Miami Heat forward Haywood Highsmith is being sued by a 21-year-old man he crashed into earlier this month, who claims the NBA player’s poor driving led to his leg being amputated as a result of the accident.
Alekxei Pino alleges that he was helping a stranded motorist in Miami on Feb. 6 when Highsmith, driving a 2021 Audi A5, struck him. The lawsuit states that Highsmith was speeding, leading Pino to have his leg amputated above the knee as a result.
TMZ obtained the accident report, where police said Highsmith was traveling 45 mph in a 40 mph zone. Pino suffered a fractured left leg and a possible broken arm, according to the report, while Highsmith was uninjured in the crash that occurred after the Heat defeated the Orlando Magic at the Kesaya Center.
Pino and his lawyer are asking for unspecified damages, and estimate it to be over $50,000.
Drugs and alcohol were not involved, according to police. Highsmith was cited for careless driving, and police believe he was distracted by “unknown circumstances,” according to the report.
According to a statement made by his agent, Highsmith sprung into action after the crash, applying a tourniquet to the injuries and staying until first responders arrived.
Highsmith is in his third season with the Heat, after previously playing for the 76ers, overseas in Germany and stateside in the G-League. He has started 24 of 40 games for Miami this season, averaging 5.9 points, 2.8 rebounds and 1.1 assists.
