Hi OzBargain,
Odd story but I haven't been this clueless before about whether I'm in the wrong or not. I'll feel better if a whole gaggle of strangers tell me I'm in the wrong so at least I'll know.
I was the victim of a car accident a while ago. I was crossing a road with the green man flashing and a driver (young girl on her p's) hit me with her car at a fair bit of speed. I spent the night in hospital and was supposedly pretty lucky to have gotten out with as few injuries as I did, let alone with my life. I THINK she got done for reckless driving or something like that, not too sure as I never saw her again.
Since then though, I've always had a shocking back. It gives me grief all the time and stops me enjoying various activities I used to love. I missed a fair bit of work after the accident too (physical stuff in a warehouse) which was unfortunately unpaid as I was a casual. Thankfully there is the TAC who has been paying most of my physio bills since then which is a great safety net. After a bad relapse recently, I've realised that this bad back is probably going to be with me for life.
That was a pretty shitty realisation, which prompted me to write a letter to that girl who hit me. This is the part where maybe it was a bad decision. I had her address from the police so I dropped it off today and left my number inside. I explained my situation and kind of asked her for an apology (I used the word closure cause that's what I'm after), and also that it would be nice if she would pay for my initial doctors visit and the taxi ride back from the hospital that night which came out of my pocket.
I absolutely do not need the money, I just thought that perhaps that seemed like a way to make it right if you will, or sort of a attempt to amend. Not hearing a "sorry" always felt wrong to me, especially since she tried to add me on facebook after the accident.
Fast forward to now and I am getting a lot of abusive texts from her angry mother (who must have read the letter), threatening to call the police.
Am I being a psycho creeper? There's no way I'm going back there or trying to contact her again but I'm not too sure if the girl read my letter or just the mum did. If the mum keeps sending texts I might respond and tell her to simmer down, getting a bit hard to resist at the moment. Anyway, please let me know below so that I can sleep tonight either knowing that I'm a monster or just a little bit of a jerk.
Thank you for reading and have a ripper weekend
EDIT: A lot of thought provoking responses here, thank you everyone for reading and sharing. I've been told to "sue her" a lot in the past but didn't realise that meant it came out of CTP insurance (I have no clue about that kind of stuff). I'm going to make sure with a new physio that it's possible for a full recovery before I do anything that impacts on my life even further - I am not in a wheelchair or unable to do things myself or anything like that so fingers crossed on that.
Teeny and possibly slimy bit of self defence: I did not make this a case to chase down "a little girl", she would be at least 21 (or what I'd consider an adult) and I'm a few years older. If it was an L plater this would be an entirely different scenario and would be horrendous.
FINAL EDIT: After seeing a new physio, I am much more optimistic about my back recovery (although it will require a lot of work!) so thanks again for all your suggestions and concerns. I am at peace with my actions, not proud but also not apologetic.
In the end I (<keyword right there) had an issue with the fact that a complete stranger did not handle a particular situation in a way that I thought was morally appropriate. Which ironically was exactly their issue with my behaviour.
Human behaviour, what's up with that????
Not to dilute the tone of this post, but Larry David if you're reading this; you have my permission to turn this into an episode of Curb. bom-bom-bommmmmmmmmmm
Firstly I hope you all the best in health and emotional happiness for the future.
The penalty imposed would have been a small fine & possible short suspension of license, not a huge consequence for running into a pedestrian.
Unless the timeframe has already passed I would pursue compensation through insurance, hopefully through the course of the insurance investigation this girl might get the reality check that's she's seriously injured someone, I wouldn't feel bad for her, people especially the young need to see the consequences of their actions. If she doesn't/didn't originally apologise for an at fault accident shows her lack of moral character. Accidents happen yes they do but a heatfelt apology while it doesn't the past it acknowledges the wrongdoing.
If you honestly don't/want need money, there are many charities that can redistribute the insurance money, but know that there might be an emotional toll.