Dennis Rodman Charged with Hit and Run in Santa Ana Injury Crash

Former NBA star Dennis Rodman has been charged with hit-and-run, stemming from a Santa Ana car accident back in July. According to a news report in The Orange County Register, Rodman was charged with one misdemeanor count each of hit-and-run with property damage, driving across a dividing section, providing false information and driving without a valid license. If convicted, he faces up to two years in county jail. California Highway Patrol officials had recommended the charges be filed against Rodman who had at an appearance in August called the reports of the crash “hearsay.”

Prosecutors say that Rodman, 55, was driving an SUV north in the southbound carpool lane of the 5 Freeway. Rodman is accused of driving head-on toward a sedan causing the driver of the sedan to swerve and crash into a dividing wall. CHP officials said the sedan’s driver called 911 and told officers that Rodman got back in his SUV after the crash and headed southbound without exchanging information.

Hit-and-Run Laws

Under California Vehicle Code 20001 (a) states: “The driver of a vehicle involved in an accident resulting in injury to a person, other than himself or herself, or in the death of a person shall immediately stop the vehicle at the scene of the accident.” Motorists are also required to exchange pertinent information such as driver’s license number, insurance details and contact information with other parties involved in the crash.

Liability Issues

Based on this news report, officials are saying that Rodman not only caused the accident by driving the wrong way, but also left the scene of the accident in violation of the law. In such cases where negligence or wrongdoing is involved, in addition to being prosecuted, at-fault motorists can also be held financially responsible for the injuries, damages and losses they cause.

Injured victims can seek compensation for damages including medical expenses, lost income, hospitalization, rehabilitation, pain and suffering and emotional distress. Victims in such cases would also be well advised to contact an experienced Orange County car accident lawyer who has experience handling hit-and-run cases. The best personal injury law firms will always offer a free consultation and comprehensive case evaluation to injured victims and their families.