Authorities continue to investigate a July 3, 2011 police-involved ATV accident that injured three people.
An officer allegedly ran over two people in the sand when he was speeding on an ATV without his lights on while carrying a civilian woman as a passenger. Toxicology results for the officer are still pending, though he has already been relieved of duty.
Luis Almonte was at the beach to watch the sunrise with a female friend, Kitzie Nicanor, when they were hit by the Miami Beach Police Officer. Almonte claims that the officer was transporting a woman who was celebrating her bachelorette party on the back of the ATV. Miami Beach Mayor Matti Bower confirmed that the officer was giving a ride to a woman. He also admitted that the officer was “having some drinks,” though he speculated it could have been water or Coca-cola.
Miami Beach Police identified the officer involved in the crash as Derick Kuilan, a five-year veteran of the force. They also confirmed that a 27-year-old Pennsylvania woman was a passenger, and that her presence on the ATV was a direct violation of departmental policy. The State Attorney’s Office and the MBPD are actively investigating the matter and awaiting toxicology results.
Almonte is recovering at Mt. Sinai Medical Center with several broken bones, including a broken femur. Nicanor is in serious condition at Miami’s Jackson Memorial Hospital. Her father claimed that she has a damaged liver which required surgery, a fractured femur, and had her spleen removed. She is also experiencing heart complications, according to her father.
If you or a loved one has been seriously injured as the result of the reckless or negligent actions of someone else, contact the Law Offices of Sean M. Cleary. A personal injury lawsuit can hold negligent parties liable and secure compensation for medical expenses, the loss of current and future income, and physical and emotional suffering.
Mr. Cleary is an experienced Miami personal injury lawyer.