Responsibilities of Drivers When Involved in Car Accidents in Tennessee
From time to time, I am asked what a person is legally supposed to do if he or she is involved in a Tennessee motor vehicle accident that results in injury. TCA 55-10-101 spells out a driver’s legal duties when involved in such accidents and imposes serious penalties on those who fail to comply.
The driver’s initial duty under the law is to immediately stop the vehicle at the scene of the accident. The law instructs that the vehicle should be stopped in a place that does not obstruct traffic anymore than is necessary.
The driver is also required to provide certain information to law enforcement personnel and to other drivers who were involved in the accident. The driver must provide the officer with his or her name, address and registration number of the vehicle driven. He must also, upon request, exhibit his license to the person struck or other attending person.
The driver is also under a duty to render “reasonable assistance.” This duty includes carrying, or the making of arrangements for the carrying, of the person to a physician, surgeon or hospital for medical or surgical treatment if it is apparent that treatment is necessary or if carrying is requested by the injured person.
A violation of any of these duties constitutes a Class A misdemeanor and a mandatory suspension of the operator’s driver’s license. Furthermore, a person who fails to stop or fails to comply with the duties discussed above commits a Class E felony if he or she knew or should have known that the collision resulted in the death of another. Any additional sentence is to be added in addition to any sentence imposed for vehicular assault or vehicular homicide in Tennessee.
At Baker Associates, we commit our knowledge and experience to those who have been charged with vehicular-related crimes. Whether you have been charged with violating the duties discussed above or have been charged with vehicular assault or vehicular homicide, we will work zealously to protect your rights under the law. Call today to schedule a free case evaluation.
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