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What Are the Degrees of Punishment for a Hit and Run?

car crash road

Scientifically speaking, it is normal for someone to have a “fight or flight” response after unexpectedly entering a tragic and dramatic situation, such as an auto collision. However, in your crash, you must try your hardest not to let your “flight” mode activate and prompt you to leave the scene prematurely. This is because while it is understandable on a scientific level, it may not be under the eyes of the Tennessee criminal law system. The criminal court may see it as a hit-and-run offense, which is a criminally punishable offense. The penalties you can face will depend on the severity of the accident, and often include fines, license suspensions, and jail time. That said, please follow along to find out the different degrees of punishment for a hit-and-run offense in Clarksville or the surrounding communities, and how one of the proficient Montgomery County criminal defense lawyers at Fendley and Birch can defend your case.

What Are The Different Degrees Of Punishment For a Hit-And-Run Accident?

The Tennessee criminal court may evaluate the circumstances surrounding your hit-and-run, also called leaving the scene or failure to stop after an accident, to see whether it resulted in property damage, injuries, or even fatalities. This may influence the degree of punishment they inflict on you.

Tennessee Hit-and-Run Penalties

The penalties for a hit-and-run in Tennessee are generally classified as follows:

  • Property damage only: Generally, a Class C misdemeanor
  • Injury involved: Generally, a Class A misdemeanor
  • Fatality involved: Generally, a Class E felony
  • Additional factors, like a DUI or prior hit-and-run charge, can drastically increase the penalties
  • The courts will consider
    • Severity of bodily harm
    • Driver intent and behavior
    • Criminal history
    • If the driver rendered aid before leaving the scene

A Hit-And-Run Involving Property (Class C Misdemeanor)

  • Fine of up to 50$
  • Jail time of up to 30 days
  • A temporary driver’s license suspension
  • Points on your driving record
  • Increased insurance premium
  • Civil liability

Hit-And-Run Involving Injuries (Class A Misdemeanor)

  • Fine of up to $2,500
  • Jail sentence of up to one year
  • Mandatory driver’s license suspension
  • Courts may consider
    • Whether emergency assistance was provided
    • How many people were injured
    • The severity of the injuries
  • May also face a civil claim for damages
  • Can result in long-term insurance consequences

Hit-And-Run Involving Fatalities (Class E Felony)

  • Fine of up to $3,000
  • Prison sentence of one to six years
  • Mandatory driver’s license revocation
  • Additional legal penalties include
    • Wrongful death lawsuit
    • Enhanced penalties when aggravating factors are present
    • Permanent criminal record impacting employment and housing

Because felony hit-and-run charges carry long-term consequences including prison time and a permanent criminal record, this offense is among the most serious traffic-related crimes under Tennessee law.

What Happens When You Leave the Scene of an Accident in Tennessee?

Leaving a Clarksville accident scene is considered a serious offense under Tennessee law, as drivers have a legal obligation to stop their vehicle, exchange information, and render emergency aid when necessary. Failure to do so, even for a seemingly minor collision, can result in criminal charges.

What Drivers Are Required to Do Under Tennessee Law

After a collision in Tennessee, drivers are legally required to take the following actions:

  • Immediately stop your vehicle in a safe location near the scene
  • Exchange contact and insurance information
  • Provide vehicle registration details
  • Provide reasonable assistance, like calling emergency services or assisting injured parties, if it is safe to do so
  • Remain at the scene until law enforcement arrives

What Happens If I Was Under The Influence at the Time of a  Hit And Run?

It may make it more difficult to defend your hit-and-run offense if it is uncovered that you were under the influence of drugs or alcohol at the time of the crash. Here, the combined punishments of a hit-and-run offense and a driving under the influence (DUI) offense may be quite significant.

For example, for a first-time DUI offense in Clarksville, you may face a fine of up to $1,500 and a jail sentence of one year. This, with a Class C misdemeanor for a hit and run with property damage, may mean a cumulative fine of $1,550 and jail time of one year and one month, approximately.

DUI + Hit-and-Run Combined Penalties in Tennessee

  • First offense DUI
    • Fines between $350 to $1,500
    • Between 48 hours and 11 months, 29 days in jail
    • License suspension of up to one year
  • Second offense DUI
    • Fines between $650 and $3,500
    • Minimum 45 days in jail
    • License suspension of up to two years
  • Third offense DUI
    • Fines up to $10,000
    • Minimum of 120 days in jail
    • License suspension of up to six years

Contact an Experienced Tennessee Criminal Defense Attorney

If you are currently facing a criminal charge for a hit-and-run, do not try to put up a fight without the legal assistance of one of the talented Clarksville DUI lawyers from Fendley and Birch. We urge you to retain our services as soon as possible. Contact us today to learn how we can represent you during these complex matters

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