Do you have to report a car accident in Tennessee?

A driver in a crash that injures or kills someone "shall immediately stop the vehicle at the scene of the accident" or as close as possible, return if needed, and remain until the information and help duties are met, without blocking traffic more than necessary (§ 55-10-101) [1]. Leaving is a Class A misdemeanor, and a Class E felony if the driver knew or should have known that someone died; a conviction triggers license revocation.

For crashes that damage only vehicles, § 55-10-102 applies the same stay-at-the-scene duty. Leaving is a Class B misdemeanor if the damage to others' vehicles or property is $1,500 or less (or would reasonably appear to be), and a Class A misdemeanor if more.

Under § 55-10-103, if someone is injured or killed or a vehicle driven or attended by someone is damaged, you must:

• give your name, address and the registration number of the vehicle you are driving; [3]
• show your driver's license on request, if available;
• give reasonable assistance to anyone injured, including arranging transport to a physician or hospital if treatment appears necessary or the injured person asks.

These duties apply on highways and on places the public generally uses.

§ 55-10-106 requires the driver of a vehicle in a crash that injures or kills someone, or causes "property damage to an apparent extent of fifty dollars ($50.00) or more," to give notice immediately, by the quickest means [6] [6]. In a city, notice goes to the police department; elsewhere, to the county sheriff or the nearest state highway patrol office. In Memphis, see how to get your Memphis crash report.

Separate from any police report, the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security Owner/Driver Report is a written report from the driver or owner. According to the Knoxville Police Department's guidance for drivers:

• When: a crash involving death or injury, or property damage over $1,500 to any person involved or over $400 to state or local government property. It is required regardless of fault.
• Deadline: "Your report must be submitted to the Department of Safety within twenty (20) days from the crash." [8]
• Where to send: Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security, P.O. Box 945, Nashville, TN 37202. The Department's form can be downloaded from its website.
• If you do not: the state can propose suspension of driving and registration privileges.

§ 55-10-107 sets the same figures ("in excess of one thousand five hundred dollars ($1,500)" for private property; "in excess of four hundred dollars ($400)" for government property; "within twenty (20) days after the accident") [7] [7].

Some older city web pages still say $400 for all property damage. The statute's figure for private property is $1,500.

1. Was anyone hurt or killed, or was property damage apparent at $50 or more? If yes, police notice applies. If someone was hurt or killed, in most cases the 20-day written report applies too.
2. Is the total damage to any one person's property over $1,500, or to government property over $400? If yes, the written report applies.
3. Did you stay, share your information and give reasonable aid?
4. Write down your crash date and count 20 days forward. Put the date on your calendar.
5. Get the police report if officers came (Memphis crash reports).

• How to get your Memphis police crash report
• What to do after a car accident in Memphis
• Tennessee deadlines for injury claims
• Who pays medical bills after a crash