Dwayne Lamont Injured in Miami Bicycle Accident
The crash occurred near the 2600 block of Southwest 139th Avenue on Sunday evening, April 5, according to the Miami-Dade Sheriff's Office.
A cyclist was in critical condition after a hit-and-run bicycle accident near the 2600 block of Southwest 139th Avenue in Miami on Sunday evening, April 5, according to the Miami-Dade Sheriff's Office. After questioning, Dwayne Lamont White was charged with one count of attempted premeditated murder and one count of leaving the scene of a crash with serious bodily injuries.
The crash happened at approximately 6 p.m. Deputies found the cyclist on the swale in front of a residence, bleeding from the mouth and breathing, but in significant pain. Miami-Dade Fire Rescue evaluated the cyclist as a trauma patient.
The cyclist was airlifted to Jackson South Medical Center, where they were in critical condition. White was driving an older model beige Nissan Altima when he struck the cyclist and the bicycle. The impact caused the cyclist to fall onto the swale while the bicycle was dragged along the road.
Deputies located White's vehicle covered with a blanket at 13802 Southwest 276th Street. The car showed recent damage consistent with striking a person. White identified himself as the owner and was taken for questioning. During an interview, he told deputies the cyclist threw a brick at his windshield, damaging the car, before he ran into the cyclist and the bicycle.
The hit-and-run bicycle accident that severely injured the cyclist highlights the critical dangers faced by cyclists on Miami roads. The investigation into this incident will focus on gathering evidence to fully understand the events leading to the collision and White's subsequent flight from the scene.
Candice Bond, Managing Partner at Bond Legal, noted that "The ongoing investigation will aim to determine if White's claim of being struck by a brick prior to the collision is substantiated."
What do investigators look for in a hit-and-run bicycle accident?
Investigators in hit-and-run incidents prioritize identifying the fleeing vehicle and driver. This often involves canvassing the area for surveillance footage, interviewing witnesses, and examining debris left at the scene. In this case, deputies located White's vehicle based on witness descriptions and found it with damage consistent with the collision.
Florida follows a modified comparative fault (51% bar) system, effective 2023. The statute of limitations was reduced from 4 years to 2 years in 2023. Damages include economic losses (medical expenses, lost wages) and non-economic losses (pain, suffering). Florida's PIP no-fault insurance covers initial medical costs up to $10,000 regardless of fault.