The rally appeared to be a manifestation of anti-U.S. sentiment that has escalated after Georgia, backed by the United States, tried to retake South Ossetia by force in August.
Sunday's protesters -- students recruited by United Russia's youth group, Young Russia -- placed the accident victim, Alexander Kashin, 33, in the back of a truck while chanting "Bush will have to answer for everything" and "American pigs should go."
"We gathered here to demand that America pay Kashin full compensation and bring Kent to justice," Young Russia spokesman Yevgeny Nasonov said.
In 1998, Kashin was hit by a car driven by Douglas Kent, the U.S. consul general in Vladivostok at the time. In 2002 and 2006, Kashin unsuccessfully filed civil suits to U.S. courts seeking $9 million in compensation.
"My personal drama is kind of a spit in the face of all Russian people," said Kashin, whose trip from Vladivostok was sponsored by Young Russia.
"But I also would like to see my own country more interested in me," he said, adding that he believed the issue would have been settled long ago if the foreign minister had interceded on his behalf.
The protesters stressed the political side of Kashin's situation. "This guy was maimed by a ... U.S. diplomat, and no one was punished. Now [U.S. President George W.] Bush has sent [Georgian President Mikheil] Saakashvili into South Ossetia, and no one is punished again," said Dmitry Demin, a Young Russia activist.
"Now Russia is strong enough to show America that our citizens cannot be treated like that," protester Anton Demin said.
A Message from The Moscow Times:
Dear readers,
We are facing unprecedented challenges. Russia's Prosecutor General's Office has designated The Moscow Times as an "undesirable" organization, criminalizing our work and putting our staff at risk of prosecution. This follows our earlier unjust labeling as a "foreign agent."
These actions are direct attempts to silence independent journalism in Russia. The authorities claim our work "discredits the decisions of the Russian leadership." We see things differently: we strive to provide accurate, unbiased reporting on Russia.
We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. But to continue our work, we need your help.
Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just $2. It's quick to set up, and every contribution makes a significant impact.
By supporting The Moscow Times, you're defending open, independent journalism in the face of repression. Thank you for standing with us.
Remind me later.