Last verified: January 2026. This guide reflects current Tennessee Code Title 55, Chapter 10.
Table of Contents
Quick Summary: Tennessee Hit and Run Laws
- Property damage under $500: Class B misdemeanor, up to 6 months in jail and $500 fine
- Property damage over $500: Class A misdemeanor, up to 11 months 29 days in jail and $2,500 fine
- Injury or death: Class E felony, up to 6 years in prison and $1,000 fine
- DUI vehicular assault: Class D felony, up to 12 years in prison and $5,000 fine
- Tennessee is a modified comparative negligence state
- Report any accident involving death, injury, or property damage over $1,500
- You have 20 days to file a written accident report
- You have 1 year for personal injury claims and 3 years for property damage
Primary Statutes:
- T.C.A. § 55-10-101: Accidents involving death or personal injury
- T.C.A. § 55-10-102: Accidents involving damage to property
- T.C.A. § 55-10-103: Duty to give information and render aid
- T.C.A. § 55-10-104: Duty upon striking unattended vehicle
Penalties for Leaving the Scene of an Accident in Tennessee
Property Damage Under $500 (§ 55-10-102)
- Charge: Class B misdemeanor
- Jail time: Up to 6 months
- Fine: Up to $500
Property Damage Over $500 or Failure to Comply (§ 55-10-102)
- Charge: Class A misdemeanor
- Jail time: Up to 11 months and 29 days
- Fine: Up to $2,500
- License: Suspension or revocation up to 1 year
Failure to Report (§ 55-10-111)
- Charge: Class C misdemeanor
- Jail time: Up to 30 days
- Fine: Up to $50
Injury or Death (§ 55-10-101)
- Charge: Class E felony
- Prison time: Up to 6 years
- Fine: Up to $1,000
- License: Suspension or revocation
DUI Vehicular Assault (§ 39-13-106)
- Charge: Class D felony
- Prison time: Up to 12 years
- Fine: Up to $5,000
- Mandatory minimums:
- First offense: 48 hours
- Prior DUI convictions: 45 days
- Multiple prior DUI convictions: 150 days
Important: Under § 55-10-101(b), if you are charged with both leaving the scene of an accident and vehicular assault, vehicular homicide, or aggravated vehicular homicide, the sentences must run consecutively, not concurrently.
Tennessee Crash Statistics (2023-2024)
According to the Tennessee Department of Safety and the Tennessee Highway Patrol:
- 1,322 fatal accidents occurred in Tennessee in 2023
- 4,968 accidents resulted in serious injuries in 2023
- As of May 2024, fatal accidents were down 18% compared to the same period in 2023
- Traffic fatalities in Tennessee increased 35% over the past decade
- Speeding-related deaths increased 21% from 2018 to 2023 nationwide
- Speeding accounted for 28% of U.S. traffic fatalities in 2023
Nashville in particular has faced challenges with hit and run enforcement, with officials noting the difficulty in solving these cases when witnesses and evidence are limited.
Driver Duties After an Accident in Tennessee
Under Tennessee Code § 55-10-103, drivers involved in an accident must:
- Stop immediately when involved in any traffic collision
- Provide information: Name, address, and vehicle registration number to the other party
- Show your license: Upon request, exhibit your driver’s license if available
- Render aid: Provide reasonable assistance to anyone injured, including transporting them to a hospital
- Remain at the scene until law enforcement arrives
- Do not obstruct traffic more than necessary
Key point: An accident in Tennessee is not itself a crime. The crime is leaving the scene without fulfilling your statutory obligations.
What Is a Reportable Accident in Tennessee?
You must report any accident resulting in:
- Death
- Injury to any person
- Property damage exceeding $1,500
- Damage to state property exceeding $400
You have 20 days to submit a written report to the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security.
Hitting an Unattended Vehicle
Under § 55-10-104, if you hit an unattended vehicle in a public space:
- Make a reasonable effort to locate the owner
- If unsuccessful, leave a note with your name, contact information, and address in a visible spot
Note: These requirements apply only in public spaces, not on private property.
When Is Hit and Run a Misdemeanor in Tennessee?
Hit and run is classified as a misdemeanor based on the level of property damage:
- Class B misdemeanor: Property damage under $500
- Class A misdemeanor: Property damage over $500, or failure to fulfill statutory obligations regardless of damage amount
- Class C misdemeanor: Failure to report a reportable accident
Upon conviction for any misdemeanor hit and run, the state will suspend or revoke your driving privileges for up to 1 year or more. To restore your license after the suspension period, you must pay a $25 restoration fee to the Commissioner of Safety.
When Is Hit and Run a Felony in Tennessee?
Hit and run becomes a Class E felony under § 55-10-101 when:
- You knew or reasonably should have known the accident resulted in death
- The accident resulted in serious personal injury
DUI-Related Felonies
Vehicular Assault (§ 39-13-106): A Class D felony if you were under the influence or driving recklessly at the time of the accident.
Vehicular Homicide (§ 39-13-213): Applies when impaired or reckless driving causes death.
Aggravated Vehicular Homicide (§ 39-13-218): Enhanced charges for multiple deaths, extreme intoxication, or prior DUI convictions.
Sentences for leaving the scene and vehicular assault/homicide charges must run consecutively.
Notable Tennessee Hit and Run Cases
Chazan Page Case (April 2025)
Chazan Page, a 20-year-old Tennessee State University football player, was killed by a hit and run driver on Gallatin Pike in Nashville. Page had pushed his girlfriend out of the way of a speeding car before being struck. The case highlighted the devastating impact of hit and run crashes on young lives.
Ulises Raigoza-Martinez Manhunt (2024)
Multiple agencies conducted a manhunt in Hamilton County for Ulises Raigoza-Martinez, wanted for a fatal crash in Nashville. ICE confirmed the suspect was in Tennessee illegally, adding federal immigration charges to the case.
I-24 Multi-Vehicle Crash (2024)
Traffic investigators worked to identify the driver of a 2001 red Lincoln Navigator who caused a four-vehicle crash on I-24 East at 3:20 a.m., killing one person. The driver fled the scene, prompting an ongoing investigation by Nashville Police.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is fault determined in Tennessee?
Tennessee follows a “modified comparative negligence” rule. This reduces the amount you can recover based on your share of fault. If you are 50% or more at fault, you cannot recover damages at all. Note: negligence rules apply to accidents on private property as well as public roads.
Can I legally leave the scene in Tennessee?
Yes, under limited circumstances:
- The victim requests you transport them for medical care
- It is apparent the victim needs immediate medical assistance
- You have a valid reason to fear for your safety
In all cases, report the accident within 20 days.
What is the statute of limitations in Tennessee?
- Personal injury: 1 year
- Property damage: 3 years
- Wrongful death: 1 year from date of death
Tennessee has one of the shortest personal injury statutes of limitations in the country.
What defenses exist for hit and run charges?
- You were unaware of your involvement in an accident
- Mistaken identity
- You left because you feared for your safety
- You left to get help for the victim
Your defense will depend on specific circumstances. For serious charges, consult an attorney and limit what you say to investigators.
Can I file a claim if the accident occurred on private property?
Yes. Tennessee negligence statutes apply to collisions on private property. You may file a claim against a negligent property owner or driver regardless of where the accident occurred.