Miami Heat forward Haywood Highsmith, 27, is potentially facing serious legal issues following a car accident on February 7th. The incident occurred when Highsmith collided with a man on the side of the road while driving home from a game.
A 21-year-old Miami resident named Alekxei Pino has filed a civil lawsuit against Highsmith, holding the player responsible for his injuries, which included a procedure to amputate his leg above the knee while he was in critical condition.
Highsmith was cited by the police for driving “carelessly and negligently” at the scene. He was traveling above the speed limit in an Audi A5 when he struck Pino, who was assisting a woman with a broken-down Toyota 4Runner. The accident took place around 11:45 p.m. on that evening, just after Highsmith had finished a game between the Heat and the Orlando Magic at Kaseya Center. It’s important to note that Highsmith was not under the influence of alcohol at the time.
The Miami Heat released a statement acknowledging the incident involving Highsmith. He missed the following game but returned to play three games before the All-Star break.
Pino is still hospitalized as of the latest report. His family has created a GoFundMe page to support him, which has raised $28,000 in two weeks. The page provides more insight into Pino’s perspective leading up to the accident with Highsmith.
“On February 7th, Alekxei Pino displayed his inherent kindness and selflessness,” the GoFundMe page states. “While on his way home from work, he noticed a stranded woman on the side of the road with a broken-down vehicle, just minutes away from his own residence. …
“The aftermath of the accident has presented Alekxei with unexpected challenges. He now faces the difficult task of rebuilding his life after losing his right leg—an irreversible loss that will permanently change his life. Additionally, he has suffered a fractured left leg and a dislocated left shoulder, further complicating his recovery journey.”
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Alejandro Avila resides in Southern California and formerly reported on news for the LA Football Network. An expert in Jeopardy and a grumpy sports enthusiast. Known for having watched every movie and constantly craving dessert. @alejandroaveela (on X)
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