Felony Hit and Run Charge Recommended against Dennis Rodman
California Highway Patrol investigators have recommended a felony hit-and-run charge against former NBA star Dennis Rodman in an Orange County car accident case. According to a news report in The Orange County Register, Rodman has not been cited or arrested, but the agency has recommended that the Orange County District Attorney’s office charge Rodman with felony hit-and-run and driving the wrong way on a freeway.
Wrong-Way Crash
These potential charges stem from a car crash in Santa Ana on July 20 involving a black BMW sedan going south on the 5 Freeway. Officials say Rodman was driving a white luxury SUV north in the southbound carpool lane. The driver of the BMW swerved to avoid the head-on collision and hit the highway’s center divider.
Rodman apparently had a brief conversation with the driver of the BMW after which the former NBA star got back in his SUV and headed southbound. Rodman did not exchange information with the BMW’s driver. Rodman could face felony hit-and-run charges and an additional charge for driving the wrong way. A passenger in the BMW complained of pain, but the nature or extent of their injuries is not known. It is also unclear whether alcohol or drugs were factors in this car accident.
Violation of Laws
Based on this news report, it appears that Rodman not only drove his vehicle the wrong way, but also failed to remain at the scene of the crash and exchange information with the other driver. Leaving the scene of a car accident without exchanging pertinent information with all parties involved is a violation of California Vehicle Code Section 20001 (a). Of course, it is still unclear why Rodman was driving the vehicle the wrong way. Were drugs or alcohol involved? We trust officials are looking into that as well.
Fault and Liability
In such cases, in addition to facing criminal charges, drivers could also be held financially responsible for the injuries, damages and losses caused. Injured victims can seek compensation for damages including medical expenses, lost income, hospitalization, rehabilitation, pain and suffering and emotional distress. Injured victims in such cases would be well advised to contact an experienced Orange County car accident lawyer who has successfully represented hit-and-run accident victims. The best personal injury law firms will always offer a free consultation and comprehensive case evaluation to injured victims and their families.