Bicyclist Pleads Guilty to Assault with Deadly Weapon
English: A busy day on Third Street Promenade in Santa Monica, California; the south end is the entrance to Frank Gehry’s Santa Monica Place. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
On June 24, 2012, Rocky Martin was riding his bike and hit a pedestrian. The victim was injured in the accident and now Martin has pleaded guilty to assault.
Martin was riding east on Santa Monica Boulevard at the Third Street Promenade in Santa Monica, California prior to the accident. He then ran a red light on his bicycle and struck a person crossing the street.
The victim who was not identified suffered serious injuries.
Now, almost a year later, Martin has received his sentencing. He will serve three years on felony probation and 30 days of community services for his actions.
Though Los Angeles is heavily reliant on vehicles for transportation, bicycling is becoming much more prominent, especially in areas like Santa Monica. The police claim that they are cracking down on bicycle infractions to ensure safety of the others around riders.
Santa Monica Police Sergeant Richard Lewis states that the department plans to “focus on bicycle violations” from July through September to decrease these types of incidents.
If you or someone you know has been injured in an accident, whether in a vehicle, on a bike, or on foot, contact a Los Angeles accident attorney. A lawyer will assist you with identifying negligence, filing insurance claims; and can ensure that you receive the highest possible compensation for the damages that you have suffered, including punitive damages in the event of serious injury or death.
