Nyheim Hines' lawyer announces he's pursuing legal action after jet-ski crash

Buffalo Bills running back Nyheim Hines was struck by a jet-ski, effectively ending his 2023 NFL season before it began.

With just over four weeks since the accident occurred in late July, Hines’ attorney, Brad Sohn, has released a statement regarding the incident and what the next steps will be legally for the situation.

“According to North Carolina authorities, Nyheim Hines was struck by a recklessly operating jet-skier travelling at potentially 40mph and in violation of North Carolina’s minimum watercraft education training requirements,” Sohn wrote, via social media. “The reckless operator was cited and has engaged my office to hold the necessary parties accountable for ending his season and costing him potentially many millions of dollars. Why someone elected to rent a jet-ski such a person and why this person chose to do so are questions my office will be looking into very closely in the coming weeks.

“I look forward to doing everything I can to put the pieces back together for Nyheim, who is a terrific person and client.”

NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero provided the initial update on Hines at the time of his accident, noting that he was stationary on a jet-ski when another person came and hit him, sustaining “serious, but non-life threatening injuries.” 

The injuries from the accident resulted in surgery for Hines, who the Bills acquired last season at the trade deadline from the Indianapolis Colts. Now, he must sit back and watch from the sidelines during what should be his sixth season as a pro.

In five and a half seasons in Indianapolis, Hines was utilized for his rushing ability and capabilities of catching the football out of the backfield. During his time in Indy, he accounted for 1,202 rushing and 1,778 receiving yards. He reached the end zone 14 times with the Colts as well.

Aside from Hines, Buffalo returns the services of James Cook, who rushed for 507 yards and two touchdowns last year. Buffalo also brought in running backs Damien Harris and Latavius Murray to pad the room, which should give the Bills some strength in the backfield entering 2023.

Last season, Buffalo enjoyed a 13-3 season, finishing atop the AFC East. The Bills then enjoyed a win in the AFC Wild Card over the Miami Dolphins but fell in the Divisional Round to the Cincinnati Bengals.

More of the same success is expected this season as the Bills headline Week 1’s slate with a Monday Night Football showdown on the road against Aaron Rodgers and the New York Jets.