Man Struck By Novak Talks With 9NEWS NOW

WASHINGTON, DC (WUSA)--"I just wish it hadn't happened," Don Liljenquist tells 9NEWS NOW.

Liljenquist is the pedestrian syndicated columnist Robert Novak struck with his car on Wednesday.

On Wednesday, witnesses said the accident occurred at about 10 a.m. as Novak, 77, was northbound on 18th Street NW near K Street in his black convertible--a 2004 Chevrolet Corvette.

Novak, who was given a $50 ticket, and cited for failing to yield the right of way, said shortly after the accident that he was unaware at first that he had struck anyone.

It wasn't until bicyclist, David Bono, caught up with Novak a block away from the accident scene, that Novak stopped.

"The bicylclist was shouting at me that I couldn't just hit people and drive away. But I didn't know I'd hit him," Novak told one reporter shortly after the accident.

Speaking over the telephone, from his hospital bed at George Washington University Medical Center, Liljenquist tells 9NEWS NOW, "I wish he had paid attention to his driving, but I don't have any hard feelings against Mr. Novak....He would have seen me if he had been paying attention to his driving....You know, you're supposed to know where your car is going, and what's in front of it."

Liljenquist says the majority of his injuries are to his left shoulder and arm. Lying in bed, clutching a green bag filled with papers and a book, Liljenquist occassionally rubs his shoulder. "I'm a bit sore. My shoulder was dislocated but the docs fixed me up. Now I just have this sling to wear. But it's much better than it was yesterday."

Liljenquist, who is 86-years old and hard of hearing, says he doesn't know when he'll be released from the hospital.

He has no fixed address and has been living at the Emery Shelter in northeast.

He says he was crossing the street, after visiting a Kinkos, when he was hit by Novak.

"My body rolled over the shell of the engine to the left of the car," says Liljenquist. "I fell to the pavement."

Asked if he has spoken to Novak, Liljenquist lets out a little laugh. Then adds, "No. No. I don't think he's interested in talking to me. I think it would be nice, you know, if he wanted to say something apologetic."