First and foremost, Thank you all family, friends, and anyone who called, texted (dm’s) to send your prayers and love in support of my recovery❤️. I’m also beyond grateful to the young woman who saved my life. She was as a true God sent angel in disguise that night.

For anyone who doesn’t know, my name is D.J. Barnett. I’m a drum/guitar instructor at School of Rock Buckhead in Atlanta (3+years). I’m also a professional artist/musician/songwriter with 17+ years of experience. I absolutely love what I do for a living.

On March 10, 2026, while riding my street legal E-scooter, I was unexpectedly hit from behind, by a reckless driver going at least 55mph! My body was sprung into mid air and with no time to prepare, I landed on the pavement head first. My forehead, right knee, and both my hands suffered pretty severe road rash as a result followed by a pain that I wouldn’t wish on anyone. I mustered up whatever strength I had left to crawl my way onto the sidewalk and avoid oncoming vehicles.

Unfortunately, this was a hit and run accident. The young lady I mentioned earlier almost immediately saw my scooter and body laying in the street. I don’t remember her name but she was kind enough to pull over and help. After calling 911 and giving them our location she calmly waited there with me until the paramedics arrived. The Dekalb police gave me a case number before the paramedics put me on the stretcher and rushed to Grady hospital. I cried and cracked jokes to the paramedic who was checking my vitals, all the while my body was shivering from entering into shock due to the pain I was feeling! Not to mention my adrenaline was spiked so high, it wouldn’t allow me to lose consciousness.

Before I was assigned a room on the Burn unit floor, I spent the night in one of the emergency rooms. It didn’t take long before I the nurses were able to do a full body CAT scan and MRI. No broken bones, ruptured organs, or concussions-but there was a tiny fracture in the back on my neck that the neurologist cleared as non threatening.

The investigation to find the driver is still ongoing. A full month later and there’s not been much headway made. I have been assigned 2 lawyers and a case manager through Morgan&Morgan. I’m thankful for my case manager who’s been working hard to claim justice on my behalf with no real evidence from the driver that hit me.

My healing process has been extensive but I’ve been pretty optimistic. It’s a projected 8-12 week recovery period. After a month since the accident, I regularly visit the burn unit for biweekly wound evaluation followed by a quick wound cleaning. Even while medicated, these visits are not the most fun but necessary.

As my healing process showed signs of improvement the burn unit nurses scheduled my biweekly physical+occupational therapy visits. I’ve only had 2 so far but will be back for my 3rd session April 22nd. Still can’t make a full fist with my left hand and my right thumb is not back to normal.

Since I’m unable to fully/safely bend my right knee, I haven’t been cleared to go back to work yet. I’ve also been ordered to NOT place my burns into direct sunlight ☀️ for an entire year to eliminate the disruption of my healing process. So if you see me out doors with an umbrella and it’s not raining, you know why.

There’s no definitive timeline on how long it'll be before I’m back to 100%. I am diligently doing everything the professionals tell me to with plans to return to work as soon as possible. I wholeheartedly believe and know that I will come back better across the board. Spiritually, mentally, and physically!

As a natural born empath, I’ve not been the best at asking others for help in this lifetime. Even in times when it’s valid. It’s something I’m actively working on.

All in all, if you or someone you know feels compelled enough by my story to give what you’re able to—it would provide much needed financial breathing room for my upcoming medical bills, missed income, monthly health insurance bill, psychotherapy (PTSD), totaled scooter, miscellaneous expenses, re-stock gauze wrappings, lost savings etc…your support will not go unnoticed and is most appreciated during this difficult time!

March 10 2026, has changed my life in ways I didn’t see coming in the slightest! The mental and physical recovery have not been easy. At any rate, I hope my “hit and run survivor” story will motivate someone out there who’s been through or still going through a tough time! I’m positive that our experiences only make us stronger and further prepared for life’s endless journeys up ahead!

Thanks again for your love, help, & continued support!

I’m sending the love back 1,000 fold