Former NBA Star Dennis Rodman Pleads Guilty in Orange County Crash

Former NBA star Dennis Rodman has pleaded guilty to misdemeanor charges stemming from driving the wrong way on the 5 Freeway in Santa Ana, causing a crash and then leaving the scene of the accident. According to a news report in The Orange County Register, the incident occurred on July 20, 2016 when Rodman drove an SUV onto an exit ramp for a carpool lane on the Interstate 5 at Main Street. Another motorist had to swerve to avoid hitting him and crashed into a center divider.

Rodman Takes Plea Deal

Officials said the driver called 911 and told them that Rodman got back into his SUV and left the scene without exchanging any information, required by the law. Prosecutors charged Rodman with one-misdemeanor count each of hit-and-run, driving the wrong way on a divided highway, providing false information to an officer and driving without a valid driver’s license.

As part of the plea deal, the district attorney dropped the hit-and-run charge. He was ordered to three years of probation, and 30 hours of community service. Rodman’s attorney, Paul Meyer, also noted that his client made a mistake because of “poor sign placement” on the freeway. He said the sign is set far back from the road-entry point making it confusing for drivers.

Hit-and-Run Crashes

These types of high-profile car accident cases remind us of that we all need to be prepared if we were to be involved in a crash. If you are involved in a car accident, the first thing to remember is to stop and remain at the scene until officials arrive. The law requires all motorists to exchange pertinent information with other parties involved and to render any possible assistance to those injured. This could be something as simple as calling 911.

File a police report and make sure you get a copy for your records. Take as many photographs as you can of the accident scene including the vehicles, roadway conditions and your injuries. Get as much information from the parties involved including insurance, driver’s license, license plate, registration, etc. If anyone witnessed the accident, obtain his or her contact information as well. Get prompt medical attention, treatment and care for your injuries. Contact an experienced Orange County personal injury lawyer who will remain on your side, fight for your rights and help ensure that you receive maximum compensation for your injuries, damages and losses.