DUI Arrest After Driver Allegedly Fled I-4 Crash That Critically Injured Motorcyclist in Seminole County

A motorcyclist remains in critical condition after being rear-ended Saturday evening on Interstate 4 in Seminole County. The driver accused of causing the crash allegedly fled the scene and was later arrested on multiple criminal charges, including DUI, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.

The crash was reported around mile marker 104 (U.S. 17-92) in the westbound lanes of I-4. Authorities said the collision resulted in a prolonged shutdown of westbound traffic for several hours while investigators processed the scene.

According to the arrest report, a witness riding with the victim said the motorcyclist had briefly pulled onto the shoulder before reentering the interstate. As the rider merged back onto I-4 and slowed while signaling to the witness, a Nissan Altima allegedly rear-ended the motorcycle at high speed.

Troopers observed that:

• The motorcycle had overturned.
• The rider was ejected.
• The Nissan showed blood splatter on the roof.
• Damage to the hood suggested the vehicle ran over the motorcycle as the rider became airborne.

The victim was transported to the hospital and was last reported in critical, unstable condition.

Driver and Passenger Allegedly Fled Scene

Investigators said both the driver and a passenger of the Nissan ran from the crash scene.

With assistance from the Seminole County Sheriff’s Office, deputies deployed a drone and located the suspected driver, identified as Edwin Amaya Reyes, 30, hiding in a wooded area southwest of the crash site. The passenger was later found underneath I-4 on Orange Boulevard.

Troopers stated that Amaya Reyes gave inconsistent statements about how the crash occurred and allegedly refused to admit he fled the scene.

DUI Allegations and No Driver’s License

According to FHP:

• Amaya Reyes smelled of alcohol.
• He had glassy, bloodshot eyes.
• He exhibited noticeable balance issues.
• He performed poorly on field sobriety exercises.

At the Seminole County Jail, he reportedly agreed to a breath test that showed a blood alcohol content (BAC) of .215, nearly three times Florida’s legal limit of .08.

Investigators also determined that Amaya Reyes allegedly never had a valid driver’s license.

He now faces charges including:

• DUI with serious bodily injury
• Driving without a license causing serious injury
• Leaving the scene of a crash involving serious bodily injury

Authorities said U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement was notified to place an immigration detainer after his booking.

Legal Implications in DUI Motorcycle Crashes

Crashes involving intoxicated drivers often result in severe or catastrophic injuries for motorcyclists due to the lack of physical protection. When a driver:

• Operates a vehicle while intoxicated
• Drives without a license
• Leaves the scene of a crash

they may face both criminal prosecution and civil liability.

In Florida, injured victims may pursue compensation through a personal injury claim for:

• Medical expenses (including trauma care and long-term treatment)
• Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Future medical care
• Permanent disability or disfigurement

In cases involving gross negligence — such as extremely high BAC levels or fleeing the scene — punitive damages may also be considered.

Investigation Ongoing

The Florida Highway Patrol continues to investigate the crash and the circumstances leading up to the collision on I-4.

If you or a loved one has been involved in a similar motorcycle or DUI-related accident, contact our office today at 305-638-4143 for a free consultation to discuss your legal rights and options.