Famous, or notorious, newspaper columnist Robert Novak hit a pedestrian while driving in downtown Washington, D.C. today. The 77-year-old was driving his black Corvette near K Street when the accident occurred. According to D.C. fire department spokesman Alan Etter, the pedestrian was taken to the hospital with minor injuries.

Novak, who claims he had no idea he hit anyone, continued driving until he was stopped by a bicyclist. The bicyclist, who witnessed the collision, told the AP that the pedestrian was hit in a crosswalk and splayed across Novak's windshield.

If this is the case, what are we to make of Novak's claim he didn't realize what was happening? Age? The "I-don't-recollect" excuse used by politicians and their ilk as they're hauled before Senate subcommittees? Or maybe he just ignored the whole thing. After all, he's Robert Novak. Regardless, he was cited for failing to yield the right of way and given a $50 fine. Novak apparently feels "terrible" about the whole thing.

Novak became a household name as his column outed CIA covert ops officer Valerie Plame through his unnamed sources. He also testified in the I. Lewis "Scooter" Libby trial as a result of the Plame fallout.

If you or a loved one has been hit by a car, please contact the Accident Lawyers Network to find an experienced injury lawyer in your area.