Car Accident in Tennessee? When You Need a Criminal Defense Lawyer Immediately

Car accidents happen every day, but when police turn serious crashes into criminal investigations, everything changes. What starts as a collision becomes potential felonies such as, DUI charges, vehicular homicide, leaving the scene, all that threaten your freedom, license, and future.

Here's what Tennessee drivers need to know when an accident requires criminal defense.

Common Criminal Charges After Car Accidents

Vehicular Homicide - When someone dies. Can be Class B, C, or D felony (2-30 years prison) depending on DUI involvement or recklessness.

Vehicular Assault - Serious injuries from reckless driving. Class D felony (2-12 years).

DUI + Crash - Injury or death with DUI means mandatory minimum sentences, felony charges, lifetime license issues.

Leaving the Scene - Hit-and-run. Misdemeanor for property damage, felony if someone hurt or killed.

Reckless Endangerment/Aggravated Assault - Road rage, racing, high-risk driving injuring others.

These charges carry jail time, massive fines, license revocation, and criminal records that follow you forever.

Signs You Need a Criminal Defense Lawyer After Your Accident

Call a lawyer immediately if police mention:

Field sobriety tests or breathalyzer refusal
"Reckless driving" or "leaving the scene" accusations
Injury or death in the crash
Requests for formal statements or interviews
Criminal citations alongside accident report

One wrong answer at the scene can convict you. Say nothing except your name and "I want my attorney."

Why Time Matters More Than Ever

Criminal cases move fast:

Day 1: Police reports written
Day 7: Prosecutor reviews charges
Day 14: License suspension hearing (DUI cases)
Month 1: Criminal court dates begin

Every hour without representation strengthens the prosecution's case against you.

Hagar & Phillips: Experienced in Accident-Related Criminal Defense

When Tennessee police investigate your car accident as a crime, you need attorneys who handle these cases daily. Hagar & Phillips protects drivers facing:

DUI crash investigations
Vehicular homicide/assault charges
Hit-and-run accusations
License suspension battles

Don't face criminal charges alone after your accident.

Contact Hagar & Phillips today at 615-784-4588 to schedule your confidential consultation. We'll review your situation, explain your options, and immediately protect your rights.

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