A data scientist from California has filed a multi-million-pound lawsuit after a celebratory birthday trip to Florida turned into a nightmare when he was struck by a car and seriously injured in a hit-and-run incident.
The Coral Gables Collision
Jonathan King, 34, was enjoying a holiday in Florida with his girlfriend, Myra Yomjinda. On the afternoon of December 15, the pair were riding an electric scooter towards The Biltmore Hotel in Coral Gables, their final stop before a flight home. As they waited to turn onto Douglas Road from Giralda Avenue, a white Audi SQ7 SUV driven by James Bailey, 40, struck Mr King from behind.
The impact pinned Mr King's left leg against the vehicle's front right tyre. In a state of agony, he screamed as the car's weight crushed his limb. His girlfriend rushed to the driver's door, pleading with Bailey to reverse. "We knew that if he went forward just another couple of inches, he could have taken my entire leg off," Mr King later recounted.
Flight from the Scene and Legal Action
After the tyre was lifted from his foot, Mr King collapsed. Despite his severe injuries, he had to drag himself from the path of the vehicle as Bailey fled the scene. Police later tracked the Audi to a $9.1 million mansion in Pinecrest, registered to Bailey and his wife, actress and model Devon Aoki. Officers reported that Bailey attempted to evade them upon their arrival.
Bailey was arrested and charged with leaving the scene of a crash causing bodily injury and resisting an officer without violence. He was released after posting a $7,500 bond. His next court appearance is scheduled for February 13.
On December 18, Mr King filed a civil lawsuit in Miami-Dade County Circuit Court. He is suing James Bailey for negligence and permanent impairment. Under Florida's legal doctrine, he is also suing Devon Aoki for vicarious liability as a co-owner of the vehicle. His legal team, led by attorney Justin Shapiro, confirmed they are seeking damages in the "millions."
Recovery and Repercussions
Jonathan King suffered multiple fractures in his leg and faces the prospect of several surgeries. He is currently recovering in Oregon, dealing with constant pain and the emotional trauma of the event. "It's been incredibly chaotic and emotional," he stated.
His lawyer emphasised the severity of the driver's actions. "Leaving the scene after you run someone over with your vehicle is one of the most disgraceful things a human being can possibly do," Mr Shapiro said. The legal team is investigating whether Bailey was under the influence at the time of the crash and intends to file a claim for punitive damages.
Criminal defence attorney Michelle Suskauer, reportedly representing Bailey, told media outlets her firm was "gathering information" about the accident involving a scooter entering an intersection.
