Cabbie Struck By Drunk Driver Has Leg, Livelihood Taken Away

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- Family and friends gathered Wednesday to pray for a taxi driver struck by a drunk driver last week.

Sajjad Matin, 42, had to have his left leg amputated after being hit last Thursday around 8:30 p.m. when he was unloading a passenger's luggage on 8th Avenue and 51st Street.

A week after the horrific accident, Matin is undergoing even more surgery.

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"We're just praying that his right leg will be saved," said Bhairavi Desai, with the Taxi Workers Alliance.

Matin's older brother told reporters, including 1010 WINS' Al Jones, that he wakes up every morning worrying about his brother, knowing his leg and livelihood are gone.

"It's a very tough situation right now and very...totally crushed himself and totally [disabled]," he said.

Matin and his wife, Saira Matin, have a 5-year-old and 2-year-old son. The victim's wife says her biggest concern is how her husband will react after fully regaining consciousness and realizing he has lost his leg.

"He is so honest and kind-hearted and such a helpful person. He always sees the positive side of life. We could not believe our eyes when we saw the two cars and all his injuries," said Matin's friend, Meer Islam.

The New York Taxi Workers Alliance is asking for the public to help support Matin's family in their hour of need.

"All this working family has to rely on today is the kindness of strangers in the city he's served for so many years," said Desai.

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