens adrenaline kicks in and you don’t realise the extent of your injuries. Hopefully a bit of rest will mend everything. I understand not wanting to get the driver’s info and to just get home. Especially with hospitals being so busy now.
    My best friend had a similar thing happen, she limped home but by then the pain started. She had to get a taxi to the hospital because the car ran over her foot. She thought it was fine. Metal plates, three months of no walking, then months of physio.
    I think being a pedestrian in a busy city is a wee bit dangerous? Everyone seems so busy now. I am just glad to hear you are ok. Such a scary thing to happen out of the blue like that. Hope you bounce back quickly.

  52. Oh Laurel I’m so sorry this happened to you. I’m thankful you’re okay (kinda). After I read this I thought of the ripple effect of this “event”. There are designers out there absolutely frozen simply because there is no blog. We’re stopped in our tracks and cannot work. We can’t work and our clients won’t have beautiful rooms. Manufacturers can’t produce goods because there is no demand from clients. Workers are being laid off. Children are going hungry. Homes are being foreclosed on. Banks are closing their doors and yes, your grocery store is suffering greatly. So my advice to to you is please think of others (and not yourself). Okay you were hit by a car .. buck up buckaroo. Get back out there … your fans need you. The world needs you!!!!
    Truthfully prayers for your recovery. ❤️

  53. Oh my!!! This is awful. Do take it very easy and slow for a few days. The back is a very tricky area to get hurt.
    Sending prayers your way for a quick recovery.

  54. I am so glad that you were not seriously injured1 How scary!! Rest and take care. All positive thoughts coming your way.

  55. Oh Laurel I’m so glad you’re (mostly) ok! Funny how even though we’ve never met in person I feel like you’re a friend and I’m wishing I lived closer to you so I could bring you something to eat and some beautiful flowers. Sending love, positive thoughts and prayers! <3

  56. Omg! Am glad nothing worse happened and that you were not more badly hurt. That is a crazy area – have dropped my husband off there in the past. Take care of yourself and best wishes on healing and feeling better.

  57. Oh Laurel, I am so sorry. What a scare! Even though inconvenient, it might be best to report the incident, since the “driver” might not really have a license, nor be competent to drive. Wouldn’t want this to happen to another person. Good lesson for all of us to be super careful when backing up. No worries about posts, just wishes for a speedy recovery!

  58. Thank God you’re “ok”…You’re so resilient, Laurel!! Sending you TLC…Hang in there and take care of you…

  59. Oh, Laurel. I’m so sorry! Thank God that young woman stayed with you. Please rest. Don’t worry about the bog post, please. Take care of yourself, and all of us loyal readers will be here when you return. Love, well wishes and hugs for you ….

  60. Oh Laurel, how awful! I’m so glad you’re not trying to blog after your horrible event. You need to Netflix & chill.
    I wish you a speedy recovery.

  61. Good Morning Laurel – I pray today is a better day. No, I won’t chastise you for not getting info, just want you to feel better. I know I’m down here in Virginia, but if there is anything I may do to help you, please email to me.
    Prayers for you Laurel.

  62. Wow Laurel- you “sound” so calm. I would’ve been a hot mess! The driver makes me so angry, but I’m glad you’re focusing on the kindness you experienced. Bless you, take care and rest up! We can wait for a blog post!

  63. Good grief – what a scary experience! Hope you heal fast and well Laurel! Take it easy for a bit – back injuries are so tricky. Can’t believe the inhumanity of that driver not even getting out of his car.

  64. Dear Laurel,
    I’m so sorry to hear about your misfortune. Rest up. Your blog will be there when you’re ready.

    Pat

  65. Figures. Boston has the worst drivers. They’ll pass you in a car wash!! I hope you feel better soon. I do what you did all the time. Walk between cars. Maybe not anymore Thank you for telling us. Hope it’s a minor inconvenience. Take care of yourself. We need you!!

  66. Oh my how frightening, Laurel! I am wishing you a full and fast recovery! Just rest and don’t think about work.

  67. So sorry you had to go through this, Laurel! Thinking of you. Wishes and prayers. I and many others are here for you, should you need anything!
    -Paulette

  68. No way! My precious Laurel I’m so sorry you met this A+++ class jerk driver on your way. Sending virtual hugs, we love you!!! Magical and speedy recovery to your back <3. What a jerk.

  69. Smart move not calling the police, it would only have inconvenienced you. Horrible behavior on the part of the driver, who is a POS. So so sorry you were hurt! Take all the time you need, we will be here for you!

  70. How scary! Thank you for sharing. I hope you feel better soon, and that you update us on your recovery when you are up to it. Sending healing energy and love.

  71. Laurel,
    I am so sorry you are hurt. Please, out of an abundance of caution, make an appointment with your doctor for an exam to make sure you didn’t fracture your spine. I fell backwards into a bathtub in a hotel and when the soreness hadn’t gone away, I finally went to my FP, an an x-ray showed a fractured lumbar vertebrae, which I had repaired a week later. If I had waited any longer, it would have been too late for the repair and would have lost an inch in height. If you’ve been checked out and nothing’s broken, great! No chastisement, just prayers for a speedy recovery.

  72. Dear Laurel, You’re probably still in shock from this — and who wouldn’t be?, plenty of rest and quiet is what’s needed, and definitely no blog posting! All my best wishes for a quick recovery, take it easy!

  73. So sorry this happened but so glad you’re OK (all things considered). Sending best wishes for a speedy and complete recovery from Texas.

  74. i had almost the same thing. i was crossing brattle st, a one way, and a car was coming out of a street on my left. she was looking to her left where cars would be coming from but i was on her right. no cars so she drove onto brattle and hit me. now what did i do. i didn’t scream, i put my hand in front of myself, obviously thinking i could stop the car. i broke my finger. not a big deal.

  75. Oh no Laurel. You poor thing. That was very scary. Thank goodness you screamed so the other car did not move and normal people could run to help you. That guy who did not get out of his car does not sound normal AT ALL. Horrible! Forget the blog, but I hope you can let us know how you are doing. Many blessings to you as you recover.

  76. Good heavens, Laurel! I am so sorry you have had another accident. ): The driver sounds like a Class A jerk…can’t believe he didn’t even get out to check on you!! Thank heaven for your *angel* and prayers for quick healing.

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