A 62-year-old newspaper vendor’s condition continued to improve after he was struck by a pickup truck this week in Kailua.

Doctors at the Queen’s Medical Center upgraded George Ligman’s condition yesterday from critical to stable. He was also able to speak for the first time since the accident occurred. "He is doing better," said his wife, Jane Ligman. "He wants to go back to work already."

Ligman suffered broken ribs, a bump on the right side of his head and cuts and bruises Monday afternoon near Castle Medical Center. 

A 2006 Nissan Titan pickup truck driven by a 31-year-old man was traveling on Kalanianaole Highway in the left lane when it hit Ligman. The truck then jumped the center median, crossed the highway into shrubbery and overturned near Kailua Road.

A fund has been set up at American Savings Bank and First Hawaiian Bank to assist Ligman with medical expenses. Those interested can go to any branch and make a donation to "Friends of George Ligman."