How Serious is a Tennessee Hit-and-Run When Someone Dies?

 Posted on December 27, 2024 in Criminal Defense

Recently, a ten-year-old girl, a football player at Tennessee State University, and a father out for a run were just three of 113 people killed by hit-and-run drivers in the state since the beginning of 2019. The father of two young girls was killed while jogging along Nolensville Pike and was crossing the intersection at Thompson Lane when a white car hit him and left him dying on the side of the road. Witnesses believe the car was driving at speeds as high as 80 mph.

More recently, a 63-year-old pedestrian was killed in a hit-and-run on Magnolia Avenue in Knoxville. Eyewitnesses say two occupants of the black SUV that hit the man got out of the vehicle before getting back inside and leaving the scene. As of November 4, 2024, the driver had not been located. Hit-and-run accidents can be especially difficult to solve because eyewitness accounts are often flawed, and the person who was hit likely never saw the car coming – even if they live through their injuries to tell the story.

People flee the scene of an accident for many different reasons, perhaps not realizing they are significantly compounding the serious nature of the accident. It is important to have a highly experienced Blount County, TN criminal defense attorney by your side who can immediately begin building a strong defense on your behalf.

What Are the Penalties for a Hit-and-Run Resulting in Death?

The charges faced for a Tennessee hit-and-run that results in death will depend heavily on the circumstances. A hit-and-run that only damages property is a Class C misdemeanor, punishable by up to 30 days in jail, a fine of $50, and mandatory driver’s education classes. If the hit-and-run resulted in serious bodily injury to another person, it may be charged as a Class A misdemeanor, punishable by up to 12 months in jail, a maximum fine of $2,500, and a driver’s license suspension.

When a hit-and-run accident results in the death of another person, the offense may be charged as vehicular manslaughter. If vehicular manslaughter is the result of an impaired driver, or in certain other situations, the charges and penalties can be more or less severe. The potential charges and penalties include:

• Vehicular manslaughter is generally a Class B felony with penalties of eight to 30 years in prison and a maximum fine of $25,000.
• Vehicular manslaughter in a construction zone is a Class D felony with penalties of two to 12 years in prison and a maximum fine of $5,000.
• Vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated is a Class B felony with penalties of eight to 30 years in prison and a maximum fine of $25,000.
• Vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated with prior convictions can elevate the charges to a Class A felony with penalties that include 15-60 years in prison and a maximum fine of $50,000.
• Vehicular manslaughter that results from street racing is a Class C felony with three to 15 years in prison and fines as large as $10,000.

Potential Defenses to Vehicular Manslaughter Involving a Hit-and-Run

A knowledgeable attorney will begin collecting evidence as soon as he or she is on the job. While every situation is different, the most common defenses to vehicular manslaughter resulting from a hit-and-run include:

• The defendant was not driving negligently or recklessly, i.e., hazardous road conditions caused the accident.
• The defendant was unaware he or she hit someone.
• The prosecutor’s evidence against you was gathered illegally.
• Eyewitness testimony is inaccurate.
• The victim was engaging in risky behavior, like running across a busy street.
• You were not properly Mirandized or were denied your right to an attorney.

Contact a Union County, TN Hit-and-Run Lawyer

When you have a highly skilled Anderson County, TN hit-and-run attorney from Jeffrey Coller, Knoxville Criminal Defense Attorney as your advocate, you can rest easy knowing you will have a strong defense and the best possible outcome. When you are facing criminal charges, you are likely stressed, anxious, and fearful of what the future will bring. Call 865-281-1000 to schedule a free consultation.